Code of Ethics of the International Association and Register of Integrative Colon Therapists and Trainers
RICTAT REGULATORY DOCUMENTS
RICTAT THERAPISTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
RICTAT THERAPISTS' CODE OF CONDUCT (pdf)
These guidelines have been developed to establish the highest standard of professionalism and conduct of all RICTAT members. All members of the International Association and Register of Integrative Colon Therapists and Trainers are trained to a high standard and as such are aware of heath and safety requirements and legislation.
Best practices must be followed at all times, including but not limited to:
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Individual therapists and clinics* – members of RICTAT, (hereinafter, individually “RICTAT Member” or collectively “RICTAT Members”), should practice their profession with dignity and integrity at all times, and should conduct themselves in a manner that would not bring either them or RICTAT into disrepute. It is expected that they will maintain this in their own personal conduct, hygiene and the way they treat a patient/client.
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In their practice, RICTAT Members should at all times adhere to national and local legislation applicable to colon hydrotherapy, premises and the devices and disposables that are used in the treatments. In the absence of express legislation, best practices must be closely followed.
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Only CE-marked disposable client equipment must used in all treatments. It must never be reused and must be disposed of in accordance with local by-laws.
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A therapist must at all times have full professional indemnity and public liability insurance in accordance with RICTAT requirements.
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It is a requirement of RICTAT that members should complete a minimum of 30 hours CPD (professional development) within a 12-month period. This can be done by attendance at conference, study days, RICTAT on line courses or other related educational courses.
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It is essential that members do not treat a minor without a letter of referral from his/her GP, consultant or health care specialist. The minor should at all times be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If treatment is agreed, then a consent form MUST be signed by a relevant responsible adult.
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It is essential that patients or clients are not left unattended during the treatment: the therapist must be present or immediately available at all times.
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During a consultation/treatment, a case history including potential contraindications and cautions should be recorded, which should include a signed declaration indicating that all relative information has been provided, it is true and that the patient/client agrees to the treatment.
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A RICTAT Member shall not attempt to diagnose, prescribe or claim that any medical conditions may be cured by colon hydrotherapy.
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A RICTAT Member should never divulge a confidence, or disclose any findings in the course of a consultation or treatment without the permission of the client except when and if required to do so by law.
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A RICTAT Member is expected to show consideration for the patient/client at all times by NOT putting them under pressure to have a treatment, and should not commit any patient/client to having more than one treatment before the first treatment unless the patient/client is allowed to decline any more treatments without a financial penalty. Any money paid in advance for those declined treatments should be returned.
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The number of treatments to be given to a patient/client in a period of 12 months shall be agreed with the patient/client so as to provide maximum benefit to them. After an initial period when several treatments may be required to be administered over a short period of time, 3 to 6 annual treatments have been shown to provide the optimum maintenance benefits. In any event, the maximum number of treatments should not exceed 12 within a 12-months' period, unless otherwise instructed in writing by the patient’s doctor or consultant.
Subject to the observance of these guidelines by RICTAT Members, RICTAT Board shall support RICTAT Members in their work and research or in any potential conflict or inquiries that may arise.
INVESTIGATION AND EXTERNAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE
In the event of a patient/client claim, regulatory or local authority inquiry or threat of any legal proceedings, a RICTAT Member should:
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Report all the circumstances to the RICTAT Member’s insurance company by telephone followed by a written report which should be faxed and/or emailed as soon as possible.
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Report all the circumstances to the chair of RICTAT by telephone followed by a written report which should be faxed and/or emailed as soon as possible.
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Make no statements or admissions amounting to accepting liability without seeking legal and professional advice available through the RICTAT Member’s insurance company.
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Conduct themselves with honesty and integrity and assist the investigation to the fullest extent possible.
DISAGREEMENTS AND CONFLICTS BETWEEN RICTAT MEMBERS
It is expected that all RICTAT Members should treat each other with courtesy and respect at all times.
Any complaint by a RICTAT Member against a RICTAT Member should firstly be referred to the Chairman who will endeavour to resolve the issue.
Within 14 days of receipt of a written complaint, a copy of the written complaint shall be sent to the member who is the subject of the complaint, who shall have 14 days from receipt of the copy of the written complaint to reply.
If the complaint is not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant the matter will then be referred to The Board of Governance.
The Board of Governance will deal with any complaint referred to it. When all matters have been considered The Board of Governance via the Chairman will submit a written report of its decision and recommendations.
The RICTAT Member against whom the complaint has been made will then have 14 days from the date of receipt of the decision of The Board of Governance to notify the Chairman if they wish to appeal.
Any appeal shall be at a personal hearing with the chairman and two members of The Board of Governance. 14 days after such a meeting a final decision will be made and all parties informed in writing.
In the event of a serious complaint against a RICTAT Member, the Chairman will, with the agreement of The Board of Governance, have the power to suspend such RICTAT Member’s membership pending the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
Should any RICTAT Member be convicted of any offence for behaviour unbecoming of a RICTAT Member/practitioner or is found to be working under the influence of intoxicating liquor or illicit drugs they will be immediately withdrawn from the register of RICTAT.
* For the purposes of this document, Collective Members (Clinics) are treated jointly and severally as one Member.

