NASH Code of Ethics & Rules of Practice

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This code applies to Registered Members of the North American Society of Homeopaths.

NORTH AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOMEOPATHS
Code of Ethics for Professionals Who Practice the Medical Art and Science of Homeopathy (The Code)

Introduction
Welcome to The Code (revised as of July 31, 2025).

The Code contains principles and standards; and provides guidelines to strive for the highest standards of excellence in practice. Ethical practice involves critical reflection on morality and the professional responsibility to make choices between values and to examine the moral dimensions of every relationship.

The Code reflects upon the fundamental values and ideals of homeopaths as individuals and as members of a profession.

The Code functions as a general guide to its members and serves as a contract with the public. The idea of civic professionalism is not new. We, as Homeopaths, are Civic Professionals; and as such, have a responsibility to contribute to society.

A Code of Ethics is a vital and necessary mark that is central to a profession. An ethical code is not just an idea, a code of ethics gives voice to who we are as professional homeopaths, at our very core.

The Code applies to students; faculty; administrators and staff of educational institutions, training programs and clinical settings.

The North American Society of Homeopaths considers the application of the following principles and standards of excellence in practice to be the responsibility of every homeopath/member and is considered morally binding.

Professionals, practitioners, students, etc. are hereinafter referred to as homeopaths.

WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY?
Homeopathy is a system of medicine rooted in the following three (3) universal laws or principles of nature.

The Law of Similars says that any one substance causing ‘symptoms’ in a healthy person can remove those same ‘symptoms’ suffered by a sick person: namely, ‘like cures like’ or ‘similar suffering’ the very meaning of Homeopathy.

The Law of the Minimum Dose states that homeopaths use the smallest amount of a substance necessary to cause a curative action.

Each person is treated as an individual. Each individual is treated as a whole, not as a disease, diagnosis, label or code. It is the whole entity or entirety of the person that is treated.

These three main universal principles make up the scientific foundation for the system of medicine called Homeopathy.

THE CODE:
Affirming Homeopathy and Health Through Relationships of Dignity and Respect

1.00 Principle 1: Respect for Others
1.01 The homeopath practices with respect and compassion, for the inherent dignity, unique attributes and worth of every person, whether client, colleague, student, faculty, or administrator.

1.02 The homeopath shall remain free from discrimination and shall support the differing values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of others and shall treat all students, faculty, administrators, staff, colleagues, and peers consistently, fairly, and equally without bias.

1.03 The homeopath shall strive to recognize when a referral is necessary to remain unbiased. Biases may include, but are not limited to, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, religion, personal or professional relationship, age, diagnosis, etc.

1.04 The homeopath shall not disparage or speak disrespectfully of any client, fellow practitioner, homeopathic or otherwise, in public, or to clients or students.

1.05 The homeopath recognizes that the honor and reputation of the homeopathic profession comes from the integrity and respect that is maintained by each member of the homeopathic community towards each other.

2.00 Principle 2: Commitment to the Client
2.01 The homeopath’s primary commitment is to the client, whether an individual, family, community, or population.

2.02 The homeopath will observe the highest standards of care and conduct, treating clients equitably, fostering fairness and equality.

2.03 The homeopath maintains client confidentiality and privacy and will ONLY release information in response to a court order and/or in an EMERGENCY or other dangerous situation where the information may assist in the prevention of possible injury to the client or to another person.

2.04 The homeopath MUST obtain a signed written consent form (informed consent) prior to treatment.

In addition, the homeopath must have a signed, written consent if they consult with another colleague or healthcare practitioner or to teach, present or publish any part of the client’s history. There are sample forms available in Appendix D which should be revised to incorporate the laws and rights in their state/province.

2.05 The homeopath clearly communicates information in ways that are both developmentally and culturally appropriate.

If there are language barriers, the homeopath needs to ensure that there is an appropriate way of understanding their client through interpreters. If this is not possible, a referral needs to be made to a more viable practitioner.

2.06 The homeopath presents the facts of a client’s condition and clearly communicates that the goal of homeopathic treatment is to help strengthen their constitution, raising the level of health; it is NOT to treat any particular disease or condition, but to stimulate the vital force.

2.07 The homeopath shall not exaggerate the gravity of a condition; make or sign any false or misleading certificates or reports, nor make any promise as to the result of the homeopathic care, to the client or anyone else.

2.08 The homeopath shall disclose the possibility of aggravation, adverse effects, or reactions of remedies as part of the informed consent and initial consultation process.

2.09 The homeopath shall honor the confidentiality of all clients whose cases are used in published articles, case conference presentations, or training lectures by withholding/changing names and all identifying details.

3.00 Principle 3: Advocacy for the Client
3.01 The homeopath promotes, advocates for and protects the rights, safety and health of the client.

3.02 The homeopath provides truthful and honest information regarding treatments and their strategies and advises clients to maintain a relationship with their primary health care provider.

3.03 The homeopath will encourage clients to take an increasing responsibility in their healing and learning, as appropriate, promoting autonomy over the direction of their lives.

3.04 The homeopath will recognize a case that is beyond their skill level or capacity, or if they are impaired, and will refer or consult, per client’s consent, with another homeopath or an appropriate health care provider.

4.00 Principle 4: Legal Accountability and Responsibility for Practice
4.01 The homeopath maintains authority, accountability, and responsibility for their practice and makes decisions and takes actions consistent with the obligation to promote health and provide optimal care.

4.02 The homeopath shall obtain a written/electronic consent form signed by the client prior to the onset of treatment. For clients under 16 or mentally challenged, a parent or guardian must sign a written consent form prior to the onset of treatment.

4.03 The homeopath shall not conduct physical medical examinations or make a medical diagnosis unless trained and licensed to do so in the state in which they practice. Any consultation of a child under 16, or clients with mental disabilities, must be carried out in the presence of a parent/guardian.

4.04 The homeopath shall make clear their specific training and credentials; this applies to any adjunct modality used. They shall not use the title “Doctor” unless licensed as an MD, DO, ND, DC, OMD, by the state in which he/she practices.

4.05 The homeopath shall adhere to professional and ethical standards of behavior and practice to the best of their ability; and will refrain from misleading or false advertising or seeking to attract business unfairly. See Standards of Practice: Appendix B.

4.06 The homeopath shall ensure all federal, state/province, county and municipal guidelines regarding claims or statements made about the prevention or treatment of any condition using homeopathy will be carefully followed in all written, electronic or verbal communication used.

4.07 The homeopath will maintain clear and legible personal consultation notes, (See Guidelines in Appendix C) for clients which shall be kept for a minimum of (5) five years; and must be kept in a secure, locked and confidential space at all times, access being restricted to the homeopath and his/her assistant.

4.08 The homeopath must comply with legal requirements in all forms of data collection, storage, client access, and disposal of confidential data.

a. Documented data obtained in person, by phone, or written electronic communication must include all relevant information related to the case, client demographics, dates and times, remedies given and follow-ups; personal observations, thoughts or comments will be clearly marked as such.

b. Obsolete data shall be disposed of in a confidential manner such as document shredding and disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner or permanently deleting from all files as well as hard drives.

4.09 The homeopath shall not make any false or misleading certificates or reports. No report shall be given to a third party without the consent of the client concerned.

4.10 The homeopath assists in arranging continuity of care, when necessary, during practice interruptions such as vacations or illness; or following termination of homeopath-client relationship; or in any situation involving conflict, inadequate training, or personal limitation such as, but not limited to the following:

a. Any aspect of the client’s case requires greater experience, training, or skill than the practitioner can offer.

b. There is a need for diagnostic tests or procedures beyond the capacity of the homeopath.

c. The homeopath’s care is not providing reasonable and timely resolution of the client’s health concerns.

d. Circumstances arise which create a conflict between the homeopath’s personal and professional relationship with the client.

4.11 If the homeopath’s competence or judgement is impaired by physical or mental incapacity, or chemical dependency, so as to threaten the safety of his/her clients, the practice shall be terminated and NASH to be notified within thirty (30) days.

4.12 The homeopath, in the case of a client transferring from another homeopath, shall advise and encourage the client to inform their former homeopath and obtain consultation notes from the previous homeopath with permission from the client. See Authorization for Release of Information.

4.13 The homeopath, on retirement or a move, shall inform all clients of his/her intention to do so and of any arrangements made for the transfer of the practice to another homeopathic practitioner.

4.14 The homeopath shall provide an advance directive for his/her practice in the event he/she is unable to perform his/her work.

4.15 The homeopath must be aware of national, state, and local legal and regulatory oversight and conduct their practice within these laws and regulations; and shall not commit fraudulent actions such as forgery, falsification of records, or misappropriation of assets.

4.16 The homeopath shall provide appropriate disclosure to clients and peers regarding any conflict of interest in terms of reaping financial gain.

4.17 The homeopath shall clearly outline, in writing, all fees and associated costs for treatment, including but not limited to, follow up appointments and remedy selections, prior to entering a client-practitioner relationship.

a. This includes payment policies, payment plans, when payment is expected, interest, if any, that will be charged for delayed payments and if credit cards may be used, “No Surprise Act.”

b. Fee changes that take place during the course of treatment shall be made clear to the client before rendering service under the new fee schedule.

4.18 The homeopath shall report to the authorities any suspected or reasonable suspicion of child or elder abuse, or if the client presents a danger to him or herself or to others and/or where the client has consented in writing to the nature and extent of the disclosure. See General Consent Form: Appendix D.

5.00 Principle 5: Duty to Self and Duty to Others
5.01 The homeopath owes the same duties to self as to others, including: the responsibility to promote health and safety; preserve wholeness of character and integrity; maintain competence and continue personal and professional growth.

5.02 The homeopath honors commitments and keeps promises, including fulfilling one’s responsibilities of trust in professional relationships.

5.03 The homeopath will practice within the boundaries of their own competence and continuously expand their professional development.

5.04 The homeopath will practice beneficence and work for the good of the client and society, avoiding actions that may cause harm, or maleficence.

5.05 The homeopath maintains professional relationships and sets appropriate boundaries with clients, faculty, and administrators that establish standards of ethical behavior.

5.06 The homeopath is prohibited from engaging in inappropriate relationships with students, clients, and/or their friends or family members and maintains clear ethical boundaries. Only after the formal therapeutic/consulting client-practitioner relationship or student-instructor relationship has concluded, with full agreement and understanding from both parties, may any other type of relationship be considered.

5.07 The homeopath avoids any form of sexual misconduct or intimate relationships; harassment of any kind; incivility, theft or destruction of property; conduct that threatens the well-being of any person or any form of violence.

5.08 The homeopath shall engage a lifestyle of self-care that optimizes their ability to care for his/her clients and will not practice under the influence of prescription medicine, over-the-counter medication, alcohol, drugs, or any other substances that can potentially impair functioning.

5.09 The homeopath will make reasonable effort to seek out and be fully informed of all public health directives.

6.00 Principle 6: Contribution to Homeopathic Environments
6.01 The homeopath, through individual and collective effort, establishes, maintains, and improves the ethical environment of the work/educational setting and conditions of learning/employment that are conducive to safe, quality care/education.

6.02 The homeopath strives to make educational, office and clinical spaces, environments conducive to learning, practicing, and treating and remains free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

6.03 The homeopath refrains from spiritual or religious counseling in the homeopath-client therapeutic relationship.

6.04 The homeopath shall give due respect and credit to his/her fellow homeopaths and their work.

6.05 The homeopath’s conduct shall remain consistent with this Code of Ethics to avoid any negative impact to the reputation of the Homeopathic Profession. Negative conduct that occurs within or outside of one’s professional practice will be brought to the attention of the appropriate legal institution, accrediting, and/or certifying body.
Telehealth Interactions

6.06 The homeopath may offer services remotely by means of telecommunications technology.

6.07 The homeopath shall obtain a signed informed consent prior to entering a virtual client-practitioner relationship.

6.08 The homeopath shall provide a detailed explanation of the distinctive features of Telehealth consultations including, but not limited to the following; how Telehealth works, how to schedule appointments, any privacy concerns, potential technological failures, response to possible confidentiality breaches and security threats, and virtual visit protocols.

6.09 The homeopath, to the best of their ability, shall ensure the processing of sensitive data in a secure manner, maintaining client privacy, data security and confidentiality.

6.10 The homeopath will exercise autonomy and recognize when face to face consultation, if possible, is more appropriate and beneficial to the client.

7.00 Principle 7: Advancement of the Homeopathic Profession
7.01 The homeopath advances the profession through research and scholarly inquiry, professional standards development, and the generation of both homeopathic and health policy and shall support and assist each other in their study and practice. See Continuing Education Credits: Appendix A.

a. All research findings and clinical experiences will be documented methodically, honestly and without distortion; and speculative theories shall be stated as such and clearly distinguished.

b. If conducting homeopathic research, give substances used in provings only to those individuals who have an understanding of the nature of the proving process, and who have volunteered, with written consent, to participate.

c. Consider any person involved in experimental provings or other studies to be the researcher’s client and be guided by the welfare of each client and the moral imperative that the homeopath’s only calling is to make the sick healthy again.

Student, Faculty, and Administrator Conduct (These are NASH’s desired codes for our larger community)
7.02 The student homeopath acts responsibly and in a respectful manner and must maintain attendance, keep commitments and appointments; and receive tutoring, counseling and constructive feedback when necessary.

7.03 The student homeopath practices at the level of their individual proficiency and represents themselves as students of homeopathy and will avoid remedy prescription, providing advice, or recommending any health modality unless it is authorized, in writing, by a faculty member or supervisor.

7.04 The student homeopath avoids academic misconduct or dishonesty such as cheating, in general, or on any required assignment or assessment, including but not limited to: providing or receiving unauthorized assistance during any test, plagiarism or presenting or submitting the work of another as one’s own or not providing proper attribution, fabricating sources of data, and falsifying or creating documents to complete an assignment, including client cases.

7.05 The student homeopath shall first address the faculty if an ethical-legal issue or complaint arises with another student or member of faculty-staff. If unresolved, the issue will move to the administrator of the education or training program. Each issue or complaint must be in writing and should be resolved within one year of the onset of the issue or problem.

7.06 The student homeopath will be afforded due process for any issues or problems brought forward according to education and training program policy.

7.07 The student homeopath must follow the appropriate chain of authority for resolving ethical-legal issues or complaints, in a timely manner, and follow the policies and procedures set forth by the education or training program, accrediting, or regulatory body.

7.09 The student homeopath and faculty are responsible for maintaining professionalism in all influential positions such as a teacher, mentor, or instructor; and shall avoid any fraternization which exploits that position of influence.

7.10 The faculty shall first address the administrator(s) of the education or training program if an ethical legal issue or complaint arises. Each issue or complaint must be in writing and should be resolved within one year of the onset of the issue or problem.

7.11 The faculty and administrator(s) carry out all education and training program policies and procedures and treat ALL homeopathic students consistently, fairly, and equitably with no bias; and clear expectations are provided to students including full coverage of assigned instructional materials and assessments that ensure students achieve expected learning outcomes.

7.12 The administrator(s) provides support and resources for faculty and students to attain a professional and quality education and provide a safe work/study environment.

7.13 The administrator(s) maintains a professional relationship with students and faculty and expects professional conduct from students, faculty, and staff.

7.14 The administrator will refrain from using their position as a means of personal gain, either financially, to promote individual image or gain the admiration of students, faculty, etc.

8.00 Principle 8: Promotion of the Homeopathic Profession
8.01 The homeopath collaborates with other health professionals and the public to ensure positive client outcomes, protect human rights, promote health diplomacy, and reduce health disparities in our communities and around the world.

8.02 The homeopath promotes the clinical use and education of homeopathy to various cultures in order to expand the boundaries of homeopathy’s use and practice in every state/province of North America.

8.03 The homeopath, if approached for an interview or contribution to an article, will immediately seek the advice of any professional homeopathic organization as random statements or claims may adversely affect the reputation of the homeopathic profession.

8.04 The homeopath promotes factual claims on social media and in advertisements; and will not mislead, deceive or make any unrealistic or extravagant claims; for instance, remedy suggestions, as this is irresponsible and a disservice to the homeopathic profession. See Social Media Guidelines. Appendix XX

8.05 The homeopath understands and acts within the scope of applicable law in the state or country in which they practice when advertising their service and treatment; and will not make claims of superiority or disparage professional colleagues or other healthcare professionals.

8.06 The homeopath will comply with all laws and regulations that govern the rights and protection of one’s own or other’s copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and other forms of intellectual property.

9.00 Principle 9: Violations of The Code
9.01 The homeopath OR ANYONE with good reason to believe that a fellow peer/HOMEOPATH has acted irresponsibly or has any complaint whatsoever about him/her, will attempt to discuss the matter with the homeopath concerned as a first step and in full confidentiality.

9.02 The homeopath OR ANYONE, must submit a written complaint to the Board of Directors, North American Society of Homeopaths, P.O. Box 115, Troy, ME 04987 or nashinfo@homeopathy.org.

a. According to the procedures laid down in the bylaws – “upon receipt of a written complaint, the President and a member of the Board of Directors or any officer of the Society, shall review the complaint and upon their concurrence that an infraction might have been committed, will refer the complaint to the Ethics Committee.

b. The committee shall notify the member named in the complaint by certified mail and shall set forth the facts and circumstances therein alleged.

c. A hearing shall be scheduled in not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days following said mailing, at which time the member shall be encouraged to respond to the complaint. The Ethics Committee is vested with the power and authority to conduct whatever investigation is deemed necessary and proper.

9.03 The homeopath shall be notified of each complaint and each decision and of a member’s rights at each step of the process.

9.04 The homeopath has the right to be present and to present testimony with legal counsel at any formal hearing held by the committee investigating the complaint. If any violation(s) of the provisions of the Code of Ethics have been found, the homeopath may be subject to censure, suspension, or expulsion.”

9.05 The homeopath handles all complaints in a prompt and constructive manner, putting the interest of the client first. All parties are expected to cooperate fully with any investigation.

ANY violation(s) of The Code may result in one or more of the following: a written reprimand, expulsion from NASH, or reporting to legal authorities. Any action taken is based on accepted written policy, procedure, and/or professional standard.

10.00 Glossary of Terms
Abandonment termination of the professional treatment relationship without adequate notice or client consent.
Academic Dishonesty/Academic Misconduct – any form of cheating that occurs in relation to formal academic assignment or assessment such as: plagiarism, fabrication, deception, or cheating.
Accreditation – formal recognition by an impartial body that includes established criteria and standard which must be met by a profession or education and training program.
Aggravation – occurs when a remedy makes the client feel worse or symptoms are increased by a remedy. They are a possibility and should be disclosed to the client as a party of the consent process.
Bias – showing partiality to a person or treatment.
Boundaries – it is not appropriate for the homeopath to pursue or enter into an intimate relationship with a client, student, or administrator.
Case Taking – the totality of the information given by the client/family. It includes symptoms of illness, chief complaint, etiology, pace and intensity of the illness.
Certification – a document prepared by an official body that indicates a person or institution has met certain standards, that a person has completed a prescribed course of instruction or training, and/or taken a standardized examination.
Civility – a formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.
Classical Homeopathy – a system of medical practice expounded by Samuel Hahnemann of the Organon of Medicine that treats a disease by the administration of minute dosages of a remedy that would produce symptoms of the disease treated.
Competence – effective performance.
Competencies – are measures of or standards of practice.
Confidentiality – the maintenance of privacy by not sharing or divulging to a third party privileged or entrusted information both verbal and written.
Conflict of Interest – a prejudice or bias that may occur when one’s impartiality is compromised by opportunities for personal gain or occupational advancement, or by the chance that one’s work may support a favored point of view or social agenda.
Consultation – a discussion between two or more healthcare workers about a diagnosis and/or proposed treatment.
Client – a person/family seeking advice for acute or chronic conditions.
Disclosure – an act of making new or secret information known.
Discrimination – is the unequal, unjust, or illegal treatment or denial of rights or privileges without reasonable cause.
Disparage – to regard negatively or represent as being of little worth.
Equal/Equality – treating everyone with the same unbiased fairness.
Equitable – is fair and reasonable in a way that gives equal treatment to everyone.
Exploitation – treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from them.
Harassment – the active pressure or intimidation to another.
Informed Consent – a voluntary agreement made by a well advised, mentally competent client to be treated by a homeopathic practitioner.
Integrity – the adherence to ethical standards.
Legal Obligation – homeopathic practitioners and students complying with the criminal and civil law in the areas they are practicing.
Libel – defaming the character of another by means of the written word.
Maleficence – the act of committing harm or evil.
Plagiarism – copying others’ work without giving credit to the original author.
Privacy – the right of the client to control the distribution and release of data concerning his or her illness.
Remedy – homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances, typically derived from plants, animals, or minerals, designed to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Scope of Practice – The range of services, procedures, and tasks a homeopath is legally authorized to perform in their profession.
Slander – defaming the character of another through injurious speech.
Trust – behaving respectfully, honestly, compassionately, and courteously to the client and/or family at all times, and maintaining professional boundaries.

Appendices

Complete Appendices is available above for download

Appendix A: Continuing Education Credits

Appendix B: Standards of Practice Guidelines

Appendix C: Personal Consultation Notes Keeping Guidelines

Appendix D (1): General Consent Form for Adults

Appendix D (2): General Consent Form for Child(ren) Under 18 Years of Age

Appendix E (1): Authorization for Release of Information for Adults

Appendix E: (2) Authorization for Release of Information Form for Child Under 18 Years of Age

Appendix F (1): Authorization to Publish or Teach for Adults (Written and/or Video Materials)

Appendix F (2): Authorization to Publish or Teach for Child Under Age 18 (Written and/or Video Materials)