The ANP Code of Ethics

In joining the ANP, you promise to follow our Code of Ethics:

  1. The practitioner must abide by the laws of the country in which they practice.
  2. The practitioner agrees to abide by the code of ethics as laid down by the ANP
  3. The practitioner must hold full indemnity insurance, either provided by the ANP or it’s agents or if provided by another party the practitioner must submit full details to the ANP. Insurance is to be maintained at all times. When a policy is renewed, a photocopy is to be forwarded to the ANP directly. If the ANP does not have evidence of a current policy then membership is suspended until suitable proof can be provided. The ANP is not liable for any treatment received by any client. This is the responsibility of the practitioner.
  4. Client information obtained in the course of professional practice must be kept absolutely confidential. The following exceptions apply:
    • Where disclosure of information is required by law
    • If in the opinion of the practitioner, the client or other person may be endangered if the information is withheld.
    • Express permission is given by the client and in their knowledge of the nature and extent of the information disclosure.
  5. If the practitioner intends to publish information in any form about a particular case for any reason, including teaching purposes, the practitioners must ensure full confidentiality. If this is not possible due to the nature of the particular case then the practitioner must first obtain the client’s express written permission.
  6. Appropriate action must be taken when a client presents a notifiable disease as defined in Section 10 and 11 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 and the Public Health (Infectious Disease) Regulations 1988.The practitioner must contact the Environmental Health Officer in the area in that the client lives, and who will be able to provide guidance as to what action, if any, the practitioner must take. In all instances the practitioner must record this information in the client’s case notes.
  7. Notifiable diseases as defined in Section 10 and 11 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 and the Public Health (Infectious Disease) Regulations 1988:
    1. Section 10:
      • Cholera
      • Plague
      • Relapsing Fever
      • Smallpox
      • Typhus
    2. Section 11:
      • Food poisoning
    3. Public Health (Infectious Disease) Regulations 1988:
      • Acute encephalitis
      • Acute poliomyelitis
      • Anthrax
      • Diphtheria
      • Dysentery (Amoebic or bacillary)
      • Leprosy
      • Leptospirosis
      • Malaria
      • Measles
      • Meningitis
      • Meningococcal septicaemia (without meningitis)
      • Mumps
      • Opthalmia neonatorum
      • Paratyphoid Fever
      • Rabies
      • Rubella
      • Scarlet Fever
      • Tetanus
      • Tuberculosis
      • Typhoid Fever
      • Viral haemorrhagic Fever
      • Viral Hepatitis
      • Whooping Cough
      • Yellow Fever
  8. The ANP must be notified immediately if the practitioner is subject to any investigation into their practice by the police or local government, or any circumstances that may lead to an insurance claim.
  9. Physical examinations of clients under the age of 16 must only be made in the presence of a parent/guardian or other responsible adult.
  10. Physical examinations involving the rectum and vagina: it is important for the practitioner to obtain the client’s informed consent prior to conducting such examinations. If requested conduct the examination in the presence of a chaperone. Record all matters in client’s case notes. It is important that practitioners do not invalidate their Professional Indemnity Insurance by performing examinations without consent and with unprofessional and non-caring attitudes.
  11. The practitioner will not be involved in any form of sexual activity with a client in their care or with a student in their tutelage or supervision.
  12. The client ideals and beliefs must be respected at all times.
  13. The client case notes must be kept for a minimum of 7 years after the cessation of treatment. If the practitioner stores client information electronically, the practitioner is obliged to register under the Data Protection Act 1984.
  14. Records of all contact with clients must be kept. Client notes must include the following:
    • Name, address, telephone number and date of birth
    • Details of medical history
    • Dates and details of all therapies provided
    • Details of medication taken by the client and the name of the professional prescriber
    • Any diagnosis of the client condition by a competent authority
    • Notes of all recommended referrals to the GP, hospital, or other health care provider.
  15. Client notes must be kept secure at all times.
  16. Advertisements the practitioner may place must abide by the British Code of Advertising Practice. Advertisements should reflect the highest standards.
  17. Members of the ANP are entitled to use the abbreviation MANP (Member of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners) in all forms of promotion (i.e. written, broadcast, letterheads, etc.)
  18. Members practice premises must be of good professional standards. All equipment must be kept in an hygienic condition.
  19. On moving premises or retiring, the practitioner must inform their clients of the intention to do so. It is important that the practitioner make full provisions for the continuance of client’s care.
  20. If any practitioner uses a locum, ensure they are properly qualified.
  21. The practitioner should not speak disrespectfully of other practitioners in public, to clients or to students.
  22. Practitioners are responsible for continuing their professional development through training, supervision and study.
  23. Responsibility for ceasing prescribing drugs lies with the person who prescribed them. When a client has made sufficient progress so that it appears they may be able to withdraw from the medication this is to be done in conjunction with the client’s prescriber. If the prescriber is not co-operative then the practitioner can advise the client to seek the advice of another conventional medical practitioner.
  24. The public and fellow members of the ANP may make complaints against members. Following the Association’s investigations to clarify matters and if it is found that the complaint is a breach of the code of conduct and etiquette, the use of sanctions may apply.
  25. The ANP must be notified of any formal complaint in writing within three years after alleged transgression.


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