Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

As a member of the Holistic Health Associates International,


I shall at all times:


• Be empathetic to my clients needs and take all reasonable care for their health and wellbeing.

• Respect the rights, values and dignity of my clients and fellow professionals.

• Refer clients to their medical practitioner or appropriate therapist if their health concerns are outside of my scope of practice and training.

• Provide services and treatments only within my scope of training, qualifications, learning and expertise.

• Take care to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, materials supplied and safety of equipment.

• Ensure client safety, confidentiality and privacy.

• Maintain the highest standards of professional competence.

• Represent my practice and the industry in a truthful, ethical and honest manner.

• Develop and maintain my professional knowledge and skills.

• To ensure safe Workplace Health and Safety practices.

• Never misrepresent the expectations of treatment offered.

• Not behave in a manner that will bring the HHAI or its members into disrepute.

• Comply with Holistic Health Associates Ethical Responsibilities and Code of Conduct, the TGA and national and state regulations.


National Code of Conduct for Healthcare Workers

The National Code of Conduct applies to all unregistered health practitioners and anyone not regulated by AHPRA or another national registration scheme. Even without formal registration, these practitioners are legally required to follow a code of conduct that promotes safe, ethical, and professional health service delivery.


To remain compliant, practitioners must display the Code and the complaints process at all times—both on their physical premises and online.


They are legally obligated to comply with:

  • The National Code — outlined below
  • Their state or territory’s implementation, which may include:
  • Mandatory public display of the Code
  • Defined complaint pathways
  • Powers to issue prohibition orders
  • Local definitions of what constitutes a “health service”


The Code is as follows (adapted per state):


1. Provide services safely and ethically

A worker must provide health services with reasonable care, skill, and safety.

What this means in practice:

Use techniques you are trained and competent in

Maintain clean, hygienic environments

Follow infection control principles

Keep equipment in safe working order

Do not attempt treatments you are not qualified to perform


2. Obtain informed consent

You must not treat a client without their voluntary, informed agreement.


What this includes:

Explaining what the treatment involves

Discussing risks, benefits, and alternatives

Allowing the client to ask questions

Respecting their right to refuse or withdraw consent


3. Maintain accurate clinical records

You must keep clear, legible, factual records.

Records should include:

Client details

Treatment notes

Observations

Consent

Referrals

Any adverse events


4. Respect client dignity, privacy, and cultural values

You must treat clients with respect, maintain confidentiality, and honour cultural differences.


5. Do not mislead, deceive, or exploit clients

You must not:

Misrepresent your qualifications

Make false claims

Promise cures

Pressure clients into unnecessary treatments

Engage in financial exploitation


6. Do not practise under the influence of drugs or alcohol

You must not treat clients while impaired.

Includes:

Alcohol

Illicit drugs

Prescription medications that impair judgement


7. No sexual misconduct

You must not engage in:

Sexual relationships with clients

Sexualised comments

Inappropriate touching

Any behaviour that could be interpreted as sexual


8. Maintain professional boundaries

You must keep the relationship professional, not personal.

Includes:

Not befriending clients for personal gain

Not accepting large gifts

Not sharing overly personal information


9. Refer clients when necessary

If a client’s needs exceed your competence, you must refer them.


10. Do not discourage necessary medical treatment

You must not:

Tell clients to stop medication

Advise against surgery

Claim medical treatment is harmful without evidence


11. Hold appropriate insurance

You should have:

Professional indemnity insurance

Public liability insurance

This protects both you and your clients.


12. Display the Code of Conduct

Most states require you to display the Code in your practice or provide it to clients.


State and Territory Resources & Links


The National Code is enforced by each jurisdiction’s health complaints body. Here are the official resources (current as of 2026):


• New South Wales (NSW): Health Care Complaints Commission

https://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/health-providers/unregistered-health-practitioners/code-of-conduct


• Victoria (VIC): Health Complaints Commissioner

https://hcc.vic.gov.au/providers/general-health-service-providers-code-conduct


• Queensland (QLD): Office of the Health Ombudsman

https://www.oho.qld.gov.au/for-providers/national-code-of-conduct-for-health-care-workers


• South Australia (SA): Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner

https://www.hcscc.sa.gov.au/for-service-providers/standards-required-under-the-code-of-conduct


• Western Australia (WA): Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO)

https://www.hadsco.wa.gov.au/ (Note: Implementation details available on site)


• Tasmania (TAS): Health Complaints Commissioner

https://www.healthcomplaints.tas.gov.au/national-code-of-conduct


• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): ACT Human Rights Commission

https://www.hrc.act.gov.au/health/code-of-conduct-for-health-care-workers


• Northern Territory (NT): Health and Community Services Complaints Commission

https://hcscc.nt.gov.au/codes-of-conduct


How HHAI Membership Supports Compliance


While the National Code sets the legal minimum, HHAI goes further with:


• A dedicated Code of Ethics for multi-modality practitioners

• Compliance toolkits, templates (consent forms, records), and regular updates

• Professional recognition and public directory listing

• Insurance partnerships

• Community and continuing professional education

This is especially valuable in the current environment of rapidly appearing AI-generated courses.


Practical Next Steps

• Review your current practices against this checklist.

• Download the Code for your state/territory using the links above.

• Update any missing elements (e.g., display posters, insurance, consent forms).

• Consider HHAI membership for stronger support and credibility.


By adhering to the National Code, you protect your clients, reduce your legal and professional risks, and contribute to the overall credibility of holistic health in Australia.


Ready to strengthen your professional standing?


Join Holistic Health Associates International today for recognition, resources, and compliance support. Visit hhai.com.au/join-now or email admin@hhai.com.au.