HHAI Membership Terms & Conditions

(Holistic Health Association International)

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern membership with Holistic Health Association International (HHAI) (“the Association”, “we”, “us”, “our”).

By applying for membership, renewing membership, or maintaining an active membership, you (“the Member”) agree to comply with these Terms in full.


1. Purpose of Membership

HHAI is a professional peak body representing holistic, complementary, and natural health practitioners.

Membership provides professional recognition, access to resources, and eligibility for insurance through approved providers.

Membership does not constitute clinical supervision, regulatory oversight, or endorsement of individual practice.


2. Eligibility for Membership

To become and remain a Member, you must:

Hold qualifications relevant to your modality

Be over 18 years of age

Be fit and proper to practise

Maintain current professional indemnity and public liability insurance

Provide accurate and truthful information during application and renewal

Not be subject to disciplinary action that would make you ineligible

HHAI may decline, suspend, or cancel membership if eligibility requirements are not met.


3. Compliance With Laws and Regulations

Members must comply with all applicable Australian laws, including:

Australian Consumer Law (ACL)

Privacy Act 1988

Therapeutic Goods Act 1989

Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code

State/Territory Code of Conduct for Non‑Registered Health Practitioners

Work Health & Safety legislation

Any modality‑specific regulations or association requirements

Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action or termination of membership.


4. HHAI Code of Conduct (Mandatory)

The HHAI Code of Conduct forms part of these Terms.

Members agree to:

Practise safely, ethically, and professionally

Obtain informed consent before providing services

Maintain hygiene and infection control

Keep accurate and secure client records

Maintain professional boundaries

Refer clients to medical practitioners when appropriate

Not misrepresent qualifications or scope of practice

Not engage in misleading, exploitative, or harmful conduct


4.1 Display Requirement

Members must display the HHAI Code of Conduct:

In their clinic or practice location

On their website (if applicable)

Provide it to clients upon request

Failure to display the Code is considered a breach of membership obligations.


5. Scope of Practice Requirements

Members agree to:

Work only within their training, qualifications, and insurance coverage

Not diagnose medical conditions unless legally qualified

Not prescribe or advise on prescription‑only medicines

Not claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease

Not provide services outside their competency

Refer clients to medical professionals when symptoms require medical assessment

Members must not imply AHPRA registration unless they are registered.


6. TGA Advertising Compliance

Members must strictly comply with the Therapeutic Goods Act and TGA Advertising Code, including:

No claims that services or products treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose illness

No testimonials referencing specific diseases or symptoms

No advertising of unapproved therapeutic goods

No promotion of products not listed on the ARTG

No misleading or unsubstantiated health claims

No prohibited terms such as “cure”, “guaranteed results”, etc.

TGA breaches may result in disciplinary action and may void insurance.


7. Insurance Requirements

Members must maintain:

Professional indemnity insurance

Public liability insurance

Any additional insurance required for their modality

Members must notify HHAI immediately if:

Their insurance lapses

A claim is made

They become aware of a potential claim

Failure to maintain insurance may result in suspension or termination.


8. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Members agree to:

Complete the minimum CPD hours required by HHAI

Maintain evidence of CPD activities

Provide documentation upon request

Failure to meet CPD requirements may affect membership renewal.


9. Professional Conduct

Members must:

Act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism

Avoid misleading or deceptive conduct

Not engage in harassment, bullying, or discrimination

Maintain confidentiality and comply with the Privacy Act

Avoid dual relationships that may impair professional judgement

Not exploit clients financially, emotionally, or sexually


10. Record Keeping & Privacy

Members must:

Keep accurate and up‑to‑date client records

Store records securely

Retain records for the legally required period

Not disclose client information without consent unless required by law


11. Complaints, Investigations & Disciplinary Action

Members agree to:

Cooperate fully with HHAI investigations

Respond to complaints in a timely and professional manner

Provide requested documentation when required

Accept outcomes determined by the Association’s disciplinary process

HHAI may suspend or terminate membership for:

Legal or ethical breaches

Misconduct

TGA violations

Insurance lapses

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct

Bringing the Association into disrepute

HHAI may notify relevant authorities if required by law.


12. Membership Fees & Auto‑Renewal

Membership fees are payable annually or as otherwise specified

By selecting auto‑renewal, Members authorise recurring payments

Members are responsible for ensuring payment details remain current

Fees are non‑refundable except as required under Australian Consumer Law

Membership may be suspended or cancelled for non‑payment.


13. Use of HHAI Branding

Members may use HHAI logos and membership badges only while membership is active.

Branding must not be used to:

Mislead the public

Imply endorsement of products

Imply clinical supervision or regulation

Make therapeutic claims

Upon membership termination, all branding must be removed immediately.


14. Limitation of Liability & Indemnity

14.1 Member Responsibility

The Member acknowledges they are solely responsible for:

Their professional conduct

Their treatment decisions

Their advertising and public statements

Their compliance with law

Their client interactions

Their insurance coverage


14.2 No Liability for Member Misconduct

The Member agrees that HHAI is not responsible or liable for:

Any act, omission, negligence, or misconduct by the Member

Any breach of law or regulation

Any breach of the HHAI Code of Conduct

Any injury, loss, damage, or claim arising from the Member’s practice

Any TGA breach, privacy breach, or consumer law breach

Any dispute between the Member and their clients

Membership does not imply endorsement of the Member’s services.

14.3 Indemnity

The Member agrees to indemnify and hold harmless HHAI, its directors, officers, employees, and representatives from any:

Claims

Complaints

Legal actions

Losses

Damages

Costs

Liabilities

Insurance claims

Regulatory actions

arising from the Member’s conduct, practice, or breach of these Terms.

This indemnity survives termination of membership.


15. Amendments to Terms

HHAI may update these Terms at any time.

Members will be notified of changes, and continued membership constitutes acceptance.



16. Acknowledgement

By applying for membership, renewing membership, or maintaining active membership, the Member acknowledges and agrees to:

These Terms & Conditions

The HHAI Code of Conduct

All legal and ethical obligations associated with practice