Naturopathic Code of Ethics

[liveonearth]

The Naturopathic Physician's primary purpose is to restore, maintain
and optimize health in human beings.

The Naturopathic Physician acts to restore, maintain and optimize
health by providing individualized care, according to his/her ability
and judgment, following these principles of Naturopathic Medicine.

The Naturopathic Physician shall endeavor to first, do no harm; to
provide the most effective health care available with the least risk
to his/her patients at all times. (Primum Non Nocere)

The Naturopathic Physician shall recognize, respect and promote the
self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being.
(Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

The Naturopathic Physician shall strive to identify and remove the
causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress
symptoms. (Tolle Causum)

The Naturopathic Physician shall educate his/her patients, inspire
rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health. (Doctor as
Teacher)

The Naturopathic Physician shall treat each person by considering all
individual health factors and influences. (Treat the Whole Person)

The Naturopathic Physician shall emphasize the condition of health to
promote well-being and to prevent disease for the individual, each
community and our world. (Health Promotion, the Best Prevention)

The Naturopathic Physician shall acknowledge the worth and dignity of
every person.

The Naturopathic Physician shall safeguard the patient's right to
privacy and only disclose confidential information when either
authorized by the patient or mandated by law.

The Naturopathic Physician shall act judiciously to protect the
patient and the public when health care quality and safety are
adversely affected by the incompetent or unethical practice by any
person.

The Naturopathic Physician shall maintain competence in naturopathic
medicine and strive for professional excellence through assessment of
personal strengths, limitations and effectiveness and by advancement
of professional knowledge.

The Naturopathic Physician shall conduct her/his practice and
professional activities with honesty, integrity and responsibility for
individual judgment and actions.

The Naturopathic Physician shall strive to participate in professional
activities to advance the standards of care, body of knowledge and
public awareness of naturopathic medicine.

The Naturopathic Physician shall respect all ethical, qualified health
care practitioners and cooperate with other health professions to
promote health for the individual, the public and the global
community.

The Naturopathic Physician shall strive to exemplify personal
well-being, ethical character and trust worthiness as a health care
professional.

Adopted at the 1990 Annual Convention.