Naturopathic Code of Ethics

I

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)

II

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.