Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

(Effective November 16, 1983)

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS

Introduction

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) has adopted this Code of Ethics in order to ensure the highest quality of patient care through the proper and effective use of clinical hypnosis by its members. By adopting this Code, ASCH strives to establish guidelines and to conduct a continuing program to ensure the ethical use of hypnosis for clinical and research purposes. All members of ASCH, as a condition of membership, subscribe to the Code of Ethics, which is adopted pursuant to ARTICLE XI, Section D (7)(b) and ARTICLE IV, Section E (2)(b) of the Bylaws:

Code of Ethics

1. Members of ASCH shall observe the professional and ethical standards of their respective clinical professions of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, psychology, or a field in which psychology has been a major graduate study.

2. A member of ASCH shall not support the practice of hypnosis by lay persons. In particular, a member of ASCH shall not teach hypnotic techniques to lay persons. Lectures informing lay persons about hypnosis are not prohibited so long as such lectures do not include demonstrations or didactic material teaching hypnotic induction.

1. A "lay person" is an individual who lacks clinical training in a therapeutic or scientific profession recognized by ASCH.

2. "Clinical" means the ability to diagnose, prescribe and carry out treatment for a medical, dental or psychological disorder.

3. Members of ASCH shall only use hypnosis within their respective areas of professional competence.

4. The primary concern of each member of ASCH shall be the clinical well-being of the patient. To this end, each member of ASCH shall have meaningful professional contact with each patient.

5. In the advertising of services or the dissemination of other information, members shall not overstate their professional credentials or make statements or claims which cannot be substantiated by relevant scientific evidence.

6. No member of ASCH shall use hypnosis for entertainment purposes.

7. Members of ASCH shall work together and with others in relevant fields to continually improve the use of clinical hypnosis.

8. It is recommended that each member of ASCH prepare and distribute to patients a statement of office policies regarding appointments, fees, payment terms, the existence of professional ethical standards, and any other relevant information.

Enforcement

1. Any person, whether or not a member of ASCH, may initiate a charge of ethical violation against a member of ASCH.

2. Any charge must be submitted in writing to the Ethics Committee of ASCH, must specify the time and place of the alleged violation, and must be signed by the complainant.

3. The Ethics Committee shall inform the member in writing of the charges against the member and solicit the member's response to the charges.

4. If, upon receiving the response of the member, the Ethics Committee determines that cause for further inquiry exists, the Ethics Committee shall set a time and place for a hearing and shall notify the member and the complainant, by certified mail, of the time and place.

5. The purpose of the Ethics Committee hearing is to gather all the facts related to the alleged violation. The charged member shall have the privilege of appearing in person or by a representatives or may submit a written defense to the Ethics Committee at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time of the hearing. At the hearing, the charged member shall have the right to cross examine the complainant and any witnesses who may appear against the member. The charged member shall also have the right to present witnesses. The complainant shall be able to direct questions to the charged member only through a Committee member. The hearing may be recorded and a transcript of the proceedings, if any, shall be available at cost.

6. No later than thirty (30) days following the hearing, the Ethics Committee shall submit a report of its findings to the Executive Committee and recommend either

1. dismissal of the charges,

2. censure or warning,

3. suspension or

4. expulsion.

7. The Ethics Committee shall send by certified mail a copy of its report and recommendation to the charged member.

8. If the Ethics Committee finds the member guilty of any of the charges, or recommends censure, warning, suspension or expulsion, the member shall have thirty (30) days from receipt of the Ethics Committee report to submit to the Executive Committee written objections to the findings or recommendation of the Ethics Committee.

9. The Executive Committee shall review the findings and recommendation of the Ethics Committee and any written objections submitted by the member and shall reach a final decision. In accordance with the Bylaws, the Executive Committee may not expel a member without holding a hearing at which the accused may appear and be represented by counsel. The Executive Committee shall also have the right to be represented by counsel at such a hearing. The Executive Committee may expel a member only by a two-thirds majority vote of those voting. The Executive Committee shall notify the member in writing, by certified mail, of its decision.

10. In accordance with the Bylaws, a decision of censure or warning will be a matter of Executive Committee record only. A decision of suspension or expulsion will be reported to the Board of Governors and to the membership of ASCH through the "Corrections to the Directory" section of the Newsletter.

(effective November 16, 1983)

Updated/Revised 3/11/94