Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

PURPOSE:

To establish guidelines and conduct a continuing program of all aspects of hypnosis and its ethical use, in order to ensure a high quality of patient care through the proper and effective, use of hypnosis by members of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. The responsibility of such patient care where hypnosis is used rests with the members of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. This Code of Ethics is adopted pursuant to Article XI, Section D(5) (b), and Article IV, Section E(2) (b), of the Bylaws.

Henceforth, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis will be referred to as "A.S.C.H.".

SECTION A: CODE OF ETHICS

Each member of A.S.C.H. shall observe the professional standards of his/her own profession.

SECTION B: PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF ETHICS

1. Any person, whether a member or not of A.S.C.H., may initiate a charge of ethical violation against a member of A.S.C.H.

2. Said charge must be submitted, in writing, to the Ethics Committee of A.S.C.H. and specify the time, place and person, and be signed by the complainant.

3. The Ethics Committee shall conduct a preliminary investigation of the complaint and determine if a legitimate violation exists.

4. If a cause for further inquiry exists, the Ethics Committee shall:

1. Inform, in writing, the member who has been charged, stating the charges, and solicit the member's response to the charges.

2. Set a time and place for the hearing and notify the member and the complainant, by certified mail, of said time and place.

5. The purpose of the Ethics Committee hearing is to gather all the facts as accurately as is possible relating to the alleged violation, and this shall be conducted in a professional and respectful manner.

6. The charged member shall have the privilege of appearing in person in his/her own defense against the charges, or be represented by someone of his/her choice, or a written defense may be submitted to the Ethics Committee at least twenty four (24) hours prior to the date set for the hearing.

7. At the hearing, the charged member shall have the right to cross examine the person or persons who have initiated the complaint and any witnesses who may appear against him/her. The charged member shall also have the right to present witnesses.

8. The complainant shall be able to direct questions to the charged member only through Committee members.

9. The transcript of the recorded proceedings shall be available at cost.

SECTION C: DISPOSITION

1. The Ethics Committee shall submit its report and recommendations to the Executive Committee no later than sixty (60) days following the hearing.

2. The Ethics Committee recommendations may be:

1. Dismissal of charges.

2. Censure or warning.

3. Expulsion.

3. The Executive Committee shall review the findings and recommendations of-the Ethics Committee and reach a final decision provided that if expulsion is recommended, the Executive Committee shall hold a hearing in accordance with the Bylaws.

1. A decision for censure or warning will be a matter for the Executive Committee record alone.

2. A decision for expulsion will be communicated to the members of A.S.C.H. in accordance with the Bylaws.

4. The member found guilty of the charges or any part thereof shall have the right to appeal to the Executive Committee. If no appeal, in writing, is made by the member within sixty (60) days, the right of appeal shall be lost.