About ANPA
The Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association is a democratic association that was established in 1975. We focus only on the issues that affect naturopaths. We strive for excellence, leadership and integrity in naturopathic health care. The ANPA supports members from the time they are naturopathy students, all the way through to graduation and beyond. Our mission is focused on providing the public the highest standard of naturopathic care from our members. Membership support is the priority of the ANPA. Our commitment is to the ongoing growth, sustainable development, communication, education, and good governance for our members and the profession. We are vigilant of the political environment and how it affects practitioners as well as the public. The media is also monitored for messaging that affects the profile and awareness of the naturopathic profession.
The ANPA committee is made up of naturopaths who understand your needs and concerns. We are in naturopathic practice like you. The ANPA actively encourages members to participate in the association.
The ANPA promotes and disseminates knowledge and understanding about Naturopathy to its members and the public at large.
The ANPA acknowledges the role and responsibility of setting standards of ethical behaviour expected of Naturopaths. The ANPA Code of Ethics provides a set of fundamental principles that guides members in their professional conduct. Adherence to the Code is mandatory for all practitioners belonging to the ANPA.
Naturopathy is based on philosophical principles set out by founding father of naturopathy Benedict Lust. These principles include: The healing power of nature, First do no harm, Treat the cause – not only the symptom, Education and Prevention.
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Join HereWhat is Naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a distinct and complete system of health care. Six foundational principles underpin the practice of naturopathy: The healing power of nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae), First do no harm, Find and treat the cause whenever possible, not only the symptoms (Tolle Causum), Treat the whole person, Education and Prevention. These six principles are kept in mind when a naturopath takes your case, develops a treatment plan and also offers maintenance for long term good health.
Naturopathy is both an art and a science. Naturopaths are prevention medicine specialists. Today naturopaths use scientific evidence as well as traditional evidence in practice.
Naturopathic case-taking often uncovers dis-ease long before it has become a diagnosable pathology. Naturopaths treat both acute and chronic conditions. Naturopathic care is well suited to anyone at any age. Naturopaths have many answers for common conditions. Naturopaths use various modalities in their practice. These may include: herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, dietary and lifestyle advice, massage therapy or other therapies.
ANPA naturopaths are all accredited with training minimum of an Advanced Diploma and many have Bachelor’s degrees and beyond. Naturopaths offer the public significant health support providing millions and millions of consultations with good outcomes across the nation each year. Naturopaths work alongside your GP or other health professional to offer you the best patient-centred care.
Code of Ethics of the Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association
1. Introduction
1.1 This code has been compiled by the Ethics Committee of the Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association and relates to the standards of practice of Naturopaths of the Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association.
1.2 This Code of Ethics describes the professional standard of conduct expected of Naturopaths so as to preserve and enhance the reputation of the ANPA., the practice of naturopathy and to protect the general public.
1.3 This Code applies to all Naturopaths who are members of the ANPA.
1.4 The Ethics Committee reserves the right to amend the Code of Ethics as and when it is deemed necessary.
2. Duty of Care
2.1 The primary professional duty of a practitioner is to competently assist the patient to optimum health, with the circumstances of the patient’s condition.
2.2 The practitioner shall always maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and duty of care to the patient.
2.3 Under no circumstances shall a practitioner knowingly undertake any action or treatment that would adversely affect the health of a patient or fellow human being.
3. Professional Conduct
3.1 The practitioner shall have respect for the religious, spiritual, political and social views of any individual irrespective of race, age, sex, colour, ethnic origin, differing abilities, sexuality, creed, marital status, culture, political views or social standing.
3.2 Proper conduct must always be paramount in practitioners’ relations with patients. Practitioners must behave with courtesy, respect, dignity and discretion. Their attitude must be competent and sympathetic, hopeful and positive, thus encouraging an uplift in the mental outlook of the patient and a belief in a progression towards good health practices.
3.3 A practitioner should not enter into an intimate or sexual relationship with a patient whilst the patient is under their care.
3.4 A practitioner can practice only the natural and/or traditional therapy disciplines in which she/he is accredited.
3.5 The practitioner is to recognise a responsibility to give the generally held opinions of the relevant discipline when interpreting and conveying scientific or empirical knowledge to patients or to the general public, and where one presents any personal opinion which is contrary to the generally held opinion of the discipline, clearly indicate that this is so.
3.6 A practitioner shall not provide false information on documents used for health fund rebate purposes.
3.7 The practitioner shall not use unsafe or improper practice.
3.8 Practitioners shall at all times show due respect and cooperate with practitioners of other disciplines.
3.9 Practitioners must never claim to “cure”. The possible therapeutic benefits may be described as “recovery”, but this must never be guaranteed.
3.10 A practitioner shall at no time take part in, or promote any activity, verbal or otherwise, which will reflect improperly or denigrate the standing of Naturopathy or the ANPA within the general community or in any professional circles.
3.11 Practitioners should ensure that they are medically, physically and psychologically fit to practice.
3.12 A practitioner should not attend to a patient or clinic whilst under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substance that would impair their judgement. It would be considered inappropriate for a practitioner to smoke or consume a tobacco product in the clinical setting.
3.13 A practitioner shall not use their professional connections or affiliations in an unconscionable manner.
3.14 A practitioner shall not knowingly breach the Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Act and Regulations, or the equivalent State legislation.
3.15 A practitioner shall be aware of notifiable diseases pertinent to their state or territory legislation.
4.Confidentiality
4.1 A practitioner may not disclose information obtained in confidences from or about a patient unless consent has been given.
4.2 Patient records are kept confidential at all times and access restricted to the practitioner or assistant, except:
(a) in an emergency or other urgent situation where the information may prevent possible injury to the patient or the other person
(b) where required to do so by the law.
5. Patient Record
5.1 The public are entitled to expect that a practitioner will maintain a good standard of practice with full records. This includes: (a) name, address, telephone, date of birth; (b) details of health history; (c) dates of treatment; (d) details of remedies prescribed.
5.2 Patient records are to be kept indefinitely in safe and secure storage.
6. Advertising
6.1 A practitioner shall not advertise or lay claim to secret or exclusive methods of treatment.
6.2 In the advertising of a practitioner’s skills and services, due regards should be paid to the following:
(a) Practitioners shall not use titles or descriptions that give the impression of medical or other qualifications to which they are not entitled.
(b) A practitioner shall only advertise in a proper and professional manner for the purpose of informing members of the general public as to their location details and areas of specialised practice.
7. Stationery
7.1 A practitioner is responsible for the issue of their own receipts and their own personal receipt books.
7.2 A practitioner shall not allow their receipt books to be shared or used by other practitioners (including unqualified practitioners).
7.3 Under no circumstances shall a practitioner allow their provider number to be quoted or used by another practitioner (including unqualified practitioners).
7.4 Receipt books should be kept in a safe and secure manner.
7.5 The association will investigate any alleged evidence of fraudulent use of receipt books and, if necessary, take appropriate disciplinary action.
8. Breach of Code of Ethics
8.1 A breach of any aspect of this Code of Ethics will make the practitioner subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the mechanism described in the Complaints Unit and Disciplinary Tribunal of the ANPA.
9. Professional Indemnity Insurance
9.1 Members of the Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association who are currently in practice must have adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance cover.
This text is also available for download:
DownloadCode of Conduct for Unregistered Health Workers – 17th April 2015
In addition to the ANPA Code of Ethics, ANPA members must abide by the Code of Conduct for Unregistered Health Workers.
Vision and Missions
The ANPA vision is defined as:
EXCELLENCE, LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY IN NATUROPATHIC HEALTH CARE
This vision is supported by the following mission statements:
Membership
The ANPA is committed to the ongoing growth development and support of its membership.
Communication
ANPA is committed to designing, testing, implementing and maintaining channels of communication that educate and inform members and the extended community.
Education
ANPA is committed to developing an education framework that provides our members with continued professional education (CPE) as well as the opportunity to advance through additional membership levels, as well as provide bridging training for other health professionals.
Governance
ANPA is committed to developing governance systems to accommodate the necessary requirements of its vision.
Revenue
ANPA is committed to developing revenue streams that support the operational functions of the association and facilitates the achievement of its vision.
Political
ANPA is committed to ensuring that naturopathic perspectives are included in policy making and regulatory frameworks.
In addition, the ANPA believes in the importance of research, sustainability and supportive professional alliances.
Media
The ANPA has a long tradition of supporting and collaborating with the media.
We monitor the media and are vigilant when it comes to issues that affect the profession of naturopathy.
We recognise the important role the media plays in disseminating information to the public, other health professionals and government agencies.
Please contact the ANPA office with any enquiries.
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FAQ
What is different about the ANPA?
The Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association is the only association in Australia that only has naturopaths as members. We are not an umbrella organisation. What this means is that all our energies are focused on one profession – naturopathy. Since 1975 we have supported the issues relating to naturopathy in Australia and we continue to do this daily. The ANPA committee is democratically elected from the membership. All committee members making decisions that affect you are in practice themselves. They have first-hand experience and understand the issues that may be affecting you on a daily basis in your practice. We continue to be the # 1 voice for discerning naturopaths.
What are some of the benefits of joining ANPA?
- Reduced and extremely competitive pro-rata membership rates for New Graduates – we understand there are expenses to set up as a new practitioner. We help you out with these reduced rates for the first few years until you are on your feet.
- Mentoring and supervision – if you are a student or a new graduate we know that connecting to a more experienced naturopath is critical to the future success of you in your practice and the success and sustainability of the profession of naturopathy.
- ANPA e-Newsletter to keep up to date with current issues
- Social Media presence – 3 ANPA platforms – one public platform, one closed platform only for ANPA members and a platform that is open to all naturopaths focused on media issues.
- Reduced rates to attend top quality ANPA educational webinars and workshops – these webinars and educational events are specifically focused on issues for naturopaths
- ANPA chapter meetings around the country – meet, network and learn from colleagues
- Access to Private Insurance for rebates to your clients
- Access to competitively priced Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Reduced fees for memberships to international journals relevant to naturopathic practice
- Clinical support – various documents and information to assist in clinical practice
- Special area for Students on the ANPA website. Students have specific needs and we are doing our best to understand what these are and offer support.
- Advocacy to government agencies both Federal and State on matters affecting the naturopathic profession.
- Submissions to government agencies on reviews and consultations affecting the profession.
Is there anything to support me financially as a newly graduated naturopath just setting up my practice?
YES, we sure do! Please contact the ANPA office for more specific details.
How competitive is the pricing you offer for Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Fees are competitive. Please contact the ANPA office for more information.
I am a student naturopath, what benefits will I get if I join the ANPA?
Student membership is free! Joining the ANPA will automatically offer you:
- networking with other association members
- support from association members
- possible mentoring options
- access to the ANPA website
- reduced fees for ANPA educational events
- work experience opportunities and/or employment
- ANPA newsletter section devoted to issues that affect students.
The ANPA welcomes all student naturopaths. We understand that the issues for students are different to those of graduate naturopaths. As the leading association for discerning naturopaths in Australia, we want to support you as your achieve your full qualification and enter the profession of naturopathy.
If there are issues that you feel the ANPA should be aware of, please contact the office.
I am a full member naturopath of another association – I like what ANPA is doing for the naturopathic profession, is there a way I can join at a reduced rate?
Yes, we have a special membership category of “Secondary Member” that entitles a full naturopath member of another association to join ANPA at significantly reduced rates. The full membership of the other association must be verified in applying for this category. Accessible benefits are the same as those of a full member, except you would not have any voting rights.