INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF OROFACIAL MYOLOGY
PREAMBLE
This Code of Ethics has been created to encourage the highest standard of integrity and ethical principles. The Code of Ethics has been created by the International Association of Orofacial Myology in hopes of helping raise the standards of practice among those who work with orofacial myofunctional disorders. Any act that is in violation of the spirit and purpose of this Code of Ethics shall be deemed unethical. It is the responsibility of each member to advise the President of the I.A.O.M. of instances of violation of the principles incorporated in this code.
SECTION A
The ethical responsibilities of the member require that the welfare of the persons s/he serves professionally be considered paramount.
(1) The member who engages in clinical work must possess appropriate qualifications. It is strongly recommended that the member be CERTIFIED by the International of Orofacial Myology or be actively working toward receiving this certification.
(2) The member must not provide services for which s/he has not been adequately trained and/or licensed (if applicable).
(3) The member shall not accept patients for treatment when benefit cannot reasonably be expected.
(4) Whenever "just cause" for continuation of treatment cannot be shown, or benefit cannot be evidenced, the member's responsibility is to release the patient from treatment.
(5) Diagnosis and treatment may only be administered on a person-to-person basis, not by telephone, letter or any other form of impersonal communication. This does not preclude the member from calls and letters for follow-up.
(6) Professional ethics prohibits the guarantee of the outcome of any therapeutic procedure(s).
(7) Every patient's confidentiality must be respected by the member. No information received professionally shall be revealed to unauthorized persons without authorization from the patient and/or legal guardian.
(8) The member shall use every resource available, including referral to other specialists as needed to provide the best service possible for the patient.
(9) The member shall maintain adequate records of professional services rendered.
SECTION B
The member has certain duties and responsibilities to other professions.
(1) The member shall seek Professional discussion of theoretical and practical issues toward the colleagues or members of allied professions.
(2) The member shall attempt to establish professional relations with members of other professions.
(3) The member shall attempt to inform other professionals concerning the services rendered by the members of the International Association Orofacial myology.
SECTION C
The I.A.O.M. member has ethical and legal responsibilities toward colleagues in the practice of orofacial myology
(1) The member shall in no way violate federal restraints of trade laws.
(2) The member shall not discriminate against or harass another member based on race, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
(3) The member may not attempt to restrict the practice of another member based on territorialism including area of practice, referral sources, location of office or clientele.
SECTION D
The I.A.O.M. member has special responsibilities which are not included in Section A. Section B or Section C of this Code of Ethics.
(1) The member my not use any dishonest or misleading information in advertisements. The member must follow the specifications set by the local dental medical and/or speech and hearing association.
(2) The member may not refuse service on the basis of race, religion or sex.
(3) The member shall be active in educating the public regarding the speciality area of Orofacial Myology.
(4) The member shall be willing to share his/her knowledge , new research and therapeutic techniques with other members of the I.A.O.M.
(5) The member shall not use the name of the International Association of Orofacial Myology to promote classes or products or any other profit-making venture without the approval of the Board of Directors of the I.A.O.M. This does not preclude the member to announce membership status or offices held in the I.A.O.M. in a vitae or resumé.
(6) Members shall not accept third -party payment insurance plans in excess of fees not rendered.
(7) Members of the I.A.O.M. shall not use the ICD-9-CM dysphagia code when submitting insurance claims for dentofacial functional abnormalities. This is a fraudulent misrepresentation of the services. Use of this code (or any other replacement code) for dysphagia has been considered in violation of this Code of Ethics by the Board of Directors of the I.A.O.M.
(8) The member shall not participate in activities which constitute a conflict of member shall present products s/he has developed to his/her colleagues in a manner consistent with high professional standards.
(9) The member shall present products s/he has developed to his/her colleagues in a manner consistent with high professional standards.
(10) The member shall cooperate fully with the ethical inquires into matters of professional conduct related to the Code of Ethics.