The Art Without Boundaries Association Code of Ethics and Good Practices
Please use the form at the end of the document to acknowledge that Member read and printed out this document.
As a condition of membership in The Art Without Boundaries Association, each Member pledges its support of, and adherence to, the principles and practices set forth in this document.
Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of an Ethical Standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct.
PREAMBLE
MnemeTherapists are committed to improving quality of life and increasing scientific and professional knowledge of MnemeTherapy when used with individuals with dementia, stroke, and brain injury, autism, learning disabilities, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s disease and other related disorders. Their goal is to use such knowledge to improve the condition of individuals, organizations, and society.
MnemeTherapists respect and protect civil and human rights and the central importance of freedom of inquiry and expression in research, teaching, and publication. They also strive to help the public in developing informed judgments and choices concerning nutrition and the role of generational digestive issues in the epidemic rise of autism and Alzheimer’s disease. In doing so, they perform many roles, such as researcher, educator, therapist, consultant, and nutritional interventionist. This Ethics Code provides a common set of principles and standards upon which MnemeTherapists build their professional and scientific work.
This Ethics Code is intended to provide specific standards to cover most situations encountered by MnemeTherapist. It has as its goals the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom MnemeTherapists work and the education of members, students, and the public regarding ethical standards of the discipline.
The development of a dynamic set of ethical standards for MnemeTherapists' work-related conduct requires a personal commitment and lifelong effort to act ethically; to encourage ethical behavior by students, supervisees, employees, independent contractors and colleagues; and to consult with others concerning ethical problems.
THE PURPOSE OF THE ART WITHOUT BOUNDARIES ASSOCIATION
The Art Without Boundaries Association is a non-profit professional organization, seeking to further MnemeTherapy and the interests of individuals engaged in that profession.
AWBA is involved in the development and monitoring of professional educational programs, and the updating of skills related to MnemeTherapy. We provide professional certification of MnemeTherapists and continued education We encourage cooperation and sharing information between Members.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
General Principles, as opposed to Ethical Standards, are aspirational in nature. Their intent is to guide and inspire MnemeTherapists toward the very highest ethical ideals of the profession. General Principles, in contrast to Ethical Standards, do not represent obligations and should not form the basis for imposing sanctions. Relying upon General Principles for either of these reasons distorts both their meaning and purpose.
Beneficence MnemeTherapists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm. In their professional actions, MnemeTherapists seek to safeguard the welfare and rights of those with whom they interact professionally and other affected persons. When conflicts occur among MnemeTherapists' obligations or concerns, they attempt to resolve these conflicts in a responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes harm. MnemeTherapists strive to be aware of the possible effect of their own physical and mental health on their ability to help those with whom they work.
Fidelity and Responsibility MnemeTherapists establish relationships of trust with those with whom they work. They are aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to society and to the specific communities in which they work. MnemeTherapists uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior, and seek to manage conflicts of interest that could lead to exploitation or harm. MnemeTherapists consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interests of those with whom they work. They are concerned about the ethical compliance of their colleagues' professional conduct. MnemeTherapists strive to contribute a portion of their professional time for little or no compensation or personal advantage.
Integrity MnemeTherapists seek to promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice of MnemeTherapy. In these activities, MnemeTherapists do not steal, cheat, or engage in fraud, subterfuge, or intentional misrepresentation of fact. MnemeTherapists strive to keep their promises and to avoid unwise or unclear commitments. In situations in which deception may be ethically justifiable to maximize benefits and minimize harm, MnemeTherapists have a serious obligation to consider the need for, the possible consequences of, and their responsibility to correct any resulting mistrust or other harmful effects that arise from the use of such techniques.
Justice MnemeTherapists recognize that fairness and justice entitle all persons to access to and benefit from the contributions of MnemeTherapy and to equal quality in the processes, procedures, and services being conducted by MnemeTherapists.
Respect for People's Rights and Dignity MnemeTherapists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination. MnemeTherapists are aware that special safeguards may be necessary to protect the rights and welfare of persons or communities whose vulnerabilities impair autonomous decision- making. MnemeTherapists are aware of and respect cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status and consider these factors when working with members of such groups. MnemeTherapists try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of others based upon such prejudices.
HUMAN RELATIONS
Unfair Discrimination In their work-related activities, MnemeTherapists do not engage in unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.
Sexual Harassment MnemeTherapists do not engage in sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature, that occurs in connection with the MnemeTherapist’s activities or roles as a therapist, and that either (1) is unwelcome, is offensive, or creates a hostile workplace or educational environment, and the MnemeTherapist knows or is told this or (2) is sufficiently severe or intense to be abusive to a reasonable person in the context. Sexual harassment can consist of a single intense or severe act or of multiple persistent or pervasive acts.
Other HarassmentMnemeTherapists do not knowingly engage in behavior that is harassing or demeaning to persons with whom they interact in their work based on factors such as those persons' age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, or socioeconomic status.
Avoiding Harm MnemeTherapists take reasonable steps to avoid harming their clients/patients, students, apprentices, and others with whom they work, and to minimize harm where it is foreseeable and unavoidable.
Exploitative Relationships MnemeTherapists do not exploit persons over whom they have supervisory, evaluative, or other authority such as clients/patients, students, supervisees, independent contractors and employees.
Cooperation With Other Professionals When indicated and professionally appropriate, MnemeTherapists cooperate with other professionals in order to serve their clients/patients effectively and appropriately.
Interruption of MnemeTherapy Services Unless otherwise covered by contract, MnemeTherapists make reasonable efforts to plan for facilitating services in the event that services are interrupted by factors such as the MnemeTherapist’s illness, unavailability, relocation, or retirement. Please inform clients of vacation plans or any planned interruption of services.
Compliance with laws and regulations AWBA Members agree to always strive to comply with all laws and regulations, State and Federal, which are applicable to their business, and to maintain high standards of ethical conduct in the operation of that business and in their dealings with employees, clients, and independent contractors.
Equal Opportunities Members further agree to treat all applicants, employees and independent contractors with dignity and respect, and to provide equal employment opportunities, based on bona fide job qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.
Noncompliance Those Members who do not comply with the above will be denied membership in AWBA and surrender the license bestowed on their Chapter to provide MnemeTherapy services.
ADVERTISING AND OTHER PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements Public statements include but are not limited to paid or unpaid advertising, brochures, printed matter, directory listings, personal resumes or curricula vitae, or comments for use in media such as print or electronic transmission, statements in legal proceedings, lectures and public oral presentations, and published materials. MnemeTherapists do not knowingly make public statements that are false, deceptive, or fraudulent concerning their research, practice, or other work activities or those of persons or organizations with which they are affiliated. MnemeTherapists do not make false, deceptive, or fraudulent statements concerning their training, experience, or competence; their academic degrees; their credentials; their institutional or association affiliations; their services; the scientific or clinical basis for, or results or degree of success of their services.
Statements by Others MnemeTherapists who engage others to create or place public statements that promote their professional practice, products, or activities retain professional responsibility for such statements. MnemeTherapists do not compensate employees of press, radio, television, or other communication media in return for publicity in a news item. A paid advertisement relating to MnemeTherapists' activities must be identified or clearly recognizable as such.
Media Presentations When MnemeTherapists provide comments via print, Internet, or other electronic transmission, they take precautions to ensure that statements (1) are based on their professional knowledge, training, or experience in accord with appropriate literature and practice; (2) are otherwise consistent with this Ethics Code. Do not use pictures or videos of clients in your presentation without permission.
Testimonials MnemeTherapists do not solicit testimonials from current clients/patients or other persons who because of their particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence. Testimonies of dramatic improvement must be signed and dated by a professional observer, such as an activity director, manager, administrator or in the case of an autistic client, a teacher, parent or guardian. Before video or audio taping permission must be obtained and all HIPPA regulations observed in protecting the identity of the client.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING STANDARDS
Student Disclosure of Personal Information
Personal Information Master MnemeTherapists/trainers do not require students or supervisees to disclose personal information in course- or program-related activities, either orally or in writing, regarding sexual history, history of abuse and neglect, psychological treatment, and relationships with parents, peers, and spouses or significant others. Unless, the MMT believes conditions prevail that could prevent the apprentice them from performing their training- or professionally related activities in a competent manner or poses a threat to others.
Fair Evaluations MMTs evaluate students and supervisees on the basis of their actual performance on relevant and established program requirements.
Sexual relationships MMTs do not engage in sexual relationships with students or supervisees over whom MnemeTherapists have or are likely to have evaluative authority.
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE Members:
Strive to maintain high standards in regards to cleanliness with clients and equipment, following safe practices concerning hand washing and cleanliness of work area.
Respect others by rescheduling if ill.
Are committed to excellent work ethics, arriving ahead of time to set up giving their best for the full session, cleaning work areas and sinks.
Do not exaggerate the benefits of MnemeTherapy to obtain clients and always strive to present a clear and concise picture of the value and limitations of the therapy.
Observe state and federal regulations and laws in running their business.
Take time to encourage new graduates and give advice and support to those in the Association who need it.
Participate in conference calls and sharing ideas and success stories on the blog and Monday conference calls whenever able to do so.
AWBA members acknowledge that such compliance is in the best interests of Member fellow chapters, clients, accounts, employees and independent contractors.
The undersigned Member acknowledges having read this document and agreed to be bound by the Code of Ethics set out above. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that violation of the Code of Ethics may result in termination in the Membership of the undersigned in the Association, in the discretion of the Association.
Submitting this form will represent your signature and acknowledgement. Please print, date and keep in your Association Manual.