Code of Professional Conduct

Core responsibilities

As an FNTP member, you are personally accountable for your practice. In caring for patients and clients you must:

• Respect each patient or client as an individual, honour their dignity and integrity, and do not allow prejudice about their background, beliefs, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or other personal circumstances to affect their care. Comply with applicable equality law.
• Obtain consent before you give any treatment or care and work according to holistic principles.
• Protect confidential information.
• Recognise the contribution of other therapies and healthcare professionals in complementary and conventional medicine. Work with other practitioners and refer when this is in the patient's or client's best interests. Do not undertake work beyond your training, competence or lawful scope of practice.
• Maintain your professional knowledge and competence through continuing learning so that you can provide a high standard of care.
• Be trustworthy and do not exploit patients or clients. Maintain high ethical standards and behave with courtesy, respect, dignity, discretion and tact.
• Act to identify and minimise risk to patients and clients.

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Code of Professional Conduct

This Code of Professional Conduct is intended to:

• Inform members of the standards of professional conduct and practice to which they must adhere, and provide guidance on the practice of nutritional therapy with human beings only.
• Inform the public, other professions and employers of the standards they can expect from an FNTP member.

Practitioners are personally responsible for their practice and are accountable for their actions and omissions, regardless of advice or direction from another professional. They owe a duty of care to their patients and clients, who are entitled to safe, competent care. Practitioners must comply with the law in every jurisdiction in which they practise, including where relevant when providing services remotely.

1.2 Scope of the Code

The Code sets expected standards of conduct and practice. It is not an exhaustive set of rules. In this Code, 'patient/client' means a person receiving a member's professional services. References to treatment do not authorise activities outside a member's qualifications, competence or lawful scope of practice.

1.3 Scope of practice and legal restrictions

FNTP members must not claim to cure disease or guarantee recovery. Any explanation of possible benefits must be accurate, proportionate to the evidence and consistent with applicable law and advertising rules. Members must not countermand a doctor's instructions or prescriptions, or advise a patient/client to stop or change prescribed medication; concerns must be referred to the prescriber. FNTP membership does not confer authority to practise medicine or any other legally restricted profession.

FNTP membership covers work with human beings only. Members must not rely on their FNTP membership to diagnose, test, treat or advise on the treatment of animals, or to override a veterinary surgeon's instructions. Any separately qualified veterinary work is outside the scope of this Code and must comply with the applicable law and professional requirements.

FNTP membership does not authorise a member to provide midwifery services or undertake the protected function of attending a person in childbirth. In the UK, this is governed by article 45 of the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001, subject to its specific exceptions. Members must remain within their own lawful scope and obtain appropriate medical or midwifery assistance when needed.

2. Conduct towards patients and clients

2.1 Patient/client welfare

The relationship between practitioner and their patients/clients is based on trust and on the principle that the welfare of the patient/client is paramount. Practitioners must take care to observe this trust and principle whilst observing professional boundaries. Record keeping should be legible, attributable and kept together with any clinical correspondence relevant to the case.

2.2 Treating patients/clients with respect and consideration

FNTP members must treat patients/clients politely and considerately. Consultation, assessment and treatment require valid informed consent, as set out in section 2.9. Members must listen to patients/clients, respect their views, privacy and dignity, and ensure that their own beliefs or prejudices do not adversely affect care. They must explain relevant matters in a way the patient/client can understand, respect the right to refuse treatment or participation in teaching or research, and refer promptly for a second opinion where appropriate or requested.

2.3 Honesty with regard to investigations, treatment and advice

FNTP members must be honest with patients/clients. They must not misrepresent a condition or the therapeutic value of advice or treatment, encourage undue dependence, or recommend investigations or treatment to the patient's/client's detriment. Before care begins, they must explain the proposed procedures, the need for a medical history, the likely content, length and number of consultations, and the fees. Recommendations and charges must be justified. Case records must accurately document attendance, relevant history, consent, advice, treatment and observations; they may be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

2.4 Acceptance of responsibility for the care of patients/clients

Members may decide whether they can accept a patient/client, subject to their competence, available resources, professional duties and applicable equality law. FNTP services covered by this Code are for human beings only. In Great Britain, members must comply with the Equality Act 2010, including applicable duties to make reasonable adjustments. Members practising elsewhere, including Northern Ireland, must comply with the relevant local law. Any restriction of services must have a lawful basis; members should obtain advice before relying on a legal exception.

On accepting a patient/client, practitioners who work together in any capacity in the same practice or premises, are advised to provide the patient/client with written confirmation of:

• The name and status of the person responsible for the patient's/client's day-to-day care.
• The person responsible for supervising the patient's/client's overall treatment.
• The person to approach in the event of any problem with any treatment.

The practice should also give written notification of any change, before it occurs where practicable, or as soon as reasonably practicable afterwards.

2.5 Partnership in care

FNTP members must recognise and respect patients/clients as partners in their care. This includes identifying their preferences and respecting them within the limits of professional practice, available resources and the goals of the therapeutic relationship.

2.6 Termination of responsibility for the care of patients/clients

FNTP members must not end responsibility for a patient's/client's care without good cause. Where appropriate, they must make a reasonable attempt to arrange continuity of care with a competent healthcare professional.

2.7 Personal relationships

2.7.1 FNTP members shall not use their professional position as a means of pursuing an improper personal relationship with a patient/client or with a close relative or personal companion of a patient/client.

2.7.2 FNTP members who find that they are becoming involved in such an improper personal relationship with a patient/client should end the professional relationship and arrange alternative care for the patient/client.

2.7.3 Where it appears that a patient/client is becoming involved in such an improper personal relationship with the member, the member should take care not to encourage the patient/client, and may well be advised to arrange alternative care.

2.8 Undue influence

FNTP members shall not attempt unduly to influence patients/clients to do anything against their will or for the financial or other benefit of the practitioner or anyone associated with them.

2.9 Informed consent

2.9.1 Need for informed consent

Before any examination, assessment or treatment, members must obtain valid informed consent and record the discussion and decision. Consent must be voluntary, based on sufficient relevant information, and given by a person with capacity or another person with lawful authority. Consent is an ongoing process and may be withdrawn. A signature alone is not proof of informed consent.

2.9.2 Meaning of informed consent

Members must explain the proposed care, its purpose, material risks, expected benefits, reasonable alternatives and the option of no treatment, in a way the patient/client can understand. Allow questions and check understanding. Consent may be expressed orally, in writing or by an unambiguous action appropriate to the circumstances; silence alone must not be treated as consent.

2.9.3 Capacity to make a decision

2.9.3.1 Capacity must be considered for the particular decision at the time it is needed. Do not assume a person lacks capacity merely because of a diagnosis, disability, age, appearance or a decision with which the practitioner disagrees.

2.9.3.2 Support the person to decide. In England and Wales, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 framework requires consideration of whether an impairment or disturbance in the functioning of the mind or brain means the person cannot:

• Understand the information relevant to the decision.
• Retain that information long enough to make the decision.
• Use or weigh the information as part of making the decision.
• Communicate the decision by any means.

2.9.3.3 An apparently unwise choice does not by itself establish a lack of capacity. Members must stay within their competence when considering capacity and seek appropriate clinical or legal advice if uncertain.

2.9.3.4 Consent and capacity law differs between jurisdictions, including within the UK. Members must follow the law applicable to the patient/client and the proposed care; the England and Wales examples below must not be treated as a universal rule.

2.9.4 Advice on action to be taken by an FNTP member

Apply the following safeguards alongside the applicable law and professional guidance.

2.9.4.1 Patients/clients under the age of 16

In England and Wales, a child under 16 may be able to consent if they have sufficient understanding and competence for the proposed care. Where the child cannot give valid consent, obtain consent from someone with parental responsibility or other lawful authority. Involve the child as far as possible. Do not assume that any accompanying adult has parental responsibility. Seek appropriate advice where there is doubt, disagreement or a safeguarding concern.

2.9.4.2 Patients/clients aged 16 and over who may lack capacity

In England and Wales, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 generally applies from age 16. If a patient/client lacks capacity for a particular decision, members must follow the applicable legal framework, including best-interests and least-restrictive requirements where applicable. A relative or carer is not automatically authorised to consent on the person's behalf.

2.9.4.2.1 Establish and document the basis for acting, including any relevant advance decision or legally authorised decision-maker. Obtain appropriate clinical or legal advice when the authority to proceed is uncertain.

2.9.4.2.2 Involve the person as far as possible and consult those who should be involved under the applicable law. Agreement among relatives or professionals does not by itself provide lawful authority. Do not proceed with non-urgent care while a material issue about consent or authority remains unresolved.

2.9.4.3 Patients/clients aged 16 and over who have capacity

Adults with capacity may consent to or refuse care. In England and Wales, young people aged 16 or 17 are generally presumed able to consent to their own medical treatment. Members must ensure that:

• The patient/client has sufficient relevant information and an opportunity to ask questions.
• Consent is voluntary and valid for the proposed care.

Where a child or young person refuses treatment or there is disagreement about consent, members must seek appropriate legal and clinical advice rather than assuming that parental consent overrides the young person's decision. Do not undertake non-urgent care while the issue remains unresolved.

2.10 Having a third party present

Where a member intends to examine or treat a child under the age of 16 years, or to treat a patient/client in the patient's/client's home, or where a patient/client so requests, the member shall arrange for a third party (such as a suitable member of staff, or a relative or friend of the patient/client) to be present, unless this is impractical in the circumstances.

2.11 Dealing with medical emergencies

Practitioners must establish procedures for medical emergencies and make them known to staff where applicable. Obtain emergency assistance promptly and provide only such help as is appropriate to the situation and within the practitioner's competence.

2.12 Guidance when unable to help

In any case where a member discovers that the patient/client is suffering from a condition which is outside the member's scope of practice, the practitioner shall advise the patient/client to consult a registered medical practitioner or an appropriate other person. Members must guard against the danger that a patient/client without previously consulting a doctor may come for therapy for a known disorder and subsequently be found, too late, to be suffering from another serious disorder. To this end new patients/clients must be asked what medical advice they have received. If they have not seen a doctor, they must be advised to do so. Since it is legal to refuse medical treatment, no patient/client can be forced to consult a doctor. The advice must be recorded for the member's protection.

2.13 Reports on behalf of third parties

Before a member prepares a report on behalf of a third party, such as an employer or insurance company, the member shall obtain the patient's/client's consent in writing to the release of information to the third party and shall ensure at the outset that the patient/client is aware of the purpose of the report and of the obligation which the member has towards the third party.

2.14 Notification of fees

FNTP members shall ensure that details of their fees are made known to patients/clients either by way of notice or by personal communication before liability for payment is incurred.

2.15 Commercial transactions

FNTP members who supply goods to a patient/client must have a reasonable basis for believing they are appropriate and likely to benefit that person. Explain relevant costs and any financial interest in recommended products, tests or services. Recommendations must be based on the patient's/client's needs and must not be driven by financial gain. The prohibition on referral commissions in section 4.4 continues to apply.

2.16 Complaints and claims by patients/clients

FNTP members must deal promptly and fairly with complaints and claims. Each practice must have a clear complaints procedure and explain how patients/clients can refer an unresolved complaint to FNTP, using FNTP's current published contact details. Members must follow applicable FNTP complaints requirements and notify their insurer as required by their policy. A complaint must not result in unfair treatment of the patient/client.

Where a patient/client wishes to make a complaint against another healthcare professional, the practitioner shall give to the patient/client such assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances.

2.17 Safeguarding

Members must recognise and respond appropriately to concerns about abuse, neglect or exploitation of children and adults at risk. Maintain suitable safeguarding knowledge and procedures, know the local reporting routes, and seek urgent help where a person is in immediate danger. Share information lawfully and proportionately as described in section 3.2; do not promise absolute secrecy.

3. Records and confidentiality

3.1 Confidentiality – the general rule

FNTP members must protect confidential information, including a patient's/client's identity, during and after the professional relationship and after the patient's/client's death. Information must not be disclosed without valid consent or another lawful and justified basis. Members must protect records from improper access, use, loss or disclosure when collecting, storing, transmitting and disposing of them, and ensure appropriate safeguards apply to employees, contractors and service providers. These duties apply to paper and electronic records.

In the UK, comply with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, as amended, including applicable changes made by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. Health information is special category data: identify both a lawful basis for processing and a relevant special category condition, and meet any associated statutory requirements. Provide appropriate privacy information and follow applicable security, breach-reporting and individual-rights obligations. Consent to treatment is distinct from the legal basis for processing personal data.

3.2 Exceptions to the general rule of confidentiality

3.2.1 Disclosure without the patient's/client's consent may be appropriate only where there is a lawful basis and a sufficient justification, for example:

• Where disclosure is required by legislation or a valid court order.
• Where a permitted disclosure is necessary and proportionate to protect a person from serious harm or address a safeguarding concern.
• Where information sharing for care is lawful and consistent with confidentiality duties and the patient's/client's rights.

A practitioner's belief that disclosure would be helpful, or advice from a professional body, does not by itself provide legal authority. Obtain appropriate advice where the legal basis or justification is uncertain, without delaying urgent protective action.

3.2.2 When disclosing information under an exception, the practitioner must:

• Inform the patient/client where it is lawful, safe and appropriate to do so; prior notice must not be given where prohibited or where it would create a serious risk or frustrate a lawful safeguarding purpose.
• Explain, where appropriate, what will be shared, why and with whom.
• Share only the information necessary for the purpose, use secure means, and take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate handling by the recipient.
• Record the information disclosed, the recipient, date, reasons, legal basis and any decision not to inform the patient/client.

3.3 Ownership of and responsibility for records as between practitioners

3.3.1 Practitioners working together must agree and document who is responsible for maintaining, securing, retaining and providing access to patient/client records, and identify the data controller or controllers under applicable law.

3.3.2 Contractual ownership of a record does not override data-protection responsibilities, confidentiality or the patient's/client's rights. Working arrangements must identify the person or organisation responsible for the records rather than relying on an assumption based solely on ownership of the practice.

3.3.3 Explain the relevant responsibilities to patients/clients, including the care arrangements described in section 2.4 and how to exercise rights of access.

On retirement, practice closure or transfer, arrange lawful, secure continuing custody or transfer of records for the required retention period. Do not automatically destroy records or return the only copy simply because a practice closes.

3.4 Retention of records

Keep records securely for a documented period justified by their purpose, applicable law and professional and insurance requirements. Maintain and review a written retention schedule that addresses adult records, children's records, complaints, claims and any requirement to preserve evidence. Obtain insurer or legal advice where necessary; do not rely on a single generic retention period for every case.

Do not destroy records that are subject to a complaint, claim, investigation or other legal hold. Retention duties continue when a practitioner retires or a practice closes. Keep identifiable information no longer than is necessary for the documented lawful purposes.

3.5 Secure disposal

After the applicable retention period has ended, and provided there is no continuing legal or professional reason to retain the records, dispose of them securely. Use appropriate confidential destruction for paper and secure deletion or destruction for electronic records and media. Address backup copies within the retention arrangements and keep an appropriate record of disposal.

3.6 Access to records by patients/clients

Patients/clients may request access to their personal data in accordance with applicable law. In the UK, recognise requests made verbally as well as in writing; do not insist on a particular form. Verify identity proportionately, respond within the applicable statutory time limit, and apply any lawful restrictions or exemptions carefully, including those protecting other people's information. Provide copies securely and do not require the return of a copy supplied in response to an access request.

4. Colleagues and other professionals

4.1 Criticism and discrimination

Practitioners shall not unjustly criticise or discriminate against a colleague or other healthcare professional.

4.2 Complaints against other practitioners

Practitioners must raise concerns about another practitioner's conduct, competence or health through the appropriate professional, regulatory or safeguarding route. Make reasonable efforts to establish the facts, but do not delay urgent action needed to protect a patient/client. Safety must take priority over personal or professional loyalties. FNTP members must cooperate with relevant complaints and fitness-to-practise procedures.

4.3 Approaching patients/clients of other practitioners

4.3.1 Where practitioners work together, in any capacity, in the same practice or premises, they are advised to enter into a specific agreement governing their respective responsibilities for the patients/clients whom they treat in that practice or those premises.

4.3.2 Where responsibilities are not clear, practitioners must clarify and document them promptly and tell the patient/client who is responsible for their care, as described in section 2.4. A patient/client is free to choose or change practitioner; ownership of a practice does not confer ownership of a patient/client.

4.3.3 Practitioners shall not approach someone who is the patient/client of another practitioner with the intention of persuading that person to become their patient/client.

4.4 Commission and split fees

Practitioners shall not offer or accept any form of commission or split fee relating to referred cases.

4.5 Provision of information contained in records: healthcare professionals

4.5.1 With the patient's/client's written consent, practitioners must provide another healthcare professional promptly with the relevant information needed for proper care, using secure means. Where disclosure without consent is necessary, apply section 3.2. Preserve an appropriate record of what was shared.

4.5.2 Practitioners who receive on loan records belonging to another healthcare professional shall return them promptly.

4.6 Provision of information contained in health records: Evidence

Practitioners who are required or requested to give evidence or information to legal bodies should do so with care. Where the evidence is given as an expert witness, the practitioner must be independent and impartial.

4.7 Employing other healthcare professionals

4.7.1 Practitioners who employ healthcare professionals of any description shall ensure that they are:

• Properly qualified, and registered with the appropriate statutory or regulatory body if any.
• Properly insured against any liability to, or in relation to patients/clients. The nature and amount of such insurance relating to each healthcare professional, and the conditions of cover, shall be those prescribed by the appropriate statutory or regulatory body.

4.7.2 Unqualified persons

Practitioners shall not practise in circumstances in which a person who is not properly qualified takes decisions with regard to the treatment of the patient/client, unless that person is the medical practitioner for that patient/client.

4.7.3 Teaching and training

Practitioners who undertake to teach or train students shall ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge, and that those students whom they teach or train are properly supervised, and, where necessary, insured. Subject to these provisions, the practitioner may allow students to treat consenting patients/clients provided that any such treatment is carried out under qualified supervision.

5. Education and proficiency

5.1 Requirements

Practitioners must meet FNTP's applicable education and continuing professional development requirements, and any applicable requirements of a professional or regulatory body with which they are registered. This includes relevant requirements of the General Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapies (GRCCT), where applicable.

5.2 Practitioners must keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date throughout their careers. In particular, they should take part regularly in learning activities that develop their competence and performance.

5.3 To practise competently, a practitioner must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities required for lawful, safe and effective practice without direct supervision. They must acknowledge the limits of their professional competence and only undertake practice and accept responsibilities for those activities in which they are fully trained and competent.

5.4 If an aspect of practice is beyond a practitioner's level of competence or outside their area, they must refer the patient/client to an appropriate practitioner, whether it be complementary or conventional medicine. If in any doubt, the patient/client must be told to consult their doctor.

5.5 Practitioners have a duty to treat patients/clients in line with current evidence and research in order to best serve the patient/client and the profession as a whole.

6. Research

6.1 When taking part in clinical trials or other research, practitioners shall ensure that they:

• Adhere strictly to a research protocol which has been approved in accordance with rules made by an appropriate ethics committee.
• Obtain the informed consent of any patient/client taking part in the research.
• Accept only such payments as are specified in the protocol.
• Conduct the research uninfluenced by payments or gifts.
• Maintain adequate records.
• Record results truthfully.
• Make no unauthorised claims to authorship.
• Make no attempt to prevent publication of any criticism of the research.

7. Personal conduct

7.1 Personal behaviour generally

FNTP members shall at all times avoid conduct which may undermine public confidence in their profession or bring their profession into disrepute, whether or not such conduct is directly concerned with professional practice.

7.2 Alcohol or other drugs

Misuse of alcohol or other drugs that affects professional conduct or safe practice may lead to consideration under the applicable FNTP complaints and fitness-to-practise procedures, whether or not criminal proceedings take place. Practitioners must not practise while impaired and must seek appropriate help and take steps to protect patients/clients.

7.3 Dealing with ill health

An FNTP member who has reason to believe that patients/clients may be at risk because of their (the practitioner's) ill health, whether mental or physical, must seek and follow proper advice as to whether or how they should modify their practice. Failure to do so may be regarded as unacceptable professional conduct.

7.4 Use of qualifications

Practitioners must not use titles or qualifications in a misleading way. A member using the title 'doctor' who is not a registered medical practitioner must make the nature of their qualification and professional role clear in advertising and professional dealings. FNTP membership must not be presented as medical registration or as authorisation to undertake a legally restricted activity.

7.5 Personal hygiene

Practitioners must maintain appropriate personal hygiene and ensure that their health does not put patients/clients at risk. They must not eat, drink or smoke while examining or treating a patient/client.

8. Publicity and promotion

8.1 Generally

FNTP members may publicise their practices subject to applicable law and advertising standards. These obligations apply to websites, social media, testimonials used in marketing, printed materials and other communications. In the UK, consult the applicable CAP or BCAP advertising rules and relevant requirements for foods, food supplements and medicines; MHRA requirements do not cover every product or advertising issue.

8.2 Legality

The publicity of a practitioner shall comply with the general law, and shall not encourage or condone breaches of the law by others.

8.3 Decency

Publicity must be consistent with generally accepted standards of decency and must not cause serious or widespread offence or bring the profession into disrepute. Members must not make claims to cure a condition or illness. Health-related claims must be supported by appropriate evidence and comply with the applicable advertising rules. Claims that foods or food supplements prevent, treat or cure human disease are not permitted; permitted nutrition or health claims must meet the applicable rules and conditions of use.

8.4 Honesty

The publicity of a practitioner shall be worded in such a way that it does not abuse the trust of members of the public nor exploit their lack of experience or knowledge, either of matters of health or of practice.

8.5 Truthfulness

Publicity of an FNTP member shall not be misleading or inaccurate in any way.

8.6 Frequency of publicity

Publicity shall not be generated so frequently or in such a manner as to put those to whom it is directed under pressure to respond.

8.7 Physical details of publicity

The design, size, lettering, colouring, degree of illumination, material, and other physical details of the publicity used by a practitioner (for example, but not by way of limitation, nameplates, signs identifying professional premises, professional stationery, directory entries, professional announcements, and advertising for staff) shall be consistent with a professional approach towards the provision of information to members of the public.

8.8 Identity of a practitioner

The publicity of a practitioner shall contain sufficient information to enable the practitioner to be contacted.

8.9 Claims to specialisation or expertise

Unless reference to a specialist qualification has been entered on the FNTP Register of Members, no claim shall be made by a practitioner that the practitioner is a specialist, or an expert in a particular field. Nevertheless, a practitioner may indicate that a practice is wholly or mainly devoted to particular types of treatment.

8.10 Published material and broadcasts

The publicity of practitioners may refer to clinical or research material published by them or others in a professional journal, and to their authorship of books and articles relating to professional matters, provided that the reference is accurate and clearly identified, and no suggestion is made in either the publicity or the published material or the broadcasts that they should be consulted in preference to any other practitioner.

8.11 Interactions with the media

Publicity about a practitioner or a practice which arises through, or from interviews with representatives of the media, and which may be regarded as likely to bring the profession into disrepute, should be avoided. A practitioner should wherever possible request access to the article, statement or interview before publication or broadcast in an attempt to ensure that it does not contravene the provisions of this Code.

8.12 Claims to superiority

FNTP members must not claim that their services, personal qualities or skills are superior to those of another practitioner.

8.13 Criticism of services or charges

No publicity may, in relation to any other practitioner or other healthcare professional, whether identifiable or not, criticise the quality or cost of services provided.

8.14 Guarantees of successful treatment

No publicity shall employ any words, phrases or illustrations which suggest a guarantee that any condition will be cured.

8.15 Statements relating to fees

Any publicity relating to fees shall be clearly expressed. In particular, a practitioner should state what services will be provided for each fee.

8.16 Personal approaches

FNTP members must not publicise their services through unsolicited direct approaches to a private individual who is not a patient/client, whether in person or through post, telephone, email, messaging, social media or another channel. Members may approach representatives of organisations or other healthcare professionals, subject to applicable marketing law. Communications with existing patients/clients must also comply with data-protection and electronic-marketing requirements, including rights to object or opt out where applicable.

8.17 Business names

Practitioners shall not use a name for a practice which may be misleading or cause confusion with similar names for the practices of other practitioners or other healthcare professionals.

8.18 Digital tools and professional responsibility

Members remain responsible for advice and public communications produced with digital or AI tools. Check accuracy, evidence and suitability before use. Do not enter identifiable patient/client information into an unapproved service; assess confidentiality, security, contractual and data-protection requirements before using such tools.

9. Practice arrangements, premises and administration

9.1 Membership

9.1.1 It is the responsibility of the FNTP member who intends to continue in practice, to renew registration annually. They must also have appropriate insurance to practise (see 9.7 below).

9.1.2 Those who supervise students undertaking the treatment of patients/clients must have appropriate insurance.

9.2 Agreements of partnership, association or employment

FNTP members who enter into any contract of partnership, association or employment shall abide by the terms of such contract, and ensure that such terms are recorded without delay in a formal, written document.

9.3 Limited companies

FNTP members who work in a practice which is run by a limited company are reminded that they will remain personally liable to individual patients/clients in respect of any treatment or advice which they provide.

9.4 Health and safety legislation

Practitioners shall ensure that they are aware of and comply with all relevant legislative provisions relating to health and safety applying to practice premises, whether such provisions apply to them as employers or as employees.

9.5 Appearance and maintenance of premises

Practitioners shall ensure that the premises in which they practise reflect the professional nature of the practice; are well maintained and orderly; and are hygienic, suitably lit, heated and ventilated.

9.6 Privacy of changing and treatment areas

Practitioners shall ensure that the privacy of examination, changing and treatment areas is secured so far as is reasonably possible.

9.7 Insurance

9.7.1 Members who advise or treat patients/clients must hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance covering the work they undertake, including any relevant remote services and supervision of students. Cover must meet applicable FNTP and legal requirements and be appropriate to the risks and jurisdictions involved. Members must check the terms, exclusions and any continuing or run-off cover needed on ceasing practice.

9.7.2 A member must not undertake work for which appropriate required cover is absent. Failure to maintain adequate cover may be considered under the applicable FNTP complaints or disciplinary procedures. Members should confirm that their arrangements include appropriate support for professional and legal advice in connection with covered claims.

9.8 Debt collection

Practitioners shall not use debt-collecting agencies, or institute legal proceedings to recover sums due, until all other reasonable measures to obtain payment have been taken, and shall ensure that, if such methods are used, only such information relating to the patient/client is disclosed as is necessary.

9.9 Separation of funds and financial information

9.9.1 In cases where an FNTP member holds money on behalf of another person or body they shall do so in such a way that it is kept separately from their own money, and that they account to the other party for any interest earned by such money.

9.9.2 So far as is practical, financial information relating to a patient/client should be kept separately from clinical notes.

9.10 Remote consultations

Apply the same standards to remote and in-person care. Confirm the patient's/client's identity, location, consent and suitability for a remote consultation; protect privacy and have an appropriate plan for emergencies and referral. Check that the service is lawful and insured in the relevant jurisdictions.