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Code of Ethics

Preamble

DR PAUL LAM TAI CHI FOR HEALTH INSTITUTE is an educational, scientific, and professional organization whose certified instructors include Master Trainers, Senior Trainers, instructors and leaders of Dr Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Health programs (hereafter Tai Chi for Health programs). Institute’s certified instructors are dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of life of all who participate in a Tai Chi for Health program. Instructors and leaders embrace a cross cultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of all people. Professional ethics are an essential part of the mission of the Institute. The code of ethics presented here serve to guide instructors’ and leaders’ behavior and encourage them to seek excellence in their tai chi and teaching. In this way this code of ethics not only supports, but strengthens the Institute’s mission

1. Introduction

DR PAUL LAM TAI CHI FOR HEALTH INSTITUTE (hereafter TCHI) seeks to inform, teach and encourage people around the world to understand and appreciate the positive life style benefits that Tai Chi for Health programs offer.

This code of ethics offers guidance for instructors and leaders of Tai Chi for Health programs and provides a core of foundational principles underlying the safe and effective tai chi programs they were trained to teach. All qualified instructors and leaders of Tai Chi for Health programs are expected to accept and uphold these standards of practice. This code is presented as follows:

1. This introduction;

2. Purposes of the code of ethics;

3. Standards of practice;

4. Responsibility to students;

5. Responsibility to colleagues;

6. Responsibility to TCHI; and

7. Professional integrity;

8. Review.

9. Addendum: Glossary of Terms

2. Purposes of this Code of Ethics for Instructors and Leaders

The purposes of the following standards of practice are to:

2.1 Guide TCHI members to ensure that:

1. Their instruction is safe and effective and

2. Participants are treated with dignity and respect

2.2 Maintain a common base of standards for the safe and effective teaching and practicing of Tai Chi for Health programs.

2.3 Enhance the unity of the conduct of TCHI members.

3. Standards of Practice

TCHI members who are instructors and leaders take personal responsibility for ensuring that their conduct adheres to the high standards established in global health communities. The universal standards of “first do no harm” and “all persons are treated with dignity and respect” are paramount in the practice of teaching and are specifically incorporated into these standards; and in addition instructors and leaders take steps to meet the standards of practice set by the Institute.

4. Responsibility to the Participants of Tai Chi for Health Programs

In maintaining standards TCHI members who teach tai chi for health classes shall:

4.1 Prepare and teach their tai chi for health classes within the guidelines of the safe and effective teaching system they have been trained to use.

4.2 Continue their personal development as a means to maintain and improve skills, knowledge and professional conduct.

4.3 Monitor and encourage all participants to stay within their “comfort zone.”

4.4 Respect participants ‘ right to safety by avoiding physical contact

4.5 Treat all participants equally, avoiding favoritism or the appearance of favoritism

4.6 Respect participants’ diversity in all respects

4.7 Respect personal and confidential information disclosed by participants.

4.8 Be aware of the limits of their skills, experience and knowledge.

4.9 Consult with mentors and knowledgeable professionals when such consultations are needed.

4.10 Refer participants to their health professional when asked about health concerns by the participant

5. Responsibility to Colleagues

TCHI instructors and leaders take responsibility for treating colleagues with respect. As a colleague a TCHI instructor will:

5.1 Speak positively and kindly of other instructors.

5.2 Respect personal boundaries and established relationships between instructors and their students. Offer guidance to a colleague if asked, especially by one who is less experienced.

5.3 Provide accurate descriptions of their certifications and related qualifications.

5.4 Provide honesty in all advertising and promotional materials.

5.5 Participate proactively in opportunities of collaborating with colleagues to promote the TCHI and Tai Chi for health programs.

6. Responsibility to TCHI

As a member of TCHI, instructors and leaders support the growth and development of the Institute by:

6.1 Maintaining their membership

6.2 Updating their certifications as appropriate

6.3 Contributing to the Institute such as serving on a committee

6.3 Responding to requests for time and talent

6.4 Recruiting new members to the organization.

6.5 Participating in TCHI sponsored events

7. Professional Integrity:

TCHI instructors and leaders represent the Institute in a professional manner by:

7.1 Describing themselves as tai chi for health instructors and leaders in an honest and accurate way in all respects

7.2 Presenting a positive image to their community

7.3 Supporting the goals and positive intentions of the TCHI

8. Review:

TCHI is committed to reviewing this Code in the light of experience and on a regular basis with the aim of improving both the process and the outcomes from it.

The Code is to be reviewed at least every two years and also in the light of experience, best practice or significant change. All aspects of this Code shall be open to review at any time.

This document is dated February 21, 2010. This Document shall stay in force until any modifications are formally agreed to by TCHI and a new version issued.

ADDENDUM:

Glossary of Terms

Code of Ethics: Standards of conduct established by an organization representing professions that apply to individuals in their professional capacity.

Cross- cultural approach: Based on the golden rule of treating everyone with dignity and respect, instructors and leaders strive for cross cultural understanding in an effort to provide safe and effective Tai Chi for Health programs globally.

Diversity: Conscious practices that involve: Respecting the views and beliefs of others in regard to gender, ethnic origins, religion, culture, sexuality, lifestyle, age and social status.

Instructors and Leaders: Persons trained and certified to teach Tai Chi for Health programs. The titles hold equal status.

Professional Integrity: Quality characterized by honesty, reliability, and fairness

Responsibility: A legal and moral duty to use one’s knowledge in order to benefit participants of Tai Chi for Health programs in ways that benefit them and society at-large

Standards of Practice: A minimum level of performance one is required to demonstrate in the achievement of a specific task or skill.

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