The Society of Naturopathic Doctors

The Society of Naturopathic Doctors Designations:- MRCSND (Assoc) = Associate Registered Member (Levels 1,2 & 3). MRCSND = Fully Registered Member (Level 4). FRCSND = Fully Registered Fellow Member (Level 5). The Society of Naturopathic Doctors / Physicians is a British National / International professional organisation representing the interests of professional ND's, protecting them & their patients through the development of excellence in research and clinical practice and networking with other organisations internationally and in the UK. All practitioners are voluntarily legally bound by contract to the SND's code of professional ethics, policies and procedures. Consequently the SND assesses and validates appropriate courses run by different schools, colleges or universities which are suitable for professional registration and practice in the field of Natural Medicines / Naturopathic Medicine. All SND' recognised courses go through a process of validation to ensure that basic requirements are reached in order to be able to deliver high quality courses and graduates who are competent to enter into unsupervised professional practice at the levels expected of SND practitioners. Therefore progressing the profession, guaranteeing public protection and helping society in general. All SND recognised course providers have reached the minimum standards for their level of qualification as appropriate e.g. for levels 1,2,3,4 & 5 registration. General functions of the SND Encourages outreach and charitable work within communities, whilst promoting Naturopathic Medicines to the public as part of a general public health programme. Maintains a register of suitably qualified practitioners. Produces a code of professional ethics and maintains discipline. Checks regularly a practitioners suitability to continue in practice by issuing a license according to proof of eligibility on an annual basis. E.g. CPD records, insurance, first aid etc. Assesses and validates suitable courses offered by different colleges at various levels. Encourages research and development in Naturopathic Medicine. Networking and sharing academic and clinical skills with other national and international organisations e.g. SND Journal. At all times the SND will be managed by the Executive Management Board, made up of a minimum of 3 board members. The Executive Management Board EMB will have power to appoint other appropriate boards and committees e.g. Naturopathic Medical Examiners Board. Disciplinary Committee. Research and Ethics Committee. 1

5 Levels of Registration Through the SND s College of Naturopathic Doctors. Level 1. Open to Holistic Therapists / Practitioners Level 2. Open to Naturopathic Practitioners Level 3. Open to both Holistic Therapists and Naturopathic Practitioners Level 4. Open to graduates of recognised colleges of Naturopathic Medicine (Minimum 4 years) or assessed as equivalent / passed prescribed theory / practical exams and any other conditions. Level 5. Open to Level 4 registered practitioners with either 10 years experience / registration / election / or completion of a Board Certification / Fellowship. Registered practitioners in active practice must also hold a license to practice, unless they live in another country. They will be responsible for adhering to that countries licensure regulations. To obtain the SND license the registrant must annually provide the following evidence. 1. Hold valid first aid certificate with CPR practical on it. 2. Hold valid insurance to practice. 3. Sign to certify that they agree to abide by the SND code of professional ethics. 4. Sign to certify that they are fit to practice. (Physically, Mentally, Morally). 5. Keep records of a minimum of 30 hours of CPD each year. Breach of any of the above will render the license automatically invalid and the practitioner will be deemed as suspended from practice pending proof of compliance. If for any reason a practitioner cannot fulfil any of the above conditions they must inform the SND within 72 hours. There is no requirement to inform the SND if a member is physically ill, and expects to make a full recovery and return to practice. CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS & PRACTICE 1. To become registered a practitioner the person must have completed a recognised course of academic and practical / clinical training as set out in the SND "Minimum Safe Standards for Naturopathic Education". 1b. The College of Naturopathic Doctors who recommend registration of suitable practitioner to the SND reserve the rights to judge equivalent education and or clinical training and experience as equivalent in appropriate situations. 1c. Or may request additional training, experience or examination. 2. Provisional registration may be offered and full registration granted upon completion of extra academic and or clinical experience. Completion of conditions must be certified by the appropriate authorised person/s. 3. Upon granting of full registration the practitioners who engage in professional practice must also hold a SND license. To hold a license they must fulfil the conditions stated in 4. 4. Registered practitioners in active practice must also hold a license to practice. To obtain the SND license the registrant must annually provide the following evidence. 4a. 1. Hold valid first aid certificate. 4b. 2. Hold valid insurance to practice. 4c. 3. Sign to certify that they agree to abide by the SND code of professional ethics. 4d. 4. Sign to certify that they are fit to practice. (Physically, Mentally, Morally and have a clean criminal record check). 4e. 5. Keep records of a minimum of 30 hours of CPD each year. 4f. 6. Breach of any of the above will render the license automatically invalid and the practitioner will be deemed as suspended from practice pending proof of compliance. 4g. First Aid Certificates must be recognised by the Health and Safety Executive or the SND and contain a CPR practical. Or attend a SND Validated First Aid course every 3 years. Where certificates run out before a license 2

ends, the registrant must re-validate and leave a gap no longer than 3 months between a certificates end and license end. Or the license will become invalid 3 months after the expiry of the certificate. 4h. Insurance must cover what the practitioner intends to practice for a minimum of 1000.000.00. Insurance must run consecutively to ensure a valid SND license. 4i. 3. All registrants consent to sign a binding contract voluntarily to say that they agree to all the terms and conditions of registration and or licensing where appropriate. Or risk forfeiting registration. 4j. All registrants consent to sign a binding contract voluntarily to say that they are fit to practice. Physically, Mentally and Morally. Registrants who can not fulfil these requirements any longer must tell the SND immediately and seek professional help with the SND or externally if preferred. Registered practitioners who attain a criminal record must inform the SND immediately so consideration can be given as to if registration and or licensing will be continued. If the criminal offence is of a physical, mental or sexual assault in nature, it is unlikely that registration will be continued, unless the conviction is quashed. 4k. All registrants must keep accurate records of CPD and deliver them for audit upon request of the SND. All registrants must complete a minimum of 30 hours annually in appropriate subjects to their practice. See the SND guidance on CPD. 4l. Breach of any of the rules regarding licensing will render the license automatically invalid and the practitioner will be deemed as suspended from practice, pending proof of compliance. 5. Must engage in practice adhering to the Six basic naturopathic principles. 5a. First Do No Harm - primum non nocere 5b. The Healing Power of Nature - vis medicatrix naturae 5c. Discover and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect - tolle causam 5d. Treat the Whole Person - tolle totum 5e. The Physician is a Teacher - docere 5f. Prevention is the Best "Cure" - praevenire 6. Record keeping must be complete and too a legal standard for each patient. 6a. All initial consultation forms must clearly state that they will be kept and destroyed where appropriate in accordance to the data protection act 1979. 6b. Where photographs are taken for records and or any other research purposes. Each patient must complete a consent form for medical photography. Or written consent must be given in the clinical notes. 6c. All patient records physical and computer must be kept and destroyed in accordance with the data protection act 1979. 6d. You are reminded that patients have a lawful and legal right in accordance to the freedom of information act, to see any records you hold on them. Registrants are advised to keep records appropriate, professional and too the point. 6e. All practitioners should use the following format when writing clinical notes. EXAMPLE (Fred Bloggs attended clinic today complaining of C/O, (In the patients own words exactly)... On examination O/E was found (Write your findings, observations, tests and results, conclusions and reasons for conclusions) Short term action (Immediate prescription). Long term action (Long term prescriptions etc). Plans (Review and monitoring, extra tests and observations to be carried out at a later date). Sign. Date & Time every entry. Be as detailed as possible in your notes. 7. All registrants are responsible for adhering to local and national legislation with regards health, safety, hygiene etc. 3

8. All registrants must provide the best service they can to their patients regardless of their patients age, sex, sexuality, gender identity, race, religion, disability etc, and adhere to the SND policy on the promotion of equality and diversity for your fellow man, and practice within the scope that they feel comfortable providing, or seek additional training if they so wish to extend their scope. 9. All registrants must project in public the profession of Naturopathic Medicine in a positive manner, and refrain from behaviour unbecoming of a Naturopathic Doctor. 10. All registrants must refrain from commenting on any other practitioners competence or practice even if they are not a member of the SND. You don't know the full story and never can! So don't get sucked into potential libel and gossip problems. 11. It is a SND registrants duty to initially bring to a colleagues attention any short comings witnessed, and where this then becomes an ongoing professional or personal problem seek advice or make a report to the SND. 12. Practitioners who undertake a Naturopathic Diagnosis must ensure that they are qualified and experienced in such areas and that they are covered by their insurance to do so. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE A member of the public or a colleague may decide that they cant approach a registrant to resolve matters, or feel that they have done something wrong which needs investigating and or disciplinary procedures. This is the SND disciplinary procedure. 13. The person who complains must do so in writing. 14. An investigative committee will form within 24 hours of receiving a compliant. Seriousness of the allegation will be judged by a investigative committee. The actions of the committee may be as follows. 14a. Write to the registrant with details of the allegation, asking them to write back with their statement. (Registrants are required to reply within 5 working days, or the committee may decide to suspend their license and or registration and this will be up dated on the register that day). 14b. Suspend the registrant immediately and write to them with details of the allegation asking them to reply within 5 working days. 14c. Inform the authorities if the registrant is deemed a danger to themselves or the public, and suspend them. 14d. Depending on the reply the committee receives from the registrant, the committee may decide to. 14d1. Investigate further and invite the person complaining and the registrant to provide more detailed information / evidence e.g. clinical notes, accounts, copies of diary or other appropriate evidence as requested by the committee. During this process the committee may decide to let the registrant continue in practice or suspend their practice as appropriate giving regard to practitioner and public safety. 14d2. Find in favour of the registrant, in which case no further actions will be taken. 14d3. Find in favour of the complainer and impose appropriate sanctions on practice / license / registration and or give the registrant a written, verbal disciplinary. 14d4. Find in favour of the complainer and find that the offence is incompatible or un-remedial with the SND code of professional ethics and practice, they must be removed from the register for their own and the public protection. 4

14e. If a registrant is either investigated for an alleged or disciplined for the same or similar offence or different offences within the same year. They will automatically be suspended with immediate effect pending investigation, and until 3 months have lapsed, to undergo remedial action (COMPULSORY). Remedial actions will be prescribed by the committee and must be fulfilled before re-instatement of license. 14f. Any failure to comply with investigative committees investigations or conditions issued by the committee will deem the registrant unfit for practice and they will be removed from the register. 14g. Re-admission to the register may only be considered on the following conditions. 14g1. They do not hold a criminal record. 14g2. They have fulfilled any previously issued remedial requirements and can prove it. 14g3. The minimum time of 12 months has elapsed from the date they where removed from the register. Only those who appear on register levels 4 & 5 are allowed to use the SND registered trade mark of Registered Naturopathic Doctor / Physician. Level 1 may use the title Registered Holistic Therapist. Level 2. may use the title Registered Naturopathic Practitioner. Level 3. may use the title Board Certified Specialist in " " " "... Minimum Standards Along with the logo SND Registered Naturopathic Practitioner. STANDARDS FOR NATUROPATHIC EDUCATION These minimum standards are approved by the Society of Naturopathic Doctors, College of Naturopathic Doctors and are Judged and administered by the Naturopathic Medical Examination Board. The SND appreciate that standards of Naturopathic education vary from country to country and from course provider to course provider. We try to be as inclusive and supportive of potential registrants as we can so long as they can demonstrate basic academic education and clinical skills in Naturopathic Medicine. Therefore practitioners who have graduated from un-accredited colleges may be offered a lower level of registration, help and support in obtaining extra education and or clinical experience in order to climb the levels of registration. MS1. The course must last for a minimum of 4 years full time or its equivalent and take up at least 1200 hours per year = 4600 hours minimum. MS2. Of the 1200 hours per year, 250 must be in clinical practice, and at least 75% of this must be under supervision by a suitably qualified and experienced practitioner. The remainder can be academic. This guarantees a graduate who has a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical practice at the end of the 4 years or its equivailant. MS3. Academic may be delivered and assessed via distance learning methods in a suitable manner, but the clinical practice must be face to face with a suitably qualified supervising staff member. Preferably staff who are SND registered and licensed. If not evidence of suitability may be asked for. MS4. The syllabus must contain the following subjects as core compulsory subjects. Available optional modules are also listed below. Some optional modules will become compulsory within the next 5 years. Registered practitioners will have to complete some currently optional modules to remain on their level of the register. MS4.1 Biomedical Sciences:- Subjects Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Molecular and cellular biology including, genetics, biochemistry, histology, normal anatomy & physiology of all body systems. (Compulsory / core subjects) 5

Abnormal physiology, pathology of all body systems. (Compulsory / core subjects) Infectious diseases and public health, Immunology. (Currently optional) 5 yr limit 2020. Functional anatomy & biomechanics. (Currently optional) 5 yr limit 2020. Laboratory medicine & live blood analysis. (Currently optional) 5 yr limit 2020. Advanced physical clinical diagnosis skills. (Currently optional) 5 yr limit 2020. Medical & vascular ultrasound. (Currently optional) 5 yr limit 2020. Minor soft tissue surgery. (Currently optional) MS4.2 Professional Studies:- Subjects Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Communication Skills, law & ethics, health & safety, hygiene & infection control, consultation & case taking, contra-indication and contra-actions, evidence based medicines & reflective practice. (Compulsory / core subjects) Counselling skills. (Compulsory / core subjects) * Modern research methods and statistics used in medical research. (Currently optional) 5 yr limit 2020. Personal and professional development / self-care and development. (Compulsory / core subjects) Psychological medicines / Hypnotherapy, CBT, NLP. (Currently optional) 5 yr limit 2020. MS4.3 Naturopathic Medicines:- Subjects Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Nutritional medicine. (Compulsory / core subjects) * Detoxification processes. (Compulsory / core subjects) Hydrotherapy. (Compulsory / core subjects) Basic phytotherapies = aromatherapy, basic herbalism, basic homeopathy, basic bach flower remedies, basic orthomolecular medicines. (Compulsory / core subjects) Advanced phtyotherapies = Phytopharmacology & therapeutics. (Optional pathway 1) Colonic hydrotherapy (Currently optional) 5 yr limit * 2020. Environmental toxicology and allergy (Currently * optional) 5 yr limit 2020. Basic energy medicines = Reiki healing, acupuncture, reflexology, iridology, EMFs, Magnetotherapy, Bioelectric medicine, Sound, Colour and Crystal therapies. (Compulsory / core subjects) Advanced energy medicines = Reiki master, acupuncture & Chinese cupping, reflexology, iridology, 6

Bioelectric medicines. (Optional pathway 2) Basic manual medicines = Swedish & holistic massage, Hot Stone Massage, Postural analysis, Manual lymphatic drainage. (Compulsory / core subjects) Advanced manual medicines = Biomechanics & orthotics, Trigger point therapy, Remedial massage & sports therapy, Chiropractic & Osteopathic manipulation techniques. (Optional pathway 3) Clinical Pharmacology (Currently optional) 5 yr limit 2020. MS4.4 The institution must have ample physical and mental resources in order to deliver both theory and clinical components of a course. MS4.5 The NMEB must judge each application for registration based on academic and clinical education and award an appropriate level of registration. MS4.6 The registrant is free to climb levels of registration upon completion of appropriate academic and clinical education, and or NMEB prescribed examinations. MS4.7 The NMEB is authorised by the SND to administer examinations to assess both academic and clinical skills of registration applicants, and upon satisfactory completion may award an appropriate registration level. MS4.8 The NMEB is authorised by the SND to assess applications for validation of courses and course providers, against the rules stated above and issue SND provisional or full accreditation for 1,2,3,4,5, years. The usual accreditation period is for 4 years. Thereafter the provider is re-visited and re-validated to receive SND accreditation. Spot checks on providers may be undertaken at anytime, especially upon receipt of a complaint. MS4.9 Graduates of SND accredited courses are eligible for provisional registration after 4 years full time and full registration after 5 years full time. Or 4 years full time followed by 1 year supervised practice. Supervised practice means independent practice but with a mentor on hand whenever needed. A mentor need not actually be present physically, but must be available to provide guidance whenever needed. Upon completion of the provisional year, the mentor will issue the candidate with a reference certifying completion of provisional registration. The mentor must be SND fully registered and licensed for a minimum of 3 years, before they are allowed to certify completion of provisional registration. MS4.10 The course provider must have in place a full range of policies and procedures with regards administration, assessment regulations, detailed module descriptors, handbooks, plagiarism policy, equality and diversity policy, health and safety policy, ethics and professional policy all in line with SND policies and codes of professional ethics etc. MS4.11 Where course providers fall below these standards the SND, NMEB may suspend, withdraw or attach conditions to a providers validation pending any investigation. Course providers must assist the investigators fully or they may have their validation withdrawn. MS4.12 Course providers who have had their validation withdrawn may not apply for validation until all aspects of their investigation have been remedied. Graduates from these providers will not be accepted until their course is re-validated or they may transfer to another provider with the help of the SND, and they may accept their previous studies. 7

FOR BOARD CERTIFICATIONS FOR LEVEL 3 REGISTRANTS BC. The candidate must complete an approved advanced course and gain a minimum of 1 years post-graduate experience before applying for this grade. They may apply for specialism in any approved subject. FOR BOARD CERTIFICATIONS FOR LEVEL 4 REGISTRANTS The candidate must fulfil the following conditions. BC1. Must be fully registered at level 4. BC2. Must complete any necessary academic preparation and have written a research proposal and had it approved by the NMEB ethics committee, and the committee will judge the amount of clinical hours to be completed. BC3. Must have completed a prescribed amount of clinical practice and submitted their research project and passed both elements. These are currently the laws of the SND and may be up dated as and when necessary. It is up to the individual member to keep themselves up to date on these laws. All rights reserved. 8