SELF DETERMINATION - FELLOWSHIP

Graduates of the HONERI Research Associate program are eligible to become Fellows of the HONERI.

The Fellows are also tasked with setting and upholding our Code of Ethics, which all Research Associates and Fellows are subject to, by virtue of their association with the HONERI. The Fellowship is tasked with instituting Self-Regulatory and Self-Determination programs for Herbology and Optimum Nutrition, by liaising with state authorities for the recognition of Traditional Western Herbalists, who serve their communities as specialist health providers.  

The HONERI also accepts Honorary members into it's Fellowship from time to time. These persons are those who have, in the opinion of the Executive Board have significantly contributed to the field of Traditional Western Herbalism  in their health-orientated career and have been progressive advocates for true natural health.  The HONERI also accepts applications for Fellowship by those who hold international Herbalism qualifications of a duration of two years or longer, which will be verified by the HONERI. on application on an individual basis.  Interested persons should contact the HONERI.

LINKS TO INTERNATIONAL HERBALIST SELF-REGULATORS

In the following countries there are no official Statutory Councils for the Registration and Accreditation of Traditional Western Herbologists.  Instead, all Herbologists are self-regulated by their own independent organizations outside of their government's control.  The HONERI acts as a Self-Regulating Organization along the same Common-Law premise as the following listed international organizations. Note: 'Herbology' is different to 'Phytotherapy', therefore we do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa, which only has control over 'Phytotherapists'.

HONERI CONSTITUTION

DEFINITIONS

Fellow(s)

A person (or persons) who has/have obtained fellowship with the Herbology & Optimum Nutrition Education and Research Institute, and who has/have committed themselves by means of the required honorarium for the current year.

Research Associate(s)

A person (or persons) who has/have enrolled into the Research Associate program of the Herbology & Optimum Nutrition Education and Research Institute, and who has/have committed themselves by means of the required honorarium in an average  three-year duration.

Consulting Herbologist(s)

Any person who has obtained Fellowship with the Herbology & Optimum Nutrition Education and Research Institute, and is currently using their knowledge obtained in the Research Associate program in a practical manner with clients. A Consulting Herbologist is also termed a 'Traditional Western Herbalist' by the HONERI.

Client(s)

Any person who elicits a Research Associate or Fellow (Consultant Herbologist) for health assessment or modification using Herbology or Optimum Nutrition, whether for a fee or not.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE HONERI SELF-DETERMINATION program

1.   To ensure that Herbology and Optimum Nutrition is seen to function at the highest standard;

2. To provide an effective voice for Research Associates and Fellows (Consulting Herbologists);

3.   Fostering close cooperation and affiliations between all stakeholders in the natural health industry who recognize the need for evidence-based natural therapeutics ;

4.   To identify and promote the needs of Research Associates and Fellows;

5. To increase public awareness and understanding of evidence-based Herbology and Optimum Nutrition;

6.   To promote confidence in the choice of Herbology and Optimum Nutrition by (a) pursuing registration of Consulting Herbologists where appropriate, (b) ensuring effective self-regulation where registration is not appropriate (c) pursuing high standards of accreditation for the training of members, whether or not registration applies to them,(d) promoting highly visible and practiced Codes of Ethics (e) ensuring that there are effective mechanisms for dealing with complaints;

7.  Developing effective communication and liaison with government bodies and the public;

8.  Participating in the development of legislation which is in the public interest, including the opposition of legislation which, for any reason, is inappropriate;

9.  Ensuring that accredited HONERI Fellows have access to natural health products (herbs and supplements) which are the tools of the vocation;

10. Providing advice on emerging trends, issues, legislation - keeping members and the public informed.

HONERI CODE OF ETHICS


1. Introduction

 

1.1.1

This code has been compiled by the HONERI., and relates to the standards of practice of Herbology and Optimum Nutrition.

1.1.2

This Code of Ethics describes the professional standard of conduct expected of Research

Associates and Fellows so as to preserve and enhance the reputation of the HONERI., the practice of Herbology & Optimal Nutrition and to protect the general public from harmful and unscientific products and services.

1.1.3

This Code of Ethics applies to all Research Associates and Fellows who are members of the HONERI.

1.1.4.

The HONERI reserves the right to amend it’s Code of Ethics as and when it is deemed necessary on approval of the Executive Board.

 

 

2. Duty of Care

 

2.1.1

The primary duty of a Research Associate or Fellow is to competently assist the client to optimum health, with the circumstances of the client’s condition taken into full account within a holistic context, and upon evidence-based, scientific principles.

2.1.2

Research Associate or Fellow shall always maintain the highest standards of conduct and duty of care to their clients.

2.1.3

Under no circumstances shall a Research Associate or Fellow knowingly undertake any action that would adversely affect the health of a client or fellow human being. Further, no animal experimentation may be carried out by Research Associates or Fellows.

 

 

3. Professional Conduct

 

3.1.1

The Research Associates or Fellows shall have respect for the religious, spiritual, political and social views of any individual irrespective of race, age, sex, colour, ethnic origin, differing abilities, sexuality, creed, martial status, culture, political views or social standing.

3.1.2

Proper conduct must always be paramount in the Research Associates’ or Fellows’ relations with clients. Research Associates and/or Fellows must behave with courtesy, respect, dignity and discretion. Their attitude must be competent and sympathetic, hopeful and positive, thus encouraging and uplift in the mental outlook of the client and a belief in a progression towards good health practices.

3.1.3

A Research Associate or Fellow should not enter into an intimate or sexual relationship with a client whilst the client is under their care.

3.1.4

A Research Associate or Fellow can only practically apply Herbology in terms of the HONERI Research Associate Scope of Practice, and may not practice any other health profession or therapy using the HONERI name or symbol attached to such a claim/act.

3.1.5

The Research Associate or Fellow is to recognize a responsibility to give the generally held opinions of the discipline of Herbology & Optimum Nutrition when interpreting and conveying scientific or empirical knowledge to clients or to the general public, and where one presents any personal opinion which is contrary to the generally held opinion of the discipline, clearly indicate that this is so.

3.1.6

A Research Associate or Fellow shall not provide false information on documents used for health fund rebate (medical aid scheme benefit) purposes and may not claim to have registration for the issue of such claims/benefits.

3.1.7

The Research Associates or Fellow shall not use unsafe or improper practices that can cause harm to the client, whether mental or physical.

3.1.8

Research Associates or Fellows shall at all times show due respect and cooperate with practitioners or other disciplines.

3.1.9

Research Associates and Fellows must never claim to "cure". The possible therapeutic benefits may be described as "recovery", but this must never be guaranteed.

Research Associates and Fellows must never claim to "prescribe". The possible therapeutic advice may be described as "personal suggestion".

Research Associates and Fellows must never claim to have "patients", as medical care is being implicated. The use of the word “clients” is preferable.

Research Associates are not to refer to their program as a “course of study”, but rather “an associated research program”.

3.1.10

A Research Associate or Fellow shall at no time take part in, or promote any activity, verbal or otherwise, which will reflect improperly or denigrate the standing of Research Associates, Fellows or the HONERI within the general community or in any professional circles.

3.1.11

Research Associates and Fellows should ensure that they are medically, physically and psychologically fit to practice.

3.1.12

A Research Associate or Fellow should not attend to a client or consultancy whilst under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substance that would impair their judgment.

3.1.13

A Research Associate or Fellow shall not use their professional connections or affiliations in an unconscionable manner.

3.1.14

A Research Associate or Fellow shall not knowingly breach Medicines/Drug regulations in his or her country of residence, and must keep abreast of regulatory developments as a measure of due diligence.

3.1.15

A Research Associate or Fellow shall always use evidence-based health suggestions as the primary choice in a consulting with clients.

 

 

4.Confidentiality

 

4.1.1

A Research Associate or Fellow may not disclose information obtained in confidences from or about a client unless consent has been given.

4.1.2

Client records are kept confidential at all times and access restricted to the Research Associate or Fellow or assistant, except:
(a) in an emergency or other urgent situation where the information may prevent possible injury to the client or the other person
(b) where required to do so by the law.

 

 

5. Patient Records

 

5.1.1

The public is entitled to expect that a Research Associate or Fellow will maintain a good standard of consultancy with full records. This includes: (a) name, address, telephone, date of birth; (b) details of health history; (c) dates of consultancy; (d) details of remedies suggested.

5.1.2

Client records are to be kept indefinitely in safe and secure storage.

 

 

6. Advertising

 

6.1.1

A Research Associate or Fellow shall not advertise or lay claim to secret or exclusive methods of health promotion.

6.1.2

In the advertising of a Research Associates or Fellows skills are services, due regards should be paid to the following:
(a) Research Associates or Fellows shall not use titles or descriptions that give the impressions of medical or other qualifications to which they are not entitled.
(b) Research Associates and Fellows shall only advertise in a proper and professional manner for the purpose of informing members of the general public as to their location details and areas of specialized consultancy.

 

 

7. Stationery

 

7.1.1

A Research Associate or Fellow is responsible for the issue of their own receipts and their own personal receipt books.

7.1.2

A Research Associate or Fellow shall not allow their receipt books to be shared or used by other practitioners (including unqualified practitioners).

7.1.3

Under no circumstances shall a Research Associate or Fellow allow their Provider Number to be quoted or used by another Fellow (including Research Associates).

7.1.4

Receipt books should be kept in a safe and secure manner.

7.1.5

The HONERI will refer any alleged evidence of fraudulent use of receipt books to the member and investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action.

 

 

8. Breach of Code of Ethics

 

8.1.1

A breach of any aspect of this Code of Ethics will make the Research Associate or Fellow subject to disciplinary action of the HONERI and may lead to the suspension of the Member, or the removal from the register of the name of such Research Associate or Fellow.