Code of Ethics

American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP)

Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct

1. Purpose & Guiding Principles

The American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) exists to promote excellence, integrity, and ethical standards in holistic, complementary, and drugless health practices.

All AADP members agree to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, client care, and public representation in accordance with this Code of Ethics.

AADP members commit to:

  • Protecting the health, safety, and dignity of the public

  • Practicing within legal scope and competence

  • Providing services grounded in ethical principles

  • Conducting business with honesty and transparency

  • Maintaining professionalism in all public and private communications

2. Scope of Practice & Legal Compliance

AADP members shall:

  1. Practice only within the legal scope permitted in their jurisdiction.

  2. Not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe pharmaceutical drugs, or claim to practice medicine unless appropriately licensed.

  3. Avoid any representation implying licensure as an MD, DO, RN, PA, or other regulated healthcare provider unless legally credentialed.

  4. Use appropriate professional titles and designations clearly and accurately.

  5. Refer clients to licensed medical professionals when conditions exceed the member’s scope of training or expertise.

Members are solely responsible for understanding and complying with local, state, provincial, and federal regulations.

3. Client Welfare & Informed Consent

Members shall:

  • Prioritize the client’s well-being above financial or personal gain.

  • Obtain informed consent prior to providing services.

  • Clearly explain services, expected outcomes, limitations, risks, and fees.

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

  • Respect the client’s right to discontinue services at any time.

Members shall never:

  • Guarantee cures.

  • Discourage medically necessary care.

  • Instruct clients to stop prescribed medications without physician supervision.

4. Truthful Representation & Marketing Ethics

Members agree to:

  • Represent credentials accurately.

  • Avoid exaggerated, misleading, or unsubstantiated claims.

  • Avoid testimonials that imply guaranteed results.

  • Disclose affiliations transparently.

  • Use AADP certification marks in accordance with brand guidelines.

Marketing, websites, and social media content must not:

  • Claim government endorsement.

  • Misrepresent certification as medical licensure.

  • Imply regulatory authority beyond AADP’s certification function.

5. Professional Competence & Continuing Education

Members shall:

  • Maintain competence through ongoing education.

  • Complete continuing education requirements as required by AADP certification.

  • Stay informed of developments within their modality.

  • Seek supervision, mentorship, or referral when necessary.

6. Confidentiality & Privacy

Members shall:

  • Safeguard client information.

  • Maintain secure records (digital or physical).

  • Comply with applicable privacy laws.

  • Avoid sharing identifiable client information without written consent.

Telehealth platforms must use reasonable security measures to protect client data.

7. Professional Conduct & Boundaries

Members shall:

  • Avoid dual relationships that impair objectivity.

  • Refrain from harassment, discrimination, or exploitation.

  • Maintain professional demeanor in all communications.

  • Avoid substance use that impairs professional judgment.

Sexual misconduct with clients is strictly prohibited.

8. Non-Discrimination

Members shall provide services without discrimination based on:

  • Race

  • Ethnicity

  • National origin

  • Religion

  • Sex

  • Gender identity

  • Sexual orientation

  • Age

  • Disability

9. Interprofessional Respect

Members shall:

  • Show respect toward other practitioners.

  • Avoid defamation or disparagement.

  • Collaborate appropriately in client-centered care.

  • Promote cooperative healthcare environments.

10. Use of AADP Credentials

AADP certification:

  • Represents voluntary professional membership and credentialing.

  • Does not grant medical licensure.

  • Must be displayed accurately and without modification.

  • May be revoked for ethical violations.

Members must cease use of AADP marks upon expiration, suspension, or termination.

11. Ethical Violations & Complaint Process

AADP maintains a formal review process for ethical complaints.

The process may include:

  1. Written complaint submission

  2. Member response opportunity

  3. Review by Ethics Committee

  4. Determination and disciplinary action

Possible actions include:

  • Written warning

  • Probation

  • Suspension

  • Revocation of certification

  • Permanent expulsion

AADP reserves the right to report unlawful conduct to appropriate authorities.

12. Digital Conduct & Public Representation

Members shall:

  • Maintain professionalism in social media.

  • Avoid public disputes that damage professional integrity.

  • Clearly separate personal opinions from professional representation.

  • Avoid practicing outside jurisdiction via telehealth without legal compliance.

13. Commitment & Affirmation

By maintaining active membership and certification with AADP, members affirm their agreement to abide by this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

If you feel that a Board Certified Practitioner has not abided by this Code of Ethics, please submit a complaint for investigation.

Submit Complaint