Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (ROMPs) are required to adhere to the Code of Ethics established by the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP).
In cases where the Code of Ethics may conflict with state laws or regulations, state law takes precedence and must be followed.
Furthermore, ROMPs who hold a GEHA license must also comply with the Code of Ethics applicable to Licensed Ecclesiastical Healthcare Practitioners (LEHPs), as mandated by GEHA organization
1. Client-Centered Care
Prioritize the health, safety, dignity, and well-being of clientsabove all else.
Treat all clientswith compassion, respect, and without discrimination based on age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status.
2. Professional Competence
Provide care within the boundaries of your formal education, clinical training, and legal scope of practice.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills through continuous professional development and approved continuing education.
Refrain from using any techniques, procedures, or terminology that suggest you are practicing medicine, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, or any other regulated health profession unless appropriately licensed to do so
3. Informed Consent
Clearly explain to clientsthe nature, purpose, expected outcomes, and possible risks of treatment
Obtain oral and written voluntary and informed consent before beginning any treatment.
Respect the client’s right to withdraw consent and discontinue care at any time
4. Honesty and Integrity
Accurately represent your credentials, qualifications, and scope of practice.
Do not use any credential that may mislead the client into thinking you are a doctor of osteopathy.
Use ROMP after your name. Have your AAOMP membership certificate posited where you work.
Avoid misleading claims or advertisements regarding treatment effectiveness or qualifications.
Do not use titles such as “Dr.” unless you hold a doctoral degree from a recognized institution and are legally permitted to do so in your state
5. Confidentiality
Safeguard clientinformation in accordance with all applicable privacy laws and professional standards.
Disclose information only with the client’s written consent or when legally required.
6. Professional Conduct
Maintain professional boundaries and never exploit the practitioner-clientrelationship for personal, emotional, or financial gain.
Refrain from any form of sexual, verbal, or physical misconduct.
Avoid any behavior that may bring disrepute to the profession, GEHA(if a member) &/or AAOMP
7. Interprofessional Respect
Collaborate respectfully with other healthcare providers when appropriate, always in the best interest of the client.
Refer clientsto licensed medical or health professionals when conditions fall outside your scope of practice or competency.
8. Record Keeping
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete client records.
Store and dispose of client records securely and in compliance with applicable laws
Insurance and Financial Transparency
Maintain valid professional liability insurance (malpractice insurance) at all times.
Be transparent about treatment costs and billing practices. Do not engage in fraudulent billing or insurance claims
10. Accountability
Comply with all rules, regulations, and standards set by GEHA (if a member) and AAOMP.Report unprofessional, unethical, or illegal conduct by colleagues or others when witnessed.
Report unprofessional, unethical, or illegal conduct by colleagues or others when witnessed.
Cooperate fully with AAOMP investigations related to complaints or breaches of conduct
