Applies to:

All applicants, certificants, educators, examiners, reviewers, faculty, continuing education providers, and ACIS-accredited institutions under the following divisions:

• IBTHM – International Board of Trichology & Holistic Medicine

• ACHTHS – Accrediting Council for Holistic Trichology & Herbal Sciences

This Code governs all professional, academic, research, clinical, instructional, and business activities conducted under the authority or recognition of ACIS.

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1) Purpose & Scope

The Accreditation Commission for Integrative Sciences (ACIS), its institution arm Accrediting Council for Holistic Trichology & Herbal Sciences (ACHTHS), and its board arm, the International Board of Trichology & Holistic Medicine (IBTHM), establish this Code to protect the public, uphold professional integrity, and ensure quality in trichology and integrative sciences. This code ensures that all certificants, institutions, and representatives demonstrate competence, honesty, accountability, respect, governs conduct in education, assessment, clinical/non-clinical services, research, teaching, supervision, publication, and business practices.

 

2) Core Ethical Principles

1. Beneficence & Nonmaleficence: Act in the best interest of clients, learners, and the public; prevent and avoid harm.

2. Integrity: Be honest, accurate, and transparent in all statements, records, and representations.

3. Accountability: Take responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; comply with ACIS audits and reviews.

4. Competence: Practice within verified training, credentials, and legal scope; maintain continuing education annually.

5. Respect & Equity: Uphold dignity, autonomy, privacy, and diversity of all persons and communities.

6. Justice: Provide fair access; avoid discrimination; manage conflicts of interest.

7. Public Trust: Protect the credibility of ACIS, IBTHM, and ACHTHS credentials, accreditation, and processes.

 

3) Professional Competence & Scope of Practice

• Practice only within areas of verified training and legally permissible scope.

• No diagnosis, prescription, or medical treatment unless separately licensed.

• Use only approved tools, methods, and modalities consistent with training.

• Refer or consult with qualified professionals when needs exceed competence.

• Maintain continuing education as defined by ACIS renewal requirements.

 

4) Truthfulness, Representation & Academic Integrity

• Present information that is accurate, evidence-informed, and not misleading.

• Avoid exaggerated claims, unproven outcomes, or guaranteed results.

• Do not misrepresent credentials, academic hours, or accreditation status.

• Use official post-nominals and seals accurately (e.g., Name, BCT (IBTHM)).

• Credit all sources, collaborators, and research appropriately.

 

5) Informed Consent & Client Rights

• Obtain informed consent before initiating services or instruction.

• Clearly explain purpose, methods, potential risks, benefits, fees, and limitations.

• Disclose the non-licensure nature of IBTHM certification where applicable.

• Clients have the right to withdraw consent at any time without penalty.

• Provide post-session instructions and self-care guidance when relevant.

 

6) Confidentiality, Privacy & Recordkeeping

• Protect client, student, and institutional records from unauthorized access.

• Disclose information only with written consent or as required by law.

• Maintain records for an appropriate retention period per jurisdictional standards.

• Securely dispose of outdated data and never sell or disclose personal information.

• For digital environments, use encrypted systems and privacy-compliant software.

 

7) Cultural Humility, Equity & Non-Discrimination

• Provide services free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status.

• Respect diverse cultural, linguistic, and spiritual traditions.

• Refrain from actions that perpetuate bias or stigma.

 

8. Boundaries & Professional Relationships

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

• Avoid dual relationships that impair objectivity or risk exploitation.

• Do not engage in sexual or romantic relationships with clients, students, or supervisees during or within 12 months of the professional relationship.

• Avoid providing services to close family or friends when objectivity could be compromised.

 

9. Conflicts of Interest & Financial Ethics

• Disclose any personal, financial, or professional interest that could influence judgment.

• Do not accept gifts or incentives that may create bias; nominal tokens under $100 are acceptable if they do not affect impartiality.

• Clearly disclose paid affiliations, endorsements, or product sales in educational or public settings.

• Maintain transparency in all business and promotional practices.

 

10. Fees, Billing & Financial Integrity

• Provide written, clear, and truthful fee policies in advance.

• Bill only for services rendered; no false, duplicate, or inflated charges.

• Provide receipts and maintain transparent accounting practices.

• Refund and withdrawal policies must be publicly accessible and fair.

 

11. Safety, Hygiene & Clinical Standards

• Maintain safe, sanitary, and legally compliant environments.

• Use only approved and well-maintained equipment consistent with training.

• Follow manufacturer and infection-control guidelines.

• Document and respond promptly to any incident or adverse event.

 

12. Collaboration & Interprofessional Conduct

• Collaborate respectfully with other professionals and refer clients appropriately.

• Communicate with transparency when coordinating care or instruction.

• Avoid disparaging colleagues or institutions; resolve disputes professionally.

 

13. Teaching, Supervision & Mentorship

• Deliver accurate, current, and evidence-informed instruction.

• Set clear expectations for learning outcomes and evaluations.

• Evaluate learners fairly and consistently; avoid favoritism or coercion.

• Disclose any financial interests related to course materials or products.

 

14. Research, Publication & Innovation

• Conduct and publish research ethically and accurately.

• Obtain required approvals for studies involving human participants.

• Avoid plagiarism, falsification, or fabrication of data.

• Properly credit collaborators, mentors, and funding sources.

• Ensure that new technologies and AI-based tools are used responsibly, with privacy protection.

 

15. Marketing, Advertising & Use of Credentials

• All public communication must be truthful, verifiable, and non-misleading.

• Do not imply government licensure or affiliation with state boards.

• Clearly differentiate educational information from product promotion.

• Use ACIS, IBTHM, and ACHTHS seals and logos only as authorized.

• Remove all brand use immediately upon credential suspension or termination.

 

16. Digital Conduct & Emerging Technologies

• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality on all social or digital platforms.

• Do not post or discuss identifiable client or student information.

• Clearly label educational versus personal opinions online.

• When using AI or digital systems, protect privacy and disclose limitations.

 

17. Examination Integrity

• No cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, or unauthorized sharing of exam content.

• Do not distribute or reproduce any ACIS or IBTHM assessment materials.

• Report any suspected misconduct to ACIS immediately.

 

18. Institutional Ethics (ACHTHS-Accredited Schools)

• Maintain transparent governance, qualified faculty, and compliant curriculum.

• Uphold fairness in admissions, grading, and grievances.

• Represent accreditation status truthfully in all publications.

• Cooperate fully with ACIS audits and reviews.

• Protect students’ rights, privacy, and equitable access.

 

19. Continuing Education & Professional Development

• All certificants must complete a minimum of 10 CE hours annually, or as updated by ACIS policy.

• CE topics must be relevant to trichology, holistic medicine, ethics, or professional practice.

• Institutions and CE providers must submit annual CE activity summaries for oversight.

 

20. Legal Compliance

• Adhere to all local, state/provincial, federal, and international regulations.

• Report to ACIS within 30 days any criminal conviction, disciplinary action, or loss of license.

• Practice only within lawful parameters of one’s jurisdiction.

 

21. Reporting Violations & Whistleblower Protection

• Report suspected ethics violations or exam misconduct in good faith.

• ACIS strictly prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers.

• Knowingly false or malicious reporting constitutes an ethics violation.

 

22. Complaints, Investigations & Due Process

• Intake: ACIS screens all complaints for jurisdiction and validity.

• Notice: Respondents receive written notice of allegations and evidence.

• Response: Respondents may provide a written reply within 30 days.

• Investigation: ACIS may review records, interview parties, and consult experts.

• Determination: Findings and sanctions are issued by an impartial Ethics Review Panel.

• Recordkeeping: All actions are documented; confidentiality is maintained where legally permissible.

 

23. Sanctions

Depending on the severity or recurrence of violations, ACIS may impose:

• Educational letter or remedial training

• Formal written reprimand

• Probation or conditional renewal

• Suspension of credential or accreditation

• Revocation of credential/accreditation and directory removal

• Referral to legal or regulatory authorities as required

 

24. Appeals

Respondents may appeal within 30 days of the final decision based on:

• Procedural error

• New material evidence

• Disproportionate sanction

Appeals are reviewed by an independent Ethics Appeals Panel; decisions are final.

 

25. Use of ACIS Name, Seal & Brand

• Use only official seals and logos supplied by ACIS.

• Do not modify, recolor, or distort any ACIS/IBTHM/ACHTHS marks.

• Credentials must be displayed in approved format (e.g., Name, BCT/ MCT/ DTS (IBTHM)).

• Remove all branding immediately upon suspension, revocation, or lapse.

 

26. Records, Audits & Cooperation

• Maintain accurate records of education, CE, supervision, and operations.

• Cooperate promptly with ACIS requests for verification or renewal review.

• Failure to comply may result in administrative suspension.

 

27. Renewal & Status Changes

• Renew credentials per ACIS policy (fees, CE, and attestations).

• Report changes to name, contact information, or legal/licensure status within 30 days.

• Only active certificants and accredited institutions may display credentials or appear in directories.

 

28. Enforcement & Amendments

This Code is enforceable immediately upon adoption.
ACIS reserves the right to amend or expand ethical provisions as the professions evolve.
All updates will be published on the ACIS website, and members are responsible for reviewing them at each renewal cycle.

 

Approved By:

ACIS Board of Commissioners
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Applies To: All Divisions — ACIS, IBTHM, ACHTHS