ACIS Code of Ethics (2026 Edition)

The Accreditation Commission for Integrative Sciences (ACIS) establishes this Code of Ethics to ensure professional integrity, academic responsibility, and public protection within integrative, holistic, and applied health sciences.

 

All ACIS-accredited institutions and all practitioners credentialed through its board-certifying division, the International Board of Trichology & Holistic Medicine (IBTHM), are required to adhere to this Code.

 

Adherence to this Code is a condition of accreditation and board certification.

 

I. Commitment to Public Protection

Members shall prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of the public.

Institutions and practitioners must operate in a manner that protects individuals from harm, misrepresentation, and unethical practice.

Public trust is paramount.

 

II. Scope of Practice Compliance

Members shall practice and teach strictly within their defined scope of practice and level of training.

Members shall not:

• Diagnose medical conditions unless legally licensed to do so
• Prescribe medications without proper licensure
• Represent board certification as medical licensure
• Exceed the authority granted by their credential

All representations of services must clearly reflect the practitioner’s or institution’s lawful authority.

 

III. Truthful Representation & Marketing

Members shall ensure that all public communications, marketing materials, and credential representations are accurate and not misleading.

Members shall not:

• Make false or exaggerated claims
• Misrepresent accreditation status
• Imply governmental recognition where none exists
• Guarantee outcomes

Use of ACIS or IBTHM seals must comply with published usage guidelines.

 

IV. Academic Integrity (Institutional Standards)

Accredited institutions must:

• Maintain structured and documented curriculum
• Evaluate students objectively and consistently
• Issue credentials only upon completion of defined requirements
• Avoid unlawful or unauthorized degree granting

Academic dishonesty, fraudulent credentialing, or misrepresentation of authority constitutes a violation of this Code.

 

V. Professional Competence

Practitioners shall:

• Maintain competency within their field
• Engage in required continuing education
• Seek appropriate referral when cases exceed their training

Board-certified professionals must renew credentials as required and comply with ongoing education standards.

 

VI. Informed Consent & Client Autonomy

Practitioners shall:

• Clearly explain services provided
• Obtain informed consent prior to treatment or consultation
• Respect client autonomy and decision-making
• Maintain confidentiality of client information

Client records must be stored securely and handled responsibly.

 

VII. Financial Integrity

Members shall:

• Maintain transparent fee structures
• Avoid predatory financial practices
• Provide clear refund policies where applicable
• Avoid exploiting client vulnerability

Compensation arrangements must not compromise ethical judgment.

 

VIII. Non-Discrimination

Members shall provide services and educational opportunities without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, or other protected status, consistent with applicable law.

 

IX. Reporting & Cooperation

Members shall cooperate with ACIS investigations and compliance reviews.

 

Members must report material changes to institutional structure, program scope, or professional licensure status when applicable.

 

Failure to cooperate with review procedures may constitute grounds for disciplinary action.

 

X. Enforcement & Disciplinary Authority

Violation of this Code may result in:

• Advisory Notice
• Formal Warning
• Probation
• Suspension
• Revocation of accreditation or board certification

 

ACIS reserves the authority to update public standing status when necessary.

 

Certification and accreditation are privileges maintained through compliance with established standards.

 

Ethical Affirmation

All accredited institutions and board-certified practitioners must affirm agreement to this Code annually as part of renewal and compliance procedures.

 

Approved By:

ACIS Board of Commissioners
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Applies To: All Divisions — ACIS, IBTHM, ACHTHS