About Homeopathy For Homeopaths Press Room Becoming a Homeopath

Home

Adjudication Findings

An Adjudication Panel was held on the 13th February 2008 to hear a complaint brought against Mr. David Evans RSHom 23 Wibraham Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6FG

The Panel found Mr. Evans to have breached the Code of Ethics and Practice in respect of:

Central Principles 2: Homeopaths practise their profession with integrity and dignity, being guided by ethical principles which inform their conduct towards, and care of, their patient. –

Central Principles 3: Homeopaths owe a duty of care to patients and have regard for their wishes.

Central Principles 4: Homeopaths maintain the customary practice of keeping confidential all that the patient says, and all that is written in their case notes

Including Para 77: To avoid disclosing any information concerning a patient to a third party without the patient’s written consent.

Para 81: Where contact is initiated by a member of the patient’s family, or a friend, or other person, to listen carefully to their concerns in an unprejudiced manner and act appropriately, without breaching confidentiality or contradicting the wishes of the patient.

Para 14: Maintaining appropriate boundaries Homeopaths, are responsible for avoiding exploitation of their patients financially, emotionally, sexually; or in any other way.

Para 17: Patients are entitled to a professional standard of practice and care. Essential elements of this are professional competence, good relationships with patients and colleagues, and observance of professional ethical obligations.

Para 35: All case notes shall be clear and contain all relevant information relating to the progress of the case. They shall enable a third party to have an understanding of the patient’s state at time of consultation; whether the patient has improved, maintained or deteriorated in their condition since they were last seen. This is particularly important where the homeopath recognises the possibility of legal proceedings for e.g. child protection, medical neglect, or malpractice issues.

Para 38: Maintenance of appropriate records

Para 49: Clear boundaries are to be observed by all parties to a therapeutic, educational, or supervisory relationship. Any form of emotional, intimate, or sexual encounter (however participants may regard it) is abusive; of the person, of power, and of trust. It is improper, unprofessional conduct not to be undertaken in any circumstances. It is never appropriate to enter into these categories of relationship with patient, student, or supervisee.

Including Para.50: It is a professional duty to avoid putting oneself in such a situation, and avoid any form of behaviour which might be adversely misconstrued.

Para 52: Where a patient, student, or supervisee is expressing feelings towards the homeopath, tutor, or supervisor which cause problems for the maintenance of professional boundaries and the professional- for whatever reason- is unable to resolve the situation in an acceptable manner the professional relationship is to be ended.

The Panel recommended to the Board of The Society of Homeopaths that Mr. David Evans be expelled from The Society with immediate effect. The Board ratified the recommendation of the Panel to be effective from 11th March 2008.