The National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

As a Therapeutic Musician, I agree to conduct myself in accordance with the following principles:

Patient Welfare:

I will focus on the welfare of the patient above all else in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner. Services will be offered only in settings that ensure safety for both the patient and me.

Competence:

I will perform only those duties for which I have been adequately trained, not engaging in practices outside of my area(s) of competence. I will work within the scope of practice of therapeutic musicians (unless licensed or qualified, and hired or approved, to do additional therapies in conjunction with my therapeutic music work) and seek appropriate assistance when needed. I will avoid making any predictions or claims about the efficacy of the services that I offer.

Qualifications:

I will state my qualifications, titles, and professional affiliation(s) accurately. If I am referred to incorrectly, I will take appropriate steps to correct any misrepresentation.

Respect:

I will respect the rights of others to hold values, attitudes, diversity of cultural traditions, and musical preferences and opinions that differ from my own. I will refrain from proselytizing my religious beliefs through choice of music or speech during a therapeutic music session.

Practice:

I will practice with integrity, honesty, fairness and respect for others. I will not engage in any type of discriminatory or exploitive relationship(s). I will report any serious ethical violations that I have observed to the appropriate agency or persons.

Personal Awareness:

I will consistently work at becoming aware of personal limitations, problems and values that might interfere with my professional work and, at an early stage, will take whatever action is necessary (i.e., seeking professional help, limiting or discontinuing work with clients, etc.) to ensure that services to clients are not affected by these limitations and problems. I will refrain from discussing my personal problems or issues with those seeking my professional services.

Deportment:

I will use my best professional judgment, interpersonal skills, and etiquette when interacting with patients, families, and hospital staff. My appearance and dress will be appropriate, professional and respectful.

Confidentiality:

I will hold all patient information and records, and all information observed or shared in my presence, confidential according to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule requirements.

Public Statements:

I will release public statements that are truthful and objective, and will protect the proprietary interests of patients and professional colleagues.

Self-Interest:

I will avoid actions which promote self-interest at the

expense of the profession, and I will uphold the standards of my employer/ contractor with honor and dignity. I will accept appropriate remuneration only for services actually rendered by myself.

Permission:

I will obtain the patient’s and/ or family / caregiver’s permission or obtain permission from facility staff members for a therapeutic music session.

Camaraderie:

I will work harmoniously with nurses, physicians, TMs, colleagues and other members of the patient’s health care team and staff in those facilities where I serve. I will not knowingly damage the professional reputation or practice of others.

Continuing Education:

I will strengthen my abilities as a Therapeutic Musician through continuing practice, education and mentoring. I will strive to increase my level of knowledge and skills and promote research within the profession.