All members of the Obstetrical Acupuncture Association (OBAA) must be committed to responsible and ethical practice, to the growth of the profession’s role in the broad spectrum of health care, and to their own professional growth. All General and Senior members agree to be bound by the OBAA Code of Ethics.

A. Commitment to the Patient

1. Respect the rights and dignity of each person I treat.

2. Accept and treat those seeking my services in a nondiscriminatory manner.

3. Keep the patient informed by explaining treatments and outcomes.

4. Protect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of patient care.

5. Maintain professional boundaries in relationships with patients and avoid any relationships that may exploit practitioner/patient trust.

6. Keep accurate records of each patient’s history and treatment.

7. Treat only within my lawful scope of practice.

8. Render the highest quality of care and make timely referrals to other healthcare professionals as may be appropriate.

9. Avoid treating patients if I am unable to safely and effectively treat due to substance abuse, physical or psychological impairment.

10. Bill patients and third party payers accurately and fairly.

11. Not engage in sexual contact with a current patient if the contact commences after the practitioner/patient relationship is established.

12. Not engage in sexual contact with a former patient unless a reasonable period of time has elapsed since the professional relationship ended and the sexual contact does not exploit the trust established during the professional relationship.

B. Commitment to the Profession

1. Continue to work to promote the highest standards of the profession.

2. Provide accurate, truthful, and non-misleading information in connection with any application for licensure, certification, OBAA membership, disciplinary investigation or proceeding or re-certification.

3. Report any changes to the information on my application regarding professional ethics and my on-going fitness to practice, including but not limited to reporting to the OBAA any disciplinary action taken by a school or regulating agency against me, and any criminal charges or civil actions that may be relevant to my health care practice or fitness to practice.

4. Comply with OBAA Examination Policies.

5. Report to OBAA and appropriate licensing authorities information about any violations by me or by my peers of the Code of Ethics or Grounds for Professional Discipline.

C. Commitment to the Public

1. Provide accurate information regarding my education, training and experience, professional affiliations, and certification status.

2. Refrain from any representation that OBAA membership implies licensure or a right to practice unless so designated by the laws in the jurisdiction in which I practice.

3. Use only the appropriate professional designations for my credentials (OBAA).

4. Advertise only accurate, truthful, non-misleading information and refrain from making public statements on the efficacy of Oriental obstetrical medicine that are not supported by the generally accepted experience of the profession.

5. Respect the integrity of other forms of health care and other medical traditions and seek to develop collaborative relationships to achieve the highest quality of care for individual patients.

6. Comply with all public health and public safety reporting duties imposed on licensed health care professionals.

OBAA DEI statement of intent:

At the Obstetric Acupuncture Association (OBAA), we recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental pillars of a community dedicated to the holistic well-being of pregnant individuals and their families.

Commitment to Diversity:
The OBAA acknowledges and celebrates the rich tapestry of diversity within our membership and the communities we serve. We are committed to fostering an environment where individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences feel valued, respected, and included.

Promotion of Equity:
The OBAA recognizes that systemic inequities exist within healthcare systems and society at large, impacting access to and quality of care for marginalized and underserved communities. We are dedicated to identifying and dismantling barriers to equitable care within the field of obstetric acupuncture, ensuring that all individuals have access to safe, culturally competent, and affirming care throughout their perinatal journey.

Cultivation of Inclusion:
The OBAA believes that true inclusion is not only about representation but also about creating a sense of belonging and empowerment for all members of our community. We are committed to creating opportunities for dialogue, education, and collaboration that amplify diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences within the field of obstetric acupuncture.

Integration of DEI Principles:
The OBAA recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not standalone initiatives but rather integral components of our organizational culture, policies, and practices. We will work collaboratively with OBAA leadership and members to embed DEI principles into all aspects of our association’s work, including but not limited to education, research, clinical practice, and advocacy efforts.

Continuous Learning and Improvement:
The OBAA understands that achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion requires ongoing learning, reflection, and action. We are committed to regularly assessing our progress, soliciting feedback from our membership, and adapting our strategies to ensure that we are effectively advancing our shared goals of reproductive justice and equity for all.

By upholding DEI principles in our organization and within the acupuncture profession, we aim to positively impact the health and well-being of our communities, ensuring that all individuals receive compassionate, culturally competent care throughout their reproductive journey. Together, we can create a future where diversity is celebrated, equity is realized, and inclusion is the norm.