West Virginia Code of State Rules
Agency 32 - Acupuncture
Title 32 - LEGISLATIVE RULE BOARD OF ACUPUNCTURE
Series 32-10 - Code Of Ethics For Licensed Acupuncturists
Section 32-10-3 - Code of Ethics

3.1. The Acupuncture practitioner's primary purpose is to restore, maintain and optimize health in human beings.

3.2. The Acupuncture Practitioner acts to restore, maintain and optimize health by providing individualized care, according to his or her ability and judgment, following the principles of Oriental Medicine.

3.3. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall endeavor to first, do no harm and provide the most effective health care available with the least risk to his or her patients at all times. (Primum Non Nocere)

3.4. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being. (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

3.5. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall strive to identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms. (Tolle Causum)

3.6. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall educate his or her patients, inspire rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health. (Practitioner as Teacher)

3.7. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences. (Treat the Whole Person)

3.8. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent disease for the individual, each community and our world. (Health Promotion, the Best Prevention)

3.9. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall acknowledge the worth and dignity of every person and therefore, shall not exclude anyone from treatment on the basis of ethnic, racial, gender, or sexual orientation.

3.10. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall safeguard the patient's right to privacy and only disclose confidential information when either authorized by the patient or mandated by law.

3.11. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall act judiciously to protect the patient and the public when the incompetent or unethical practices by any person adversely affect health care quality and safety.

3.12. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall maintain competence in Oriental Medicine and strive for professional excellence through assessment of personal strengths, limitations and effectiveness and by advancement of professional knowledge.

3.13. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall conduct his or her practice and professional activities with honesty, integrity and responsibility for individual judgment and actions.

3.14. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall strive to participate in professional activities to advance the standards of care, body of knowledge and public awareness of Oriental Medicine.

3.15. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall respect all ethical, qualified health care practitioners and cooperate with other health professions to promote health for individual's, the public and the global community.

3.16. The Acupuncture Practitioner shall strive to exemplify personal well-being, ethical character and trust worthiness as a health care professional.