The standards of practice set the expectations for:

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• professional conduct

• competence

• ethical behaviour

• educators to address objectives in curriculum design

• quality assurance

• client relations

• public safety

 

Members of the Bowen Therapists Association of Canada agree to abide by the following standards of practice:

1.Confidentiality: Bowen therapists will ensure that a client's personal information is kept confidential and secure. They will not disclose any information about a client without the client’s written consent.  

 

2.Consent: A bowen therapist who proposes treatment for a client shall obtain written consent from the client prior to administering that treatment. If the client is less than 16 years of age, written consent must be obtained from the parent or legal guardian. This consent may be withdrawn at any time.

3.Medical Records: Shall be kept in a secure location that cannot be accessed by others for 10 years from the date of the client's last visit. Records must include:

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• the completed client health history and authorization

• any contraindications

• dates of treatment

• procedures used

• therapist observations

• client reactions/results

• results from assessment techniques used by the therapist eg alignment or ROM issues, pain levels

• areas treated

• observations, client reactions to treatment

• any recommendations for post treatment care eg exercises, dietary recommendations, etc

• copies of reports pertaining to the client received from other health care professionals.
   

4.Public Health Standards: The therapist must ensure that he/she washes his/her hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol based solution before touching any skin surface on the client. A clean, safe and professional environment and equipment must be provided for the client’s treatment. 

5.Client Communication: Bowen Therapists agree to:

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• provide the client with an opportunity to ask questions.

• explain to the client the reasons for the loosening or removal of any obstructing clothing (eg heavy coat, belt, etc).

• explain the need for working on sensitive areas of the body (if necessary) and obtain permission from the client to work on those sensitive areas.(eg. chest, groin, coccyx).Explain to the client that they may withdraw consent at any time.

• ensure all efforts are made to maintain respectful privacy of the client by use of private rooms and coverings.

• explain to the client appropriate post treatment recommendations, and the purpose of these recommendations

• demonstrate any recommended exercise(s).
   

6. Competence: Therapists must not attempt to treat beyond their scope or level of training and should refer to another bowen therapist or medical doctor as required. All training certificates should be clearly displayed at the practitioner’s place of practice.  

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7.All bowen therapists must undertake significant in class training for the technique, a minimum of 80-100 hours of Anatomy and Physiology, a CPR course and a business course. A minimum of 30 unpaid case studies must be completed during training. Online training in bowen therapy techniques is not permitted for certification.

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8.All members of the Bowen Therapists Association of Canada agree to maintain an active liability insurance policy at all times.

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Important Note: The Bowen Therapists Association of Canada establishes these standards for informational and ethical guidance only. The Association does not certify, license, or monitor individual practitioners, and explicitly disclaims any liability for injuries, losses, or damages resulting from the physical application of Bowen therapy by its members, or any other activities carried out within or outside of the member's practice.

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