1. Scope and purpose. This Code sets the professional standards expected of members in their MLD practice and in their dealings with clients, the public and the register. It exists to protect the public and the credibility of every member. It does not replace any obligation a member has under law or under any other body's rules.
2. Honesty about qualifications. Members must describe their training, qualifications and experience accurately at all times, on the register and everywhere else. Members must not claim training levels, methods or specialisms they do not hold, and must keep their register profile factually current.
3. Insurance. Members must hold current professional insurance appropriate to their MLD practice at all times while registered, and must supply an updated insurance document to the register when the one on file expires. Practising without insurance while listed is treated as a serious breach.
4. Working within competence. Members must practise only within the scope of their training and experience. Where a client's needs fall outside that scope, the member must say so and, where appropriate, suggest the client seeks a suitably qualified practitioner or medical advice.
5. Respect for medical care. Members must never advise a client to stop, delay or decline medical treatment, medication or appointments. Members must encourage clients with medical conditions to keep their medical team informed, and must recognise red flags: suspected deep vein thrombosis, severe breathlessness, chest pain or signs of serious infection require urgent or emergency care, and new or unexplained swelling requires appropriate medical assessment before treatment.
6. Truthful advertising. Members' advertising, including their register profile, website and social media, must comply with the UK advertising codes (the CAP Code, including its rules on health claims). Members must not claim that MLD diagnoses or cures disease. Any claim that MLD treats, prevents or relieves a condition must be permitted by the CAP Code and supported by adequate evidence held before publication, and members must not discourage essential medical treatment.
7. Accurate use of register credentials. Members may describe themselves as a "Registered Member of The MLD Register" and use the member badge in accordance with the Badge Terms of Use. Members must not describe the register as a regulator, or their listing as an endorsement of clinical competence, and must stop using all register credentials if their membership lapses or is removed.
8. Consent. Members must obtain informed consent before treatment, explain what the treatment involves, check for contraindications through appropriate consultation, and respect a client's right to decline or withdraw at any time.
9. Confidentiality and data protection. Members must keep client information confidential, share it only with the client's consent or where the law requires, and comply with UK data protection law in how they collect, store and use client records.
10. Professional boundaries. Members must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients at all times, must not exploit the client relationship financially, emotionally or sexually, and must treat every client with dignity and respect regardless of background or characteristics.
11. Safe and hygienic practice. Members must maintain a safe, clean and appropriate treatment environment, whether in a clinic or a client's home, and follow good hygiene and infection-control practice.
12. Records. Members should keep appropriate, accurate and secure records of consultations and treatments, sufficient to support safe ongoing care.
13. Fees and clarity. Members must be clear with clients about fees, cancellation terms and what a session includes, before any charge is made.
14. Keeping skills current. Members are expected to maintain and update their MLD skills in line with their training provider's or professional body's requirements, and to evidence an accepted refresher, review or update to the register to maintain Revalidated status.
15. Notifiable events. Members must inform the register promptly if: their insurance lapses or is refused; they are convicted of a relevant criminal offence; they are subject to a disciplinary finding by another professional body; or anything else occurs that materially affects their fitness to be listed.
16. Cooperation with complaints. Members must engage constructively and honestly with the register's Complaints Procedure, respond to enquiries within stated timescales, and comply with its outcomes.
17. Conduct towards others. Members must not harass, discriminate against or denigrate clients, colleagues or other practitioners. Fair competition and professional courtesy are expected.
18. Bringing the register into disrepute. Conduct that seriously undermines public confidence in the member or the register, whether or not covered by a specific clause above, may be treated as a breach of this Code.