Code of Conduct
Our Professional Code of Conduct
The Complementary Medicine Association (CMA) is proud to join the Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association (ANPA) in adopting a shared Code of Conduct for Australian Naturopaths and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioners, updated in September 2026.
This important collaboration establishes consistent professional standards across all four associations, strengthening professional accountability, public confidence and the delivery of safe, ethical and high-quality healthcare.
The Code places patient and client care at the centre of professional practice and provides guidance on professional competence, integrity and conduct across all practice settings, including in-person consultations, telehealth and digital communications.
For CMA members practising Ayurveda and Nutrition, the existing CMA Code of Ethics remains applicable until updated professional standards are introduced.
Key Areas of Professional Conduct
- Providing good care and working within scope of practice
- Working with patients and other practitioners
- Trauma-informed care
- Working within the healthcare system
- Minimising risk and maintaining professional performance
- Professional behaviour and ethical conduct
- Artificial intelligence and digital health technologies
- Practitioner health and wellbeing
- Teaching, supervising, mentoring and research
- Cultural safety
Professional Standards and Legal Obligations
The CMA is committed to promoting professional excellence, ethical practice and public confidence in complementary medicine.
All CMA members practising Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine are expected to familiarise themselves with the September 2026 joint Code of Conduct and apply its professional standards in their everyday practice.
Members practising Ayurveda and Nutrition should continue to refer to the existing CMA Code of Ethics (2024) until updated professional standards are introduced.
All practitioners must also comply with applicable National, State and Territory healthcare laws and codes of conduct. The joint Code does not replace these legal obligations.
Practitioners should also familiarise themselves with the National Code of Conduct for Healthcare Workers and the corresponding requirements applicable in their State or Territory.
These requirements operate independently of CMA's professional codes and may be enforced by the relevant healthcare complaints authority.
Download the applicable professional Code:
Professional Accountability and Complaints
The CMA is committed to maintaining high standards of professional conduct and protecting the interests of patients, clients and the wider community.
Concerns or complaints regarding a CMA member's professional conduct may be considered by the Association in accordance with its Constitution, By-Laws and applicable complaints and disciplinary procedures.
Where appropriate, the CMA may take action within its authority or refer matters to the relevant State or Territory healthcare complaints body.
The CMA encourages members to maintain professional standards through ethical practice, continuing professional development and compliance with applicable legal obligations.