GAIN’s Code of Ethics was created with our Mission ​in mind.  It serves to establish a set of core values that will support and protect its members, their clients and the public at large.

The principles set forth are intended to be used as a guide:

• to ensure public safety
• ​for knowledge, procedures and professional conduct.
• to promote efficacy, accountability and integrity within their practice and daily life
• for educational institutions, continuing education providers, companies offering products and services when developing programs to be presented to our members.
• to serve as reference in the case of misconduct, complaints, and breeches of the law.

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It is a requirement that each individual member adhere to our code of conduct and the governing laws to ensure the public has access to quality services that are safe and ethical. These standards are applicable to all members regardless of location, specialties, niche or area of focus or varying scopes of practice.

It is the responsibility of each member and the organization as a whole to uphold and protect the image of our profession(s) by honouring our duties as highly regarded and internationally recognized professionals. 

We do so by following the rules set forth below and leading by example.

​Each member has agreed to:

• always act in a client’s best interest.
• always act with diligence, integrity and professionalism.
• will provide professional services to a client regardless of ancestry, nationality, ethnic background, religion, age, gender, social and marital status, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or physical or mental disability.
• ​respect and protect the privacy and confidentiality of their clients and other members.
• practice due diligence by keeping detailed records of any client meetings, phone calls, or emails.
• use best practices to ensure the safety and security of information being stored digitally and / or in physical form.
• never share confidential information of a client or member unless given permission in writing or required to do so by law.
• always act in a manner that reflects positively on the profession, the Association and all of its members.
• seek council and / or refer clients to a qualified licensed professional or physician should a client require advice outside of their scope of practice.
• seek council and / or refer clients to a qualified licensed professional or physician should they suspect their client is displaying symptoms for any disease, condition or ailment that requires services outside of their scope of practice.
• immediately refer a client to a doctor or other qualified health practitioner should they suspect or discover a potential adverse reaction or interaction from a combination of medical condition, medications, supplements or herbal products.
• undertake the responsibility to familiarize themselves with and understand the laws and regulations in their area of practice and will work in accordance of those laws.​
• report any illegal, unethical, or inappropriate actions from other members, colleagues or counsel.
• to continually learn and expand their knowledge throughout the lifetime of their careers.
• always keep an appropriate amount liability insurance in good standing so long as they are an active professional member of GAIN.

In addition, each member has agreed to never:

•  Practice or give advice outside of their level of  their scope, comfort or education.
• Recommend that a client stop taking medications, nor will they advise they leave their primary health care providers.
• ​Claim that any product or service they provide will cure, treat or prevent any disease or disorder.
• ​Diagnose or treat any ailment or disease in any province where they are not permitted to do so by law.​
• Use professional titles that misrepresent their profession, level of education and scope of practice. 

Failure to abide by the rules as outlined above could result in disciplinary actions which may include suspension or revoking of their professional title and expulsion from The Canadian Association for Integrative Nutrition.