Educational, sociological, and political
developments make it essential that every practitioner be concerned
about consumer rights in the field of micropigmentation.
A. Explanation of the nature and risk
of a permanent makeup procedure to the client is essential.
Clients should understand the indications for
the procedure, the risk involved, and the result that it is hoped
to attain. Written consent must be obtained. A consent form must
be signed by the client.
B. Discussion of fees with clients prior
to the submitting of a statement is recommended.
When a practitioner agrees to care for a client,
a contract is established (even if it is not written). This relationship
implies agreement that the practitioner will be compensated for
services rendered to the client. Whenever requested by the client,
a practitioner should fully discuss the fee with the client. It
is often desirable and recommended to discuss the fee prior to the
procedure.
C. Fees are to be commensurate with services
rendered and with the client’s rights.
Practitioners have individual bases for their
charges, and fees vary in different communities. The American Academy
of Micropigmentation has not attempted to establish fee schedules
for its Fellows. Instead, associates and Fellows are expected to
make charges commensurate with what is considered to be reasonable.
Such charges may be related to the economic status of the client.
D. Every client’s right to privacy
must be respected.
The practitioner should maintain the confidentiality
of information from and about the client, except as such information
must be communicated for the client’s proper care or as is
required by law.
E. Practitioners should report new methods
of or innovations in treatment to professional audiences to permit
evaluation and authentication before release to public news media.
The best interests of clients and practitioners
are served when practitioners observe the traditional practice of
reporting innovations and discoveries to the profession before release
to the news media.
In issuing releases to audiovisual media or nonprofessional
publications, the practitioner should be guided by client’s
best interests. In addition, the release of such information should
be designed for education and public information.
Communications to the public must not convey false,
untrue, deceptive, or misleading information through statements,
testimonials, photographs, graphics, or other means. Such communications
must not create unjustified expectations of results and must include
realistic assessments of safety, efficacy, and material risks, as
well as the availability of alternatives. Communications must not
misrepresent a practitioner’s credentials, training, experience,
or ability, and must not contain material claims of superiority
that cannot be substantiated. If a practitioner pays for a communication,
that fact must be disclosed unless the nature, format, or medium
makes it apparent. The issuance of inaccurate communications to
the public may result in disciplinary action by the Board of Directors
of the American Academy of Micropigmentation.
F. Micropigmentation research must be
conducted within ethical and legal guidelines.
Progress in permanent makeup care that is achieved
through research depends on informed partnership between clients
and practitioners in the development of new pigments and treatment
methods. Certain advances in micropigmentation can be learned only
through properly conducted clinical trials during which the results
of varying treatments recommended by individual practitioners are
compared carefully.
When applicable, animal studies should precede
the use of new and experimental techniques in humans. Research programs
involving human beings should follow certain guidelines, including
prior approval by an impartial committee on human experimentation,
full description to the client of procedures to be undertaken, and
explanation of the risk involved. There should be a justifiable
expectation that the potential benefit of clinical trials outweighs
the risks. The client’s personal rights must be respected,
including an appropriate informed consent process and the right
to withdraw consent at any time. There should be continuous observation
and approval by the local committee that gave initial approval to
the protocol.
G. Disclosure of commercial interest.
A Fellow's failure to disclose a financial interest
in a commercial enterprise makes it unlikely that other professionals
or the public can accurately evaluate statements made by the Fellow
about the products or services. The statements may be misleading
or deceptive. Failure to disclose remuneration or financial interest
may constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the Board of Directors
of the American Academy of Micropigmentation.
