Client Informed Consent Agreement

This agreement outlines the nature of naturopathic care provided by Lauren Owens Naturopathy and your rights and responsibilities as a client. The ‘practitioner’ referred to within the agreement is Lauren Owens.

Where the agreement refers to the person as ‘I’ or ‘me’, these references apply to the patient seeking naturopathic services.

When you use the services of Lauren Owens Naturopathy, you agree to these terms and conditions.

1. Nature of Naturopathic Care

Naturopathy is a complementary healthcare approach that may include:

• Consultation and health history review
• Dietary and nutritional guidance
• Herbal medicine recommendations
• Lifestyle and wellness advice
• Supplementation
• Functional testing recommendations
• Stress management strategies
• Education regarding health and wellbeing

Naturopathic care is intended to complement, not replace, appropriate medical care and may be used alongside conventional healthcare.

2. Scope of Practice

I understand that the practitioner:

• Is not providing emergency medical treatment
• Does not replace my medical doctor or specialist
• May not diagnose medical conditions unless appropriately qualified and legally permitted
• Does not prescribe, alter or discontinue pharmaceutical medications. Any changes to prescribed medications should be discussed with the prescribing medical practitioner.
• May recommend complementary therapies and lifestyle strategies
• May refer me to other healthcare providers when appropriate

I understand that I should continue medical care with my GP and/or specialist where appropriate.

3. No Guarantee of Results

I acknowledge that:

• Outcomes vary between individuals
• No guarantees or promises have been made regarding results
• Symptom improvement cannot be guaranteed

4. Risks & Potential Reactions

I understand that naturopathic care, herbal medicines, supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle recommendations may involve risks including:

• Allergic reactions
• Digestive upset
• Detoxification reactions
• Interactions with medications
• Temporary symptom aggravation
• Unexpected side effects

I understand that it is my responsibility to disclose the following, and to update information if there are any changes throughout the period of treatment with Lauren Owens Naturopathy:

• All medications being taken (prescribed or over-the-counter)
• Supplements being taken
• Allergies
• Diagnosed medical conditions
• Pregnancy status (including attempting to become pregnant)
• Breastfeeding status
• Changes to my health status

5. Testing & Supplements

I understand that:

• Recommended testing may involve additional costs
• Supplements and herbal medicines may be prescribed and are an additional cost to the consultation fee
• I may choose whether or not to follow recommendations
• Functional testing may not be recognised by all medical practitioners
• I understand that supplements may interact with medications and that I should inform my healthcare providers of any products I am taking.

6. Medical Emergencies

 I understand that the practitioner does not provide emergency medical services. I agree to seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services for urgent symptoms including but not limited to:

• Chest pain
• Severe allergic reactions
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding
• Suicidal thoughts
• Neurological symptoms
• Acute worsening of symptoms

In Australia, emergency services can be contacted by calling 000.

7. Telehealth Consent (if applicable)

Telehealth is the use of telecommunication to provide services to clients. The practitioner typically uses videoconferencing such as Zoom to administer client sessions in real-time but may utilise other formats, such as email, for related communication.

For phone or video consultations, I understand:

• It is my responsibility to ensure Zoom has been installed and tested in advance of the appointment time
• Technology failures or interruptions may occur
• Privacy cannot be guaranteed through third-party platforms
• I am responsible for ensuring I am in a safe and private location during consultations
• I am not permitted to video or audio record the consultation unless the practitioner gives me permission to do so
• Patients under 18 years of age are required to have a parent/guardian in the room for the duration of the online consultation
• I consent to receiving telehealth services where applicable

8. Privacy & Confidentiality

During the consultation, I understand that my personal information including physical, mental and emotional health history and concerns, my diet and lifestyle information, and family medical history may be collected. This information enables the practitioner to understand my health issues and to develop personalised treatment recommendations.

My personal and health information will be handled in accordance with:

• Privacy Act 1988
• Applicable Australian privacy principles

I understand that my information will remain confidential except:

• Where required by law
• Where there is risk of serious harm
• Where I provide consent for disclosure – for example to write a referral letter to another healthcare provider.

9. Voluntary Participation

I understand that:

• I may ask questions at any time
• I may decline any recommendation or treatment
• I may discontinue care at any time

10. Payment and Cancellation Terms

• I agree to pay my full account at the time of each consultation or within 24 hours if the practitioner has allowed for online payment after the consultation.
• I agree to provide 24 hours notice for cancellation or rescheduling of my appointment.

Client Acknowledgement & Consent

By signing the Client Informed Consent Agreement, and/or proceeding with my treatment with Lauren Owens Naturopathy, I acknowledge that:

• I have read and understood this informed consent agreement
• I have had the opportunity to ask questions
• I understand the nature and limitations of naturopathic care
• I voluntarily consent to receive naturopathic services from Lauren Owens Naturopathy.