Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions outline 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 are optional and involve additional cost
• 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

I understand that Lauren Owens Naturopathy will collect personal and health information relevant to my care, including but not limited to contact details, medical history, symptoms, medications, pathology results, lifestyle information, family history, and consultation notes.

I understand that this information is collected for the purpose of assessing my health, providing naturopathic care, developing treatment recommendations, maintaining clinical records, communicating with me regarding appointments and treatment, and complying with legal and professional obligations.

I acknowledge that my clinical records are securely stored using SimpleClinic, a cloud-based practice management system, and that reasonable steps are taken to protect the privacy and security of my personal information.

My information will remain confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties without my consent except where disclosure is required or authorised by law, or where necessary to prevent a serious threat to health or safety.

I understand that appointment reminders and other administrative communications may be sent via SMS and/or email. While reasonable measures are taken to protect privacy, electronic communications cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Where telehealth consultations are conducted using Zoom or other electronic platforms, I acknowledge that reasonable steps are taken to protect confidentiality; however, no online platform can guarantee absolute security.

I understand that my practitioner may communicate with my other healthcare providers where appropriate and where I have provided consent.

I understand that I may request access to my personal information and request correction of inaccurate information in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

By signing this agreement, or proceeding with treatment with Lauren Owens Naturopathy, I consent to the collection, use, storage and disclosure of my personal information as outlined above for the purposes of providing naturopathic care.

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 this 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.