Code of Ethics for Therapeutic Musicians
The Clinical Musician Certification Program defines the code of ethics for the conduct for Certified Clinical Musicians. These documents outline our role in the healthcare team and our behavior with respect to the patient and their families. These documents also help to define how therapeutic music is different from music therapy.
Excerpts from the CMCP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
These definitions are quoted directly from the Code of Ethics for Clinical Musicians. You can read the entire document on CMCPs website here: complete CMCP code of ethics.
I will work harmoniously with nurses, physicians, and other members of the patient’s healthcare team and staff in those facilities where I serve.
I will hold all information shared during a therapeutic music session as confidential and uphold all HIPAA requirements.
I will refrain from incorporating other healing modalities into my therapeutic music sessions unless I have the qualifications to do so and unless I have the patient’s and/or the family’s/caregiver’s permission.
I will refrain from proselytizing my religions beliefs through choice of music or speech during a therapeutic music session.
As a Certified Clinical Musician, I will avoid actions that promote self-interest at the expense of the profession, and I will uphold the standards of my employer/contractor with honor and dignity.
A CCM will obtain the patient's or family/caregiver's permission or obtain permission from facility staff members for a therapeutic music session.
A CCM will focus on the welfare of the patient above all else in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner.
A CCM will report any serious ethical violations that I have observed to the appropriate agency or persons.
A CCM will avoid making any predictions or claims about the efficacy of the services that I offer.
A CCM regularly practices a form of self care whic fosters self-development and self-understanding, and provides a method to relieve the emotional and physical stresses of working in a therapeutic environment.
A CCM will use my best professional judgment, interpersonal skills, and etiquette when interacting with patients, families, and hospital staff.
A CCM will respect the rights of others to hold values, attitudes, cultural traditions, musical preferences, religious beliefs, political perspectives, and opinions that differ from my own.
A CCM will strive to increase my level of knowledge and skills and promote research within the profession.
Read a description of a therapeutic music session, or see ways to contact me.