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The SAMA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the Ethics Code) consist of five sections:
The Introduction discusses the intent, organization, and scope of application of the Ethics Code.
The Preamble and General Principles are aspirational, which means that they provide general guidelines for ethical decision-making. In contrast, the Ethical Standards are expected and mandatory provisions, elements, and required standards of conduct.
Most of the Ethical Standards are written broadly, in order to apply to intentional sound and music workers in varied roles, although the application of an Ethical Standard may vary depending on the context. The Ethical Standards are not exhaustive and may be formally amended at any time in the future.
We shall not use our professional positions or relationships, nor permit ourselves or our services to be used by others for purposes inconsistent with the principles set forth in this document. Upholding our right to freedom of inquiry and communication, we accept the responsibilities inherent in such freedom: competency, consistency, integrity, and continual concern for the best interests of individuals, our society and our professions.
The SAMA Mission Statement reflects our deepest aspiration for our field and our profession.
SAMA is a professional association dedicated to the use of the transformative power of sound and music throughout the full spectrum of life cycles.
SAMA affirms the diversity of disciplines that utilize sound and music and advocates its use in health, education, research, technology, science, and the holistic arts. SAMA promotes the professional development and welfare of its members. SAMA upholds a code of ethics applicable to its membership. SAMA advances harmonious collegial relationships, ethical behaviors, and professional competencies.
SAMA acknowledges the timeless bond between sound and life, and honors the indigenous, traditional, historic, scientific and aesthetic wisdom from which sound and music methods, practices, and knowledge evolve.
SAMA recognizes reputable and responsible sound and music disciplines, educational programs, practitioners, and products. SAMA affirms the value of both qualitative and quantitative research. SAMA serves its members, the public, institutions, employers, and policy makers through its support of excellence in education, practice and research.
Individual professional, allied and student SAMA members and professional and allied organizational members (henceforth referred to “Members”) strive to maintain high standards of competence in their work and to recognize the boundaries of their competence and the limitations of their expertise. Members recognize the need for foundational education and ongoing continuing education and to keep abreast of and utilize indigenous, scientific, professional, technical and administrative resources to inform their work with clients/consumers.
Members seek to promote integrity in the science, art, teaching, and practice of intentional sound and music work. In these activities, Members strive to be honest, mindful, fair and respectful of others and endeavor to work in harmony with Members from all disciplines and approaches.
Sound and Music Alliance (SAMA) Members are aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to the intentional sound community and the society in which they work and live. They apply their professional knowledge in order to contribute to human welfare. They are concerned about and work to mitigate the causes and effects of human suffering. They encourage the development of law and social policy that serves the interests of their clients, their employees, and the public. They consider the realities of social injustice, and strive to have a positive impact on these concerns, as professionals and as individuals. Members are concerned about the stewardship of the earth and its sonic ecology.
SAMA Members strive to be respectful of the fundamental rights, dignity and worth of people. SAMA Members are aware of cultural, individual, and role differences and strive to be non-discriminatory regarding age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and socio-economic factors. They respect the rights of individuals to informed consent for services, privacy, confidentiality, self-determination, and autonomy.
Educational organizations, institutions, and traditional training/apprenticeships are responsible for providing well-designed, accurate and comprehensive training programs. They are committed to delivering on their stated objectives and are sensitive to communicating their limitations. They aspire to provide the best teachers available and to insure clear and effective delivery of material. They handle students with respect and recognize their learning styles and needs. All Members are aware of their professional responsibility for continuous learning and systematic improvement of their skills and capacities.
When undertaking research, SAMA Members strive to advance human welfare and the science and art of intentional sound and music. They try to avoid misuse of their work or the works of others from which they draw information or inspiration. They recognize the need to consult with, refer to, and cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent necessary to serve the best interests of their clients/consumers. Members strive to ensure that they are not appropriating others’ methods, materials, and written or published work.
SAMA Members are aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to the community and the society in which they work and live. They apply and make public their professional knowledge in order to contribute to human welfare. They are concerned about and work to mitigate the causes and effects of human suffering. They encourage the development of law and social policy that serves the interests of their patients, clients and the public. They consider the realities of social injustice, and strive to have a positive impact on these concerns, as professionals and as individuals.
SAMA Members seek to contribute to the welfare of those with whom they interact professionally. In their professional actions, they weigh the welfare and rights of their patients or clients, students, supervisees, human research participants, and other affected persons and the welfare of animal subjects of research. SAMA Members are sensitive to real and ascribed differences in power between others and themselves and they strive not to exploit or mislead people before, during or after professional relationships.
1.1 Members maintain high standards of competence in their area of practice and do not engage in activities outside their scope of practice.
1.2 Members truthfully report the education and credentials they hold.
1.3 Members do not make false or exaggerated claims about methods, approaches, or products.
1.4 It is appropriate to refer clients/consumers to other practitioners when skills needed to meet client/consumer needs are outside the scope of experience or education of the original practitioner.
1.5 Members participate in formal and informal foundational and continuing education activities to establish, maintain and improve their knowledge and skills and to keep current with the knowledge and practices of their area of study and expertise.
1.6 Members practice self-knowledge. They are aware of their strengths and weaknesses, limitations and values, including biases and personal problems that could impact others and seek counsel and remediation when necessary. When confronted with recognition of internal or personal biases, they seek to become informed and reoriented. Members are aware of their own mental, physical, and energetic health.
2.1 While affirming the intention to do no harm, a Member respects the physical, emotional, energetic, psychological, and spiritual boundaries of others.
2.2 The well being of the client/consumer is of utmost importance to the Member. He/she does not impose a sound/music application on an unwilling or uninformed recipient.
2.2.1 Informed consent must be secured in the following ways:
a. Expressed written or verbal consent directly from the client/consumer, unless allowed in a specific healing tradition or system.
b. Expressed written or verbal consent from the parent/guardian of a client/consumer under age 18 and directly from a minor between ages 13 and 18 (if the child is mature and stable enough to understand the nature of treatment or practice).
c. For a client/consumer who is unconscious, expressed written or verbal consent must come from a close relative or appointed care-giver or through formal physician/nursing staff clinical referral within a particular medical delivery system.
d. For work at a distance, expressed written or verbal consent must be secured from the client/consumer for whom the work is to be completed. This is especially important if the request for work comes from someone other than the intended recipient, unless allowed in a specific healing tradition or system.
e. Members will only do the work that is requested and only for the specific purpose requested.
2.3 A Member protects the rights of the individuals with or for whom he/she works. These rights include but are not limited to:
a. Safety
b. Dignity
c. Legal and Civil Rights
d. Patient autonomy and self-determination
e. Service Expected
f. Respect
g. Participate in decisions concerning their welfare.
2.4 A Member does not exploit individuals or organizations, emotionally, intellectually, or financially.
2.5 A Member does not enter into dual relationships with recipients of sound work and avoids those situations that interfere with professional judgment or objectivity (e.g. those involving competitive and/or conflicting interests) in their relationships. When in doubt about the dual nature of a relationship, a Member seeks collegial counsel and/or consults the Ethics Committee.
2.6 A Member does not interact with those with whom he/she works in a manner that abuses their position of power over the individual.
2.7 A Member protects the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of practice, supervision, teaching, and/or research.
2.8 A Member disguises the identity of a client in the presentation of case materials in public or secures permission (informed consent).
2.9 A Member adheres to current HIPAA regulatory responsibilities in regards to documentation and record keeping.
2.10.1 A Member strives to maintain harmonious relations with other with Members.
2.10.2 A Member does not damage the professional reputation of others through false accusations, inaccurate portrayal of activities. A Member represents self truthfully and accurately.
2.10.3 A Member seeks to foster positive relationships with other allied professions and professional organizations.
3.1 Members are encouraged to increase and stimulate public awareness of the broad field of intentional sound/music work and, when properly informed, the similarities and differences of the specific disciplines and approaches encompassed in the field.
3.2 Members recognize the potential for ill effects from sound practices that are incorrect, misapplied, or contra-indicated and participate in educating the public about these possible negative effects.
3.3 Members are encouraged to increase awareness of the impact of sound and music on the environment, individual and global consciousness and the fabric of creation.
4.1 A Member holds the intention of integrity in all dimensions of their practice.
4.2 A Member communicates honestly and truthfully in public statements regarding his/her work and work-related activities.
4.3 A Member communicates truthfully with accurate statements concerning credentials, academic degrees, training, experience and institutional associations.
4.4 A Member does not utilize other’s published intellectual property for training and promotional materials or publicity statements and/or web sites without appropriate recognition or citation. When appropriate, the Member employs the full, accurate and proper citations as stipulated by the publisher.
4.5 A Member seeks informed consent from their consumers
4.5.1 A Member utilizes clear understandable language in publicity and presentations.
4.5.2 A Member discloses their services to clients/consumers, the purpose of treatment/application, risks involved, and limits of treatment/application.
4.5.3 A Member takes responsibility for treatment and application outcomes.
4.5.4 A Member makes clear and fair fee arrangements, and if utilizing barter, defines the agreement in clear written contracts.
5.1 A Member responsible for education and training programs seeks to ensure that the programs are competently designed and provide appropriate experiences and training to fulfill their stated objectives.
5.2 A Member who provides education and training will have a clearly delineated scope of practice, states the specialty in which he/she is training; assesses their limitations; assesses the impact of their tools, applications, and methodologies; and is clear and truthful in the presentation of the stated educational objectives. Members are responsible for sharing with clients/customers/students any potential contra-indications or side effects from the methods/tools.
5.3 Teachers or trainers recognize the power they hold over students and supervisees and make reasonable efforts to engage in conduct that is personally affirming and respectful towards those with whom they work.
5.4 When engaged in teaching or training, educators present pertinent and current information in an accurate and objective manner.
5.5 A Member does not support or recognize those educational organizations and programs that make false representations of curriculum, products, history, mission, faculty credentials, or corporate legal status.
5.6 Students in training must not apply or misrepresent their level of skill or the extent of their training and must not practice without the expressed permission of the trainer/supervisor.
6.1 Members who are sound and music researchers must conduct and report research results in accordance with recognized standards of scientific competence and ethics, avoiding distortions of data and minimizing the possibility that the results might be misleading.
6.2 If an ethical issue is unclear, the sound and music researcher resolves the issue through consultation with organizational review boards, peer consultation and/or other proper mechanisms.
6.3 Sound and music researchers take reasonable steps to implement appropriate protections for the rights and welfare of human participants, other persons affected by the research, animal subjects and the environment.
6.4 Sound and music researchers establish precise agreements with research participants or specified guardians and obtain written consent prior to their participation in the study.
6.5 Sound and music researchers and assistants are permitted to perform only those tasks for which they are appropriately trained and prepared.
6.6 Sound and music researchers plan and conduct research in a manner consistent with federal and state law and regulations.
6.7.1 Credit is assigned only to those who have contributed to a publication in proportion to their contribution.
6.7.2 Sound and music researchers do not fabricate data or falsify results in publications. If they discover significant error in their published data, they take reasonable steps to correct such errors in every situation where the errors have material effect.
6.7.3 Sound and music researchers acknowledge through specific citations, both unpublished and published material, which has directly influenced the research or writing. For longer quotes, the Member will check with the
Publisher about requirements for written permission to use copyrighted material.
6.7.4 To avoid plagiarism, acknowledgement through specific citations will be made for unpublished as well as published material that has directly influenced the research or writing.
7.1 A Member does not use misleading or deceptive advertising, misrepresentation of specialty, guarantees or false expectations or use SAMA’s logo or recognition without proper permission.
7.2 A Member offers services only in a manner that neither discredits nor undermines the trust of the public in the sound or music fields.
8.1 Products are defined as, though not limited to, equipment, recordings, written materials (educational and promotional materials), musical instruments, sound instruments, devices, tuning forks, crystal bowls, gongs, metal bowls, natural sound instruments, and media.
8.2 Included are commercial products that are not linked to education such as equipment/devices, including but not limited to sound beds, vibro-acoustic furniture and mats, CDs, and special headphones. Computer hardware and software are also bound by ethical standards advocated by SAMA.
8.3 Members do not make false and/or unsupported claims in marketing, labeling or statements regarding research substantiation.
9.1 SAMA Members will make ethical considerations a high priority in all aspects of their work, education, communication and conduct.
9.2 Members will be familiar with this Code of Ethics and will agree to adhere to the SAMA Code and will sign it as a commitment to uphold its principles and as a condition of membership.
9.2.1 SAMA Members will not report or encourage reporting of ethics grievances that are frivolous and are intended to harm the respondent rather than to protect the public and preserve the integrity of the field of intentional sound work.
9.3 SAMA will establish and maintain an Ethics Committee as a standing committee.
9.3.1 Neither the Chair nor any other member of the Ethics Committee will take part in the informal or formal resolution procedures if s/he has a conflict of interest in the situation at hand.
9.4 An ethical violation consists of:
9.4.1 A violation of a tenet(s) of the SAMA Code of Ethics
9.4.2 An arrest for or conviction of a criminal act that would present imminent or perceived danger to the public
9.5 Members take responsibility to observe unethical behavior of colleagues who are members of SAMA, as well as themselves, and to encourage ethical behavior.
9.6 When a Member becomes aware of an ethical violation by another SAMA Member, he/she will first directly address that concern in a professional manner with the perceived violator, when feasible, in order to educate the perceived violator regarding the ethical standard.
9.6.1 The complainant will document these efforts.
9.6.2 If direct efforts are not feasible (due to sexual harassment, physical confrontation, loss of employment, or legal complications), the complainant must explain why a direct method was not possible.
9.7 If an ethics violation following direct actions is not resolved, the complainant will report the violation to the Ethics committee in writing.
9.7.1 The written complaint will include:
a. description of alleged violation referring to the statue in the Code;
b. a thorough explanation of the alleged violations;
c. a summary of informal resolution attempts;
d. collaborative documentation, including signed witness statements, if available;
e. signature of complainant and the date of filing.
9.8 The SAMA Ethics Committee may also begin an ethics investigation based upon information obtained from:
a. Information from a group or several individuals;
b. Notification of or verification of revocation of credential or endorsement by a professional body;
c. Information published in formal, respected news media;
d. Knowledge of criminal conviction related to professional functioning or a principle stated in the Code of Ethics;
e. Information received from another professional or professional organization from a field related to intentional sound or music work.
f. Knowledge of impairment or gross incompetence putting the public at risk or generally misleading the public.
9.9 The grievance should be made within a reasonable amount of time after the alleged violation.
9.10 Once an ethical complaint or ethical concern or infraction is received, the Ethics Committee Chair will, on behalf of the Committee and SAMA:
9.10.1 Notify the complainant in writing using certified mail of SAMA’s receipt of their complaint of the ethical violation within 60 days and solicit information in writing from the person or organization in question. This notification will include a copy of the signed complaint of ethics violation;
9.10.2 Notify by certified mail the member in question (hitherto referred to a “respondent”) of the complaint or concern. The individual in question will be asked to submit a written response to the allegations within 60 days of receipt of the complaint from the Ethics Committee, including copy of the signed complaint, news articles, supportive material, witness statements or pertinent verification data germane to the complaint.
9.10.3 Convene an Ethics Committee meeting for an initial inquiry to review all materials submitted pertaining to the reported violation to determine, 1) the presence of an ethics violation, 2) the seriousness of the violation and 3) the possibility of resolution of the issue without formal hearings.
9.10.4 Members should be transparent about any conflict of interest and recues themselves if unable to serve impartially.
9.10.5 The Ethics Committee will determine if an ethics violation has occurred as quickly as possible.
9.10.6 Notify the respondent of the decision of the Ethics Committee, including suggestions for re-mediating or negotiating resolution to the problem. If resolution is achieved, a written statement of the agreed upon resolution will be sent in writing to the complainant and the respondent for signatures. Both parties will agree to abide by the terms included in the statement.
9.11 If resolution is not achieved, the Ethics Committee Chair will initiate a formal review procedure. Both parties will be notified in writing and a chair for the hearing panel will be appointed by the Ethics Committee Chair.
9.12 Corrective Actions and Sanctions
9.12.1 If the person or organization in question makes no corrective actions after the determination of the hearing panel, the Chair will reconvene the hearing panel to determine recommended sanctions against the person or organization in question to the Executive Board for action, including but not limited to:
a. revocation of the violators’ membership in SAMA;
b. adherence to a binding agreement by the respondent to conform his/her practice, education/training methods, or research methods to SAMA rules and guidelines;
c. a written reprimand or warning;
d. exclusion from SAMA sponsored events, activities, publications, directories, and other SAMA activities;
e. publication of ethics actions and/or sanctions.
Approved and adopted January 25, 2010 vy a vote of the Board of Directors of SAMA.