This document provides guidance to hypnotists on legal and ethical issues in their practice, including:
- State laws regulating hypnotism vary and hypnotists should stay informed of changes
- Hypnotists should be careful when using terms like "therapy" and titles that may imply they are licensed healthcare professionals
- Proper documentation of sessions, known as SOAP notes, helps protect hypnotists legally
- Hypnotists should provide clients a "Bill of Rights" disclosing their qualifications and limits
- Insurance reimbursement for hypnotism services is generally not possible
- Hypnotists must understand the difference between basic confidentiality of information and legal privilege that applies to licensed professionals