For information, given in the Aromatherapy Consortium's Newsletter Winter 2005,it is very important that you comply with the law and make absolutely no medical claims on essential oils on your advertising material; your leaflets, newsletters, websites, etc. as aromatherapists to comply with S12(1) of the Medicnes Act 1968. This is currently under review with the MHRA (see [link=http://www.mhra.gov.uk]www.mhra.gov.uk[/link])and I am attending a debate on it this Thursday. S12(1) is very important to us as aromatherapists as it allows us to make medical claims on labels for blends for clients AFTER A FACE TO FACE CONSULTATION
When you do supply your patients/clients with an aromatherapy product you have blended for their needs after a face to face consultation, make sure you keep accurate records of exactly what the blend was and how it is to be administered in the patient’s/client’s case notes. Case history records are legal documents that can be used as evidence in a Court of Law.
Labelling requirements for aromatherapists when administering blends?
We have devised the following guidance notes for aromatherapist: to use
AFTER a face to face consultation has been taken :
·The name of the client/patient to whom the product is to be administered. It is important that patients realise that this blend has been made specifically for them and is not transferable, just like prescribed medicines.
·The name & contact number of the aromatherapist who prescribed it in case of sensitization, irritation or 3rd party misuse.
·The date that the product was blended and a use before guidance date.
·Carrier(s) types & the Latin name(s) of the oils used (the dilutions & reasons for use will be added to the client/patient consultation sheet)
·Directions for use (how often, where and how)
·Any precautions– i.e. for external use only, not to be used in pregnancy where relevant, guidance for phototoxicity where appropriate etc.
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