CAAM Membership Application

Welcome to your CAAM Membership Application!

We are here to SUPPORT and EMPOWER you!

Please have the following information available, if applicable:

Student renewal applications: Student ID or Enrollment Confirmation from your current school.

AHC or AP renewal applications: Copy of certification from your Ayurveda school(s).

Credit Card for membership payment

If you are already a CAAM Member, please fill out this application JUST to bring your membership over to our new CAAM Connect Portal.

We will require your credit card information just to continue your subscription. You will not be charged now.

Acknowledgement for CAAM's Mission Statement, Vision & Goals

CAAM’s Purpose
The California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM) exists to promote, advance and safeguard the practice of Ayurveda in California.

Our Vision
CAAM exists to establish and grow Ayurveda as an independent profession. We recognize it is a comprehensive healthcare practice that honors the interconnectedness of body-mind-spirit in harmony with the natural rhythms in Nature.

Our Mission
CAAM’s Mission is to promote, protect, preserve & integrate the principles of Ayurveda, through exceptional education, professional practices, advancing industry research, increasing public awareness and being the leading source of advancement for the Profession of Ayurveda in California for sustainable health and wellbeing

Our Goals
• Foster public awareness of Ayurveda
• Develop a sustainable unified Ayurveda Community
• Be a resource for Ayurveda to the residents of California.
• Provide a unified voice for advancement of the Ayurveda Profession
• Develop the Scope of Practice for each level of the Ayurveda Profession
• Create the standardization of Ayurveda Education in California
• Encourage continuing education of Professionals by establishing high standards of CEU requirements for CAAM Professional Members
• Establish a Code of Ethical Standards for the practice of Ayurveda in California
• Be a resource to get Malpractice Insurance for CAAM Professional Members
• Advocate for the creation of a California state approved license for the practice of Ayurveda
• Support Industry research related to Ayurveda
• Establish regular communication with Ayurveda Professionals through newsletters, journals, special events and digital media

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

1. Introduction
The California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM) believes that all patients are entitled to expect high standards of practice and ethical conduct from the Ayurveda
Professional. Essential elements of these standards are professional competency, good relationships with patients and colleagues, and observance of professional ethical obligations.

This Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (the “Code”) serves to communicate the high standards under which the Ayurveda Professional is expected to operate, is intended to provide guidance for the Ayurveda Professional, and protection for the patients of the Ayurveda Professional. The Code will be reviewed on a regular basis and updated from time to time. By becoming a Professional Member of CAAM, the Ayurveda Professional agrees to be bound by this Code, as it exists now, and as it may be changed in the future.

CAAM recognizes that this Code cannot list every situation that the Ayurveda Professional may face in the course of practice. Instead, the Code provides guidelines for acceptable minimum standards of ethical professional conduct that should be applied in an Ayurveda based professional practice in California, thus ensuring that the public interest and the needs and safety of the patient come first at all times. In addition to the well-being of the patient and the public, this Code promotes the well-being of the Ayurveda Professional, and the Profession itself. Adherence to the guidelines and principles of the Code demonstrates an adequate level of competence and fitness to practice on the part of the Ayurveda Professional. For additional guidance or clarity regarding a particular matter involving the Ayurveda Professional’s practice, the Ayurveda Professional may contact the CAAM Professional Ethics Committee.

This Code is not intended to substitute for, or serve as professional legal advice or guidance. The Ayurveda Professional is encouraged to seek the advice of an attorney for any matter or question related to the Professional’s particular practice, such as the requirements for practicing in California, the allowable scope of practice and the documentation, and policies and procedures advisable or necessary to practice in California.

2. General Duties and Responsibilities
The Ayurveda Professional has an obligation to honor the trust a patient places in them as a health care provider with full disclosure of their education, philosophy and recommendations according to the guidelines set in Senate Bill 577 in the state of California. The Ayurveda Professional has a duty to set a high standard of integrity, maintain a high level of care, and show the utmost respect for health and wellbeing in all its aspects towards their patients.

3. Relationship with Patients
The relationship between the Ayurveda Professional and the patient is a professional relationship based on trust. To establish and maintain that trust, the professional must be polite, considerate and honest. Good communication is paramount and involves listening attentively to patients, respecting their point of view, and never allowing personal beliefs and values to adversely influence the therapeutic relationship.

3.1. Consent
The Ayurveda Professional must respect the right of patients to be fully involved in decisions about their care. Patients are entitled to accept or refuse advice and recommended Ayurvedic protocols from professional.

Before an assessment, examination, or protocol is administered, the Ayurveda Professional must ensure that there has been informed consent to such assessment or protocol. Informed consent occurs when communications between the Ayurveda Professional and the patient results in the patient’s authorization or agreement to the specific assessment or protocol (or the consent of the patient’s health care surrogate if the patient lacks decision-making capacity, or declines to participate in making decisions).

Conversations regarding informed consent and the patient’s decision should be documented in some manner in the patient record.

As part of the informed consent, the Ayurveda Professional should assess the patient’s ability to understand the information presented and make an independent, voluntary decision.

The Ayurveda Professional must understand and fully comply with the laws of California in all matters concerning informed consent. Consent of a parent or legal guardian may be required prior to the assessment or treatment of a minor or developmentally disabled individual. Additionally, it may be necessary for the parent or the legally authorized guardian to be present throughout any examination and treatment.

3.2. Maintaining Trust
To establish and maintain trust the Ayurveda Professional must:

• Respect the privacy and dignity of the patient according to HIPPA requirements.
• Respect the patient’s right to seek a second opinion, if necessary.
• Maintain ethical boundaries, confidentiality and good communication with the patient.

3.3 Ethical Boundaries
An Ayurveda Professional must behave in a professional manner with patients at all times, and leave nothing open to misunderstanding or misinterpretation. This includes but not limited to: non-physical gesture, behavior, unnecessary physical contact, verbal suggestion or innuendo that may easily be construed as abusive or harassment. A clear distinction between the social relationship and the professional relationship with patients must be maintained. An Ayurveda Professional must not allow personal relationships to undermine trust as a patient.

It is considered unethical for a professional and their patient/client to concurrently have romantic or sexual relationship/interactions. This may leave the patient vulnerable and divert from an ethical patient/professional relationship that may be considered exploitative and compromise proper well-being services, hamper judgement and may be detrimental to the patient/client health and well-being.

3.4 Confidentiality
The Ayurveda Professional shall maintain patient privacy and confidentiality, in full compliance with the health care privacy laws of the United States and California. Those laws protect the confidentiality of individually identifiable medical information. California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA) defines “medical information” to include any individually identifiable information, in electronic or physical form, in possession of or derived from a provider of health care, regarding a patient’s medical history, mental or physical condition, or treatment. “Individually identifiable” means that the medical information includes or contains any element of personal identifying information sufficient to allow identification of the individual, such as the patient’s name, address, electronic mail address, telephone number, social security number, or other information that reveals the individual’s identity. Individuals suffering damage due to the release of confidential information or records may recover monetary damages. Additional fines may also be assessed for knowing and willful violations of CMIA.

Ayurveda Professionals should not disclose a patient’s records, or any other individually identifiable information regarding the patient, to any other party (including, but not limited to, a spouse, partner, relative, employer, etc.) without the patient’s prior written consent. Additionally, the Ayurveda Professional should utilize confidentiality and business associate agreements to protect the confidentiality of patient information.

3.5 Good Communication
Good communication between the Ayurveda Professional and patient is essential for effective care and to build a relationship based on trust.

Good communication involves:

● Listening attentively to the patient communication while respecting their views and beliefs.
● Communicating with patients in a language they understand.
● Prior to providing any service or product to a patient, the Ayurveda Professional should clearly disclose fees to the patient, any additional costs associated with the service or product, and the expected duration of service/use.
● The Ayurveda Professional should provide the patient written instructions regarding the use of any product provided by or through the Ayurveda Professional. The instructions should include ingredients, how the product is to be used, the recommended serving size or dosage, when and how often it is to be taken, include any other details that must be explained to the patient – e.g, risks associated with use, who to call if there is an adverse reaction, etc. Product labels are required for all products provided by the Ayurveda Professional to the patient. If the product is manufactured by the Ayurveda Professional, the label must include a list of ingredients, the patient's name, and the Ayurveda Professional’s name, telephone number and address.

3.6 Patient Care and Protocols
The Ayurveda Professional must keep accurate, comprehensive, easily understood and legible case notes including the following details:

● Patient’s name, address, date of birth and telephone number
● Date of each consultation
● Presenting symptoms
● Past medical history
● Relevant medical and family history
● Clinical findings
● Protocols and advice recommended on initial and subsequent visits
● Details of patient’s progress

The Ayurveda Professional serves as custodian of the patient’s records. In communal practice with other colleagues, if the AP works for another business, that business may “own” the records. It is wise to contract for ownership of the records and to specify whether the patient is considered a patient of the AP or the company employing the AP. On no account should records be transferred to another practice or professional without the written authorization of the patient.

If a patient has suffered an adverse reaction as a result of a protocol or recommendation, the professional should act immediately to take responsibility, provide an explanation, and do everything necessary to safeguard the well-being of the patient and avert a crisis.

As explained in Section 3.4 above, The Ayurveda Professional shall maintain patient privacy and confidentiality, in full compliance with the health care privacy laws of the United States and California. This duty of privacy and confidentiality extends to patient medical records. CMIA requires a health care provider who creates, maintains, preserves, stores, abandons, destroys, or disposes of medical records to do so in a manner that preserves the confidentiality of the information contained within those records.

In California, under specific conditions and/or requirements, patients have a right to see and receive copies of their medical records, and the provider may charge certain fees for making the records available. See California Health and Safety Code, Section 123100 et seq. The Ayurveda Professional is expected to understand and follow the California State laws concerning the release of medical records.

3.7. Financial Dealings
As indicated in Section 3.5 above, prior to providing any service or product to a patient, The Ayurveda Professional should clearly disclose fees to the patient , any other costs associated with the service or product, and the expected duration of service/use. The Ayurveda Professional has a duty and obligation to provide the same standard and quality of care to non-paying patients as they provide to paying patients.

The Ayurveda Professional should not exploit a patient’s vulnerability or lack of medical knowledge when charging for products or services.

The Ayurveda Professional must be honest in financial and commercial dealings with employers, insurers, and other individuals and entities. The Ayurveda Professional must keep accurate financial records and comply with all Local, State and Federal legislative requirements.

3.8 Commercial Activities
The Ayurveda Professional must ensure that personal business affairs do not influence patient care. It is unethical and a conflict of interest to promote a product or service to a patient (or the patient’s health care surrogate) merely for profit, self dealing, kickbacks and fee splitting when there is no health-related reason for the patient to utilize such product or service. The Ayurveda Professional must disclose such a relationship to the product or service to the patient and allow the patient to decide whether to proceed. If the Ayurveda Professional sells or recommends any product or service to the patient, it must be for the well-being of the patient and the Ayurveda Professional must be qualified to offer such product or service.

4. Relationship with Colleagues
4.1. Communication with other Health Care Professionals
If the patient’s condition is outside the competence level of the Ayurveda Professional, The Ayurveda Professional must disclose this to the Patient and suggest they find another healthcare Provider.

Under no circumstances should any prescriptions or protocols issued by a medical doctor be changed, altered, or discontinued.

When communication with another health care provider is indicated, the Ayurveda Professional should inform the patient of the reasons for communication, get patient consent and document this in the patient file. A copy of such correspondence should be made available to the patient upon request.

If a transfer of care to another health care professional is desired by the patient, upon a signed written request from the patient, the Ayurveda Professional must share a copy of all written records with the new health care professional.

If the Ayurveda Professional treats the patient of another health care professional because of holiday, illness or any other reason, the Ayurveda Professional should not attempt to solicit the patient directly to continue treatment with the Ayurveda Professional.

5. Relationship with the Public
5.1. Honorable Conduct
The Ayurveda Professional must act in an honorable manner in relationship with the public. Public communication may include advertising, contact through the media (e.g., newspapers, magazines or other publications, television, radio, world-wide web, social media, public talks and discussions with inquirers etc.). In all public communications, the Ayurveda Professional should act in a manner consistent with this Code. The Ayurveda Professional must avoid making misleading claims about curing disease or in any way implying abilities beyond the professional’s competence, training, and scope of practice.

5.2. Advertising
The Ayurveda Professional should be accurate and truthful in all communications concerning the professional’s practice, education, skills and experience.

The Ayurveda Professional should not mislead a patient into believing the professional is a medical doctor or other health care professional licensed to practice in California. They need to follow the protocols set by California Senate Bill 577. If the Ayurveda Professional is not a medical doctor or another health care professional licensed to practice in California, the Ayurveda Professional should disclose this fact to the patient. The Ayurveda Professional should not use the title “Doctor” or the abbreviation “Dr.” unless the professional is a physician licensed to practice in California.

6. Ayurveda Professional’s Health
The interests and safety of patients must come first at all times. If an Ayurveda Professional has knowledge that s/he has or may have a communicable disease which could be transmitted to patients, or any condition that hinders judgment or performance that could affect patient care (e.g., alcoholism, prescription or illegal drug addiction, etc.) the Ayurveda Professional should immediately consult with a physician, other licensed healthcare practitioner, or a consultant in occupational health, for a recommendation regarding whether the practice should be terminated or modified in order to best protect the interests and safety of patients. In circumstances warrant, the Ayurveda Practitioner shall immediately cease and desist from seeing patients and/or working in the Ayurveda Professionals practice, until such time as the professional no longer presents a risk to patients. In such cases, the Ayurvedic Professional should notify CAAM within 30 days of receiving their practitioner’s recommendation to cease practice.

7. Practice Management and Safety
The Ayurveda Professional should comply with all applicable laws, federal, state and local. The professional should obtain all permits and pay all taxes required for the professional to operate legally from that location.

California is one of the few states that has a Health Freedom Law, which under certain conditions exempts a person from penalties for practicing medicine without a license. The law provides protection as long as the person avoids certain prohibited activities, provides mandatory disclosures to the client, and obtains a written acknowledgment from the client stating that s/he received the mandatory disclosure. CAAM recommends that the Ayurveda Professional understands and strictly follows the requirements of California’s Health Freedom Law. See Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 2053.5 and 2053.6.

It is recommended that the Ayurveda Professional carry professional malpractice insurance.

The Ayurveda Professional should maintain patient records as discussed in Section 3.6 above.

All employees, independent contractors and other individuals (e.g., students, volunteers, etc.) assisting the Ayurveda Professional in his/her practice (the “Staff”) must have the proper training, education and experience reasonably necessary to perform their required tasks. CAAM recommends that the Ayurveda Professional provide their Staff notice of Code provisions that may be relevant to the services provided by the Staff. CAAM also recommends that the Ayurveda Professional utilize confidentiality and business associate agreements as discussed in Section 3.4 above.

8. Infringement of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Violation of this Code may subject the Ayurveda Professional to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of their membership in CAAM, and loss of the related privileges and benefits of CAAM membership. By accepting professional membership in CAAM, the Ayurveda Professional agrees to abide by this Code.

I have read, understand, and agree to be bound by CAAM’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, as it exists now, and as it may be changed at any time, and from time to time, in the future, with no advance notice to me.
I have read, understand, and agree to be bound by CAAM’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, as it exists now, and as it may be changed at any time, and from time to time, in the future, with no advance notice to me

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR AYURVEDA PROFESSIONALS

The following listing of Professional categories for the practice of Ayurveda in the United States represents the current state of the profession and also the potential for the growth of the profession moving forward. These categories are distinguished by their focus on health and wellness as well as the educational and experiential background needed to be competent as a professional in each category.

Ayurvedic Health Counselor/ Ayurvedic Educator:
This category represents Ayurvedic professionals educated to serve the community in the area of prevention and health promotion through Ayurvedic guidance on diet, lifestyle, rejuvenating herbs and spices, bodywork therapies, basic yoga and meditation practices.

Ayurvedic Practitioner:
This category represents the Ayurvedic professionals with clinical training in pathology and diagnosis based on Ayurvedic principles. These professionals practice prevention and health promotion as well as restoring the balance of body and mind from imbalanced states with a focus on diet, lifestyle, herbs, body work therapies, yoga and meditation.

This document is broken into four divisions clarifying the scope of practice in each category:

1. Description
2. Skills and Competencies
3. Recommendations
4. Ayurveda Treatment and Intervention Skills

Click here to view listing by category. When finished reviewing, close the document to return to this form.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR SAMPLE AYURVEDA CLINIC HANDOUT

Click to view and download handout. Close the document to return to this page and continue the application form.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR INVITATION FOR PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE

A Message from Malpractice Insurance Agent Marilyn Allen with an Invitation to get Malpractice Insurance at a discounted Price if you are a Member of CAAM

Good day to you:

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and Allied Professional Insurance.

My name is Marilyn Allen and I am both respectful and very excited to be working with you and your Association in helping to provide malpractice insurance coverage for the Ayurveda Practitioners. I have a vast background in the Allied Health professions, as well as in the Insurance world. I have had the honor of representing the United States in two Technical Advisory Groups with the World Health Organization. I contributed to the development of the Standardization of Acupuncture point location, development of Standard Terminologies on Traditional Medicine, the development of a set of Diagnostic codes for Acupuncture and the group developing the Quality of Care and Patient Safety codes.

I teach and lecture on Laws, Ethics, Risk Management, Practice Management and Professional Development throughout the United States.

This is a very stirring time for Ayurveda both nationally and internationally. Ayurveda Medicine is a powerful practice to help patients, who follow the principals and practices, experience wellbeing and fulfilling life by using lifestyle, yoga, diet and exercise. Ayurveda is a healing process that benefits a patient both internally and externally.

I have worked with Allied Professional Insurance since 1986. This company has been insuring complementary and integrated practitioners for over 34 years. The company and myself both support and respect the practitioners and the treatments they provide for the citizens of the United States and around the globe.

We have been working with your professional association to create a custom-tailored policy to meet the needs of your Ayurveda practitioner members.

To apply for Malpractice Insurance at the discounted price, or if you have comments or questions, please contact me directly at my email or phone number below.

I look forward to working with you and your profession for growth and public acceptance of Ayurveda medicine.

Yours in good health,

Marilyn Allen
marilynallen@aol.com
1-714-420-2895

Membership AgreementThis Membership Agreement (the “Agreement”) is by and between the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (the “Association”), and the Association member or applicant for membership electronically accepting and/or signing this Agreement (the “Member”). The Association and the Member may be referred to hereinafter each as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.

RECITALS:
The Association is a nonprofit, tax-exempt membership organization which desires to retain and increase its membership. The Member is an individual or entity that desires to be admitted and/or retained as a member of the Association.

The terms and conditions of this Agreement govern membership in the Association. In being admitted and/or retained as member of the Association, the Member agrees to be subject to these terms and conditions. The Member also understands and acknowledges that the Member’s membership in the Association may be denied or terminated if the Member fails to abide by these terms and conditions.

Accordingly, for and in consideration of the premises, mutual covenants and promises contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLES:

1. Membership Types, Benefits, Requirements, Fees.

a. Membership Types. The Association offers the following types of membership to qualifying individuals and entities:

i. Professional. Professional membership is open to the following types of individual Ayurveda professionals who meet the Association’s educational competency criteria:

a) Ayurveda Health Counselor (“AHC”); and
b) Ayurveda Practitioner (“AP”).

ii. Educational Institution. Educational Institution membership is open to state-approved and state exempt educational institutions, colleges or universities located in the United States that offer at least one professional (AHC or AP) program that complies with the Association’s Ayurveda educational competency guidelines.

iii. Organization. Organization membership is open to businesses, organizations, and non-state approved educational institutions (worldwide) connected to Ayurveda including complementary healthcare organizations.

iv. Allied. Allied membership is open to individuals, organizations, associations, and businesses (worldwide) that supports the Association’s mission and goals.

v. Student. Student membership is open to all students enrolled and currently attending a professional (AHC or AP) qualified program that complies with the Association’s Ayurveda educational competency guidelines.

b. Multiple Membership Types. A Member may apply for/have more than one-type of membership in the Association.

c. Membership Requirements. The Association will specify the requirements for membership (the “Membership Requirements”) for each type of membership offered by the Association. In order to be accepted or retained for membership in the Association, the Member must meet all of the Membership Requirements for the applied for/approved membership type both at the time of application and at all times while a Member of the Association.

d. Member Benefits and Rights.

i. Benefits. The Member may receive discounts, offers, access to programs and events, and other benefits associated with membership in the Association (the “Benefits”). The Association, in its sole and absolute discretion, will determine the Benefits, if any, available to Members of the Association (collectively, the “Members”). The Association will from time to time, and at least on an annual basis, publish on its website a list of Benefits available to Members.

ii. Voting. Professional Members residing or practicing in California are the only Members with voting rights. California Professional Members in Good Standing with the Association have the right to vote in the annual election of the members of the Board of Directors of the Association. Good Standing shall mean the Member has complied with all obligations of membership in the Association and is not subject to any form of sanction, suspension or disciplinary censure.

e. Change in Membership Types, Benefits or Requirements. The Association, in its sole and absolute discretion, may at any time and from time to time, and without advance notice to the Member, add, remove or change any membership type, requirement or Benefit (in whole or in part), subject to applicable laws. The Association will notify the Member of any such addition, removal, or change, which will be applied prospectively, with an effective date determined solely by the Association. Members will be bound by the resulting membership type(s), requirement(s), and/or Benefit(s), which will supersede and replace the preceding membership type(s), requirement(s), and/or Benefit(s).

f. Membership Fees. The Association will from time to time publish a list of the annual dues and other fees (collectively, the “Membership Fees”) to be paid by Members. The Association, in its sole and absolute discretion, may at any time and from time to time, and without advance notice to the Member, add, remove or change the Membership Fees (in whole or in part), subject to applicable laws. The Association will notify the Member of any such addition, removal, or change, which will be applied prospectively, with an effective date determined solely by the Association. Members will be bound by the resulting Membership Fees, which will supersede and replace the preceding Membership Fees.

2. Association Policies and Procedures. At all times while a member of the Association, the Member shall comply with all Association policies and procedures applicable to the Member. The Association, in its sole and absolute discretion, may at any time and from time to time, and without advance notice to the Member, add, remove or change any or all such policies or procedures (in whole or in part), subject to applicable laws. The Members will be notified of any such addition, removal or change, which will be applied prospectively, with an effective date determined solely by the Association. The Member will be bound by the resulting policies and procedures, which will supersede and replace the preceding policies and procedures. The Member’s violation of any applicable policy or procedure may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of membership in the Association.

3. Term of Membership. The initial term of this Agreement, and the Member’s membership in the Association, is one year from the date of joining the Association. After the initial term, Members in Good Standing with the Association and who pay their annual dues, may renew their membership for successive one-year terms.

This Applicant understands that while they are required to renew their Membership annually, they will not be asked to resign this agreement. The Terms and Conditions of this agreement are valid and binding as long as the applicant's membership in any year is valid, or unless canceled by either party in writing to the other party. (Applicant and CAAM).

4. Termination.

a. Death or Dissolution of a Member. This Agreement (and the Member’s membership in the Association) shall automatically terminate upon the Member’s death, dissolution or liquidation.

b. Mutual Agreement. The Association and the Member may terminate this Agreement (and the Member’s membership in the Association) at any time and for any reason, by mutual agreement evidenced by a written agreement of termination signed by the Association and the Member and specifying an effective date for the termination.

c. Termination by Member. The Member may terminate this Agreement (and the Member’s membership in the Association) at any time and for any reason by providing the Association thirty (30) day’s advance written notice of the termination. If the notice fails to include an effective date for the termination, the effective date of the termination shall be thirty (30) days from the date of such notice.

d. Termination by Association. The Association may immediately terminate this Agreement (and the Member’s membership in the Association):

i. If the Member fails to pay any amount due from the Member to the Association and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after the Member receives written notice of such nonpayment;

ii. If the Member fails in any manner to comply with any of the then existing Membership Requirements for the membership type under which the Member was approved, and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after the Member receives written notice of such noncompliance;

iii. If the Member violates any Association policy or procedure applicable to the Member and fails to cure such violation after being notified of the violation in writing by the Association and being given thirty (30) days to cure the same;

iv. If the Member is in breach of this Agreement, and fails to cure such breach after being notified of the breach in writing by the Association and being given thirty (30) days to cure the same;

v. In the event of the Member’s willful and deliberate violation of any federal, state or local law, rule or administrative regulation (other than a traffic violation or similar misdemeanor), or in the event of the Member’s arrest or conviction (or plea of guilty or nolo contendere) with respect to any felony or crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude;

vi. if the Member, or any of its officers or principals, lies to or misleads the Association;

vii. if the Member, or any of its officers or principals, is found to have committed unprofessional or unethical conduct by any board, institution, organization, or professional society having any jurisdiction, privilege or right to pass upon the conduct of the Member, or the affected officer or principal;

viii. if the Association determines, in its reasonable judgment, that the Member, or any of its officers or principals, has committed any act or omission which creates a dangerous or offensive environment for the Association or its Members, or for clients or patients of the Member;

ix. if any act or omission of the Member, or any of its officers or principals, in the Association’s reasonable judgment, subjects the Association to shame or ridicule, or otherwise diminishes the Association’s reputation or good standing; or

x. if any act or omission of the Member or any of its officers or principals, in the Association’s reasonable judgment, is materially detrimental to the Association.

e. Effect of Termination. The Member’s membership in the Association shall automatically terminate on the effective date of the termination of this Agreement. The Association shall not be responsible for (and the Member shall not be entitled to) the refund of any dues, fees, charges, costs, expenses, or amounts of any kind or nature, paid or otherwise incurred by the Member, prior to termination of the Member’s membership in the Association.

5. Use of Association Name and Logo.

a. The Association grants to the Member a nonexclusive, non-assignable and non-transferable limited license to use the Association’s name and logo (the “Name” and “Logo”) for the limited purpose of conveying notice of membership in the Association. The Name and Logo may not otherwise be used, copied, reproduced or altered in any manner.

b. The Name and Logo must always be accompanied by the words “Association Member”. The Member may display the Name and Logo on the Member’s website. The Name and Logo, when used in an electronic format, must always be linked to the Association’s website (https://www.ayurveda-caam.org), or such other address as may be established by the Association. All copyright and other proprietary notices shall be retained on all reproductions.

c. Upon the termination, expiration, cancellation or suspension of a Member’s membership in the Association, the Member shall discontinue all use of the Name and Logo. Furthermore, the Association in its sole and absolute discretion, may at any time and for any reason, terminate, cancel, suspend or withdraw a Member’s license to use the Name and Logo.

d. The Name and Logo may not be used in any way to represent approval by the Association of the content of media without the Association’s prior written permission. A copy of any proposed media must accompany all requests for such permission. The Name and Logo may not be used in any way which represents an endorsement or certification by the Association of the Member or any product or service offered by the Member.

e. All right, title and interest in and to the Name and Logo will remain the property of the Association. Any use of the Name and Logo, including distribution, reproduction, modification, display or transmission, without the prior written consent of the Association is strictly prohibited. All rights in the Name and Logo not expressly granted herein are reserved.

6. Use of Image. The Member grants to the Association the unrestricted, non-exclusive and assignable right to use the Member’s name, photograph, image, likeness, voice and biographical information obtained as a result of the Member’s involvement in any Association related activity or event, for purposes of advertising, trade or publicity, in any manner, medium or forum anywhere, in perpetuity, without compensation, and without prior notification to the Member.

7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ASSOCIATION BE LIABLE TO THE MEMBER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OF USE, REVENUE OR PROFIT, OR LOSS OF DATA OR DIMINUTION IN VALUE, OR FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES WHETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES WERE FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT THE ASSOCIATION WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY AGREED OR OTHER REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

8. Force Majeure. The Association shall not be liable or responsible to the Member or any third party, nor be deemed to have defaulted or breached this Agreement, for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by or results from an act or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of the Association including acts of God, flood, fire, earthquake, explosion, governmental actions, war, invasion or hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot or other civil unrest, national emergency, revolution, insurrection, epidemic, lock-outs, strikes or other labor disputes (whether or not relating to either party's workforce), or restraints or delays affecting carriers, or inability or delay in obtaining supplies of adequate or suitable materials, or telecommunication breakdown or power outage.

9. Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by, interpreted under, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any conflicts of law principles. Venue for all purposes shall be deemed to lie in Los Angeles County, California.

10. Changes to Membership Agreement. The Association, in its sole and absolute discretion, may at any time and from time to time, and without advance notice to the Member, add, remove or change this Agreement (in whole or in part), subject to applicable laws. The Association will notify the Member of any such addition, removal or change, which will be applied prospectively, with an effective date determined solely by the Association. The Member will be bound by the resulting membership agreement, which will supersede and replace this Agreement. The Member’s breach of this Agreement or any subsequent membership agreement may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of membership in the Association.

11. Notices. All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be considered as properly given if hand delivered, or sent by certified mail or overnight delivery service, to the Association at its principal place of business, and to the Member, at the last address provided by the Member to the Association, or such other address as a Party
may designate by like notice to the other Party.

12. Non-Waiver. No waiver by the Association of any provision of this Agreement is effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the Association. No delay or omission by the Association in exercising any right under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of that or any other right. A waiver or consent given by the Association on any one occasion shall be effective only in that instance and shall not be construed as a bar or waiver of any right on any other occasion. The
Association’s failure to enforce this Agreement against any Member shall not adversely affect
the Association’s ability to enforce this Agreement against any other Member, nor shall it give rise to any defense, claim or cause of action by any Member against the Association.

13. Construction; Severability; Survival. This Agreement shall be construed within the fair meaning of each of its terms, and not against the drafter. The titles and headings herein are for convenience and ease of reference only and shall not be utilized in any way to construe or interpret this Agreement. Any reference to a word in this Agreement
shall include the plural, singular, masculine, feminine or neuter form of the word, unless the context in which the word appears clearly indicates the contrary, in which instance such context shall control the interpretation of the
word. The terms “include” and “including” indicate examples of a predicate word or clause and not a limitation on that word or clause. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision (or portion of a provision) of this
Agreement to be illegal, invalid, or otherwise unenforceable, the remaining provisions (or portion of a provision) shall not be affected thereby and shall be found to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. Those provisions of this Agreement that by their nature or express terms are intended to survive termination or expiration of this Agreement shall so survive.

14. Entire Agreement; Electronic Acceptance. The recitals herein are true and correct. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Member’s electronic acceptance of this Agreement signifies that the Member is at least 18 years old and legally able to accept this Agreement, and the Member has read, understands, acknowledges and agrees to be bound by this Agreement. If the Member is an entity, electronic acceptance of this Agreement also signifies the representative initiating the acceptance is authorized to bind that entity.

15. Contact Information. Question concerning this Agreement should be directed to membership@ayurveda-caam.org.

I have reviewed CAAM’s current requirements for the membership category for which I am applying and certify that I meet all of these requirements;

I will provide CAAM such other information and materials as CAAM may request at any time and from time to time, for the purpose of determining if I comply with the requirements and other standards in effect now or in the future for membership in CAAM;

I shall act in a manner in compliance with all CAAM policies and requirements, and all applicable federal, state and local laws, and shall be careful to avoid any act or conduct which might injure, directly or indirectly, in any manner, the reputation of CAAM or any other person or entity associated with CAAM;

Approval of this application is within CAAM’s sole and absolute discretion;

My membership in CAAM, if approved, shall be for a one-year period, unless terminated earlier pursuant to CAAM’s rules, regulations, or other standards then in effect;

Should my membership in CAAM lapse or terminate for any reason, I understand that if I wish to renew my membership, I will be required to submit a new application and comply with CAAM’s membership requirements and other standards then in effect;

I hereby authorize CAAM, in its sole discretion, to perform and/or request criminal history checks and other background investigations to verify any and all information provided in connection with this application, and understand that discovery of false information in or related to this application, or of relevant criminal history, may result in denial or termination of this application, and/or my membership in CAAM;

All statements, answers, and representations made in this application and/or in any supplementary materials are true, accurate, and complete.

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