Client-Coach Relationship

1. “Client” acknowledges that “Coach” is an Independent Contractor.  “Client” is contracting “Coach” to help with services outlined in Schedule A.

2. “Client” acknowledges that “Coach” may use a third-party software program, tools (such as the Nutrition Factors coaching portal), and other telehealth and/or billing services, if applicable. “Client” agrees to abide by the terms and conditions of the third-party software programs.

3. Prior to signing this agreement, “Client” has discussed the credentials of “Coach” and has been given enough time to ask pertinent questions regarding “Coach’s” license(s) or certification(s) qualifying “Coach” to perform coaching duties in the state of residence of “Client”.

4. “Coach” corroborates the ability to provide coaching services to “Client” based on certification(s) and licensure(s), as well as state of residence of “Client”, to perform coaching services outlined in Schedule A.

5. “Client” acknowledges coaching sessions may be conducted via videochat through a telehealth portal. “Coach” has discussed the risks associated with online video chat features and file transfer.

6. “Client” has been instructed not to transfer any personal health information via the telehealth portal that “Client” does not want to be known to the public, should a breach occur.

7. “Client” is solely responsible for their own actions, decisions, and coaching outcomes.

1. “Client” is the sole party responsible for their own well-being, state of health, and all decision-making during the coaching relationship and plan as outlined in Schedule A.

2. “Client” understands the relationship between “Coach” and “Client” is professional as outlined by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching Scope of Practice:

a. “Health and wellness coaches work with individuals and groups in the client-centered process to facilitate and empower the client to develop and achieve self-determined goals related to health and wellness. Coaches support clients in mobilizing internal strengths and external resources, and in developing self-management strategies for making sustainable, healthy lifestyle, and behavior changes. While health and wellness coaches per se do not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, or provide psychological therapeutic interventions, they may provide expert guidance in areas in which they hold active, nationally recognized credentials, and may offer resources from nationally recognized authorities such as those referenced in NBHWC’s Content Outline with Resources. As partners and facilitators, health and wellness coaches support their clients in achieving health goals and behavioral change based on their client's goals and consistent with treatment plans as prescribed by individual clients’ professional health care providers. Coaches assist to use their insight, personal strengths and resources, goal setting, action steps, and accountability toward healthy lifestyle change.

10.“Client” understands results vary from client to client and “Coach” does not guarantee results. “Client” understands results are determined by “Client’s” own lifestyle, goals, health conditions, and experiences.

11. “Client” understands the guidance, support, and education provided from “Coach” is not a substitute for medical advice. “Client” understands it is safest to consult their primary care physician prior to implementing changes to their health and wellness.

Commitment

“Client” is contracting “Coach” to assist “Client” in making lifestyle and wellness changes that may help improve “Client’s” overall health and well-being. “Client” agrees to the coaching-client relationship and the commitment to the coaching process as outlined in Schedule A, which has been created with “Coach”.

Confidentiality

“Coach” agrees to keep “Client’s” information confidential except in those situations where such confidentiality and personal information added or shared with a third party software provider(s) might be accessed to help “Coach” perform their job or for the safety of “Client” (see below for limitations)

Limitations of confidentiality exist and are itemized below:

1. If “Client” threatens or attempts to commit suicide or otherwise conducts him/herself in a way there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.

2. If “Client” threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.

3. If “Coach” has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the

perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of

children under the age of 18 years.

1. Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person who may be

subjected to these abuses.

1. Suspectedneglectofthepartiesnamedinitems#3and#4.

Coaching Sessions

“Client” will schedule all appointments through the scheduling link on “Coach’s” portal, founder here: https://www.zlhealthcoach.com Details for coaching services are in Schedule A. At the end of the contract, if “Client” wishes to continue with services, this contract will continue on a monthly basis. All fees will be determined for continuing coaching sessions at the conclusion of the pre-determined coaching period.

Rescheduling and Cancellations

“Client” agrees to reschedule an appointment by calling OR messaging “Coach” through the secure telehealth portal at least 24 hours in advance. Sessions can be rescheduled if the cancellation takes place 24 hours in advance. It is important for “Client” to keep their scheduled appointments as it may affect the outcomes of coaching results if “Client” miss sessions. If “Client” is more than 10 minutes late for a coaching session, “Client” will forfeit the session, and the session will be counted as an attended session and cannot be rescheduled. “Client” will be billed for the session (if being charged) if the session is not canceled 24 hours in advance.

Termination of Services

Either Party may terminate this agreement with notice to the other party. All fees will still be required to be paid in full if owed. There are no refunds for services already rendered.

If “Coach” does not keep appointments with “Client” and breaches this agreement, “Coach” will refund “Client” and other parties involved the full amount for fees collected that were not performed.

Expectations

Communication and accountability is key to reaching the goals set by “Client” in Schedule A. “Coach’s” responsibility is to share concepts, insights, and resources to help “Client” be successful during the coaching period and after. “Coach agrees to maintain standard ethics. “Client” understands that results vary from client to client and are based on the “Client’s” own effort and actions.

Code of Conduct:
1. Professional Conduct:

1. Refrain from unlawful discrimination in occupational activities, including age, race, gender orientation, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability; and consistently demonstrate dignity and respect in all professional relationships.

2. Make verbal and written statements that are true and accurate about what “Coach” offers as a health and wellness coach.

3. Accurately identify my coaching qualifications, expertise, experience, training, certifications, and credentials.

4. Recognize and honor the efforts and contributions of others and only claim ownership of my own material. I understand that violating this standard may leave me subject to legal remedy by a third party.

5. Always strive to recognize any personal issues that may impair, conflict with or interfere with my coaching performance or my professional coaching relationships. I will promptly seek the relevant professional assistance and determine the action to be taken, including whether it is appropriate to suspend or terminate my coaching relationship(s) whenever the facts and circumstances necessitate.

f.           Maintain, store and dispose of any records, including electronic files and communications, created during my coaching engagements in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security and privacy and complies with any applicable laws, regulations and agreements.

2. Conflicts of Interest

1. Seek to be conscious of any conflict or potential conflict of interest, openly

disclose any such conflict to all parties involved, and offer to remove

yourself when a conflict arises.

1. Clarify roles for health and wellness coaches, set boundaries, and review

with sponsors and parties’ conflicts of interest that may emerge between coaching and other role functions. Disclose to all clients the exact nature of the coach’s role within the company or organization, and the limitations and expectations thereof.

1. No solicitation or sales of products, services, or program that is not directly in line or related to the coaching party. This includes the sales of supplements, multi-level marketing products, or services not being directly rendered in coaching sessions.

2. Honor an equitable coach/client relationship, regardless of the form of compensation.

3. Professional Conduct with Clients

1. Adhere to all ethical standards of practice for his/her respective health

care licensures and credentials.

1. Carefully explain and strive to ensure that, prior to or at the initial meeting,

my coaching client and sponsor(s) understand the nature of health and wellness coaching, the nature and limits of confidentiality, financial arrangements, and any other terms of the coaching agreement.

1. Avoid any sexual or romantic relationship with current clients, sponsor(s), students, mentees or supervisees.

2. Respect the client’s right to terminate the coaching relationship at any point during the process, subject to the provisions of the agreement.

3. Strive to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the client.

Adapted from The Code of Ethics for National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches

Role of The Coach

“Coach” supports “Client” in activating internal strengths and external resources to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle behavior changes. “Coach” uses a client-centered approach wherein “Client” decides their goals, engages in self-discovery or active learning processes, and self-monitors behaviors to increase accountability, all within the context of an interpersonal relationship with “Coach”.

Whatever goal “Client” sets, “Coach” ensures that they are supported until the desired outcome is achieved. “Coach” displays unconditional positive regard for “Client” and has trained to the highest standards in the profession which means that they have the skills and knowledge to walk alongside “Client” on their path to their healthiest self.

Medical Disclaimer

“Client” understands that the information given by “Coach” is not meant to treat, cure, or take place of any treatment, medication, or physician’s instructions or advice. “Client” understands that they are ultimately the sole person responsible for their health, food choices, allergies, food intolerances, and actions. “Client” understands that they should always consult their physician or another healthcare provider first before starting their or any health, wellness, or nutrition program. “Client” acknowledges that before changing their diet or starting an exercise program, they should consult their physician to see if they are healthy enough to do so. “Client” understands that “Coach’s” advice is not a substitute for obtaining professional medical advice from a physician. “Client” acknowledges that they should talk with a physician about the appropriateness of this information and program and how it could affect “Client’s” own personal health and medical condition.

Limitation of Liability and Damages

The entire extent of liability of “Coach” shall be limited to the amount of the coaching fee minus time spent and services rendered. “Client” agrees to hold harmless Coach and any third-party affiliates that “Coach” may have used for any wrongdoing or negligence without limitation for any damages, liabilities, expenses, or claims resulting from loss of “Client’s” information, content provided, misinformation, or misconduct.

“Client” agrees to these conditions set forth by “Coach” and this Agreement shall be binding to both parties and their respective successors. “Client” should sign the agreement and return a signed copy to “Coach”.