Access To Health RecordsThe Access to Health Records Act 1990 gives individuals certain rights of access to their health records. Much of the earlier legislation regarding the individual's rights to see their records has now been subsumed within the Data Protection Act (see
Data Protection Act). You can view or purchase a copy of this Act on-line, contact:
Accessibility Issues
For the legal requirements regarding accessibility, see
Disability Discrimination Act.
For details of organisations offering guidelines and advice on accessibility issues related to website design, see
Websites – accessibility issues.
Advertising On Health-Based Websites
The following websites allow you to list your details for free and usually allow you to enclose a short summary of the therapies you practise, any specialities you may have developed, and the conditions you frequently treat. You can also post up any requests for information on their news and noticeboard sites, and advertise any courses, workshops or seminars that you may be holding.
Advice
You can get free advice on a wide range of topics through the on-line advice service operated by Citizens Advice. This can range from such diverse topics as how to get your company name registered to advice on pensions and National Insurance contributions. Whilst this service does not offer the full detail of the information which is held by individual Citizens Advice Bureaux, it can help you work through some of your issues and will provide further contact details for more information. Contact:
Benefits
If your income drops below a certain level, depending on the number and ages of the people in your household you may entitled to financial help. The following benefits may apply:
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit: for more information about these benefits contact your local authority.
Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit: for more information about these benefits and contact details see
Tax credits.
Bupa
BUPA is a private health care company. Complementary therapists used to be able to work as part of this scheme if registered with BUPA. The policy now appears to have changed and anyone wishing to work with BUPA will need to have an orthodox medical background. If you would like further information, contact:
BUPA
BUPA House
15-19 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2BA
Business Link
Business Link can offer you free advice on setting up your business and details of any government grants or schemes which may be available in your local area. For further information contact:
Children Act
The Children Act 1989 established the concept of parental responsibility. You can view or purchase a copy of this Act on-line, contact:
Companies House
Companies House can advise you on the legalities of setting up and naming your company. You can download copies of their guidance booklets from their website. Contact:
Complementary Health Directories And Magazines
The following on-line directories and magazines advertise complementary health training courses, business opportunities, health products. Contact:
Creative And Lateral Thinking
Edward de Bono has written a number of books on lateral and creative thinking. He also runs training courses in these skills. I've listed my favourite book below – it should help you overcome any blocks regarding your business plans:
Six Thinking Hats, Edward de Bono (Penguin).
Illumine Training runs training courses in lateral thinking and creativity, some of which are directly related to improving your business. Contact:
Credit Card Transactions
One of the simplest and cheapest ways to accept payments by credit card is to set up an online account with a company such as PayPal. PayPal allows any business or consumer with an email address to securely send and receive payments online. PayPal's service lets users send payments for free, and it can be used from PCs or web-enabled mobile phones. A percentage is charged on every transfer made to you (0.7% – 2.9%).
You can use this service to 'invoice' a client by simply entering the client's email address and the amount you are requesting. The client gets an email and instructions on how to pay you using PayPal. You can send and receive money in a number of currencies. For more information contact: