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IBOCLEAR

Our standards

The same questions, asked of every facility.

These criteria help us organize information consistently so you can compare independent programs on equal terms and know what to ask.

Criterion 1 of 13

Facility and physician credentials

Why it matters

Medical supervision is only as meaningful as the qualifications of the people providing it. Families deserve to know who the responsible physician is and what professional documentation exists.

What we ask the facility

  • Who is the medical director, and who is on site during and after dosing?
  • What are the professional licenses of each physician and nurse?
  • What permits or notices does the facility hold with health authorities?

Documentation we request

  • Physician licensure (cédula profesional) for each physician
  • Facility health-authority permits or notices (e.g., COFEPRIS-related documentation)
  • Nursing credentials for clinical staff

Criterion 2 of 13

Medical screening requirements

Why it matters

Published safety research emphasizes careful screening. A facility that accepts people without a thorough medical review should raise questions.

What we ask the facility

  • What medical history, examinations, and tests do you require before acceptance?
  • Who reviews screening results, and what are common reasons for declining?
  • How do you verify information provided by applicants?

Documentation we request

  • Written screening protocol or intake requirements
  • Description of the review and decision process

Criterion 3 of 13

EKG and laboratory requirements

Why it matters

Ibogaine can affect the heart's electrical activity. Facilities commonly require an EKG and lab work so their clinicians can evaluate cardiac and organ function.

What we ask the facility

  • Which EKG and lab tests are required, and how recent must they be?
  • Do you repeat testing on arrival?
  • How are results submitted, and who reviews them?

Documentation we request

  • List of required tests and timing
  • Description of the facility's secure records portal

Criterion 4 of 13

Medication and substance-interaction review

Why it matters

Interactions with other medications and substances are among the risks described in published research. Only the facility's clinicians should give any instruction about medications.

What we ask the facility

  • How do your clinicians review current medications and substance use?
  • Who provides medication instructions before travel, and how?
  • How is this information confirmed on arrival?

Documentation we request

  • Written description of the medication-review process

Criterion 5 of 13

Cardiac and vital-sign monitoring

Why it matters

Effects can last many hours. Continuous cardiac monitoring and regular vital-sign checks allow staff to respond quickly to changes.

What we ask the facility

  • Do you use continuous cardiac (ECG) monitoring during and after dosing? For how long?
  • Who watches the monitors overnight?
  • How often are vital signs recorded?

Documentation we request

  • Description of monitoring equipment and duration
  • Staffing plan for monitoring, including overnight

Criterion 6 of 13

Emergency equipment and trained personnel

Why it matters

If a cardiac emergency occurs, minutes matter. Equipment is only useful when trained staff are present to use it.

What we ask the facility

  • Is a crash cart and defibrillator on site at all times?
  • Which staff hold current ACLS or BLS certification?
  • How often do you run emergency drills?

Documentation we request

  • ACLS/BLS training records for clinical staff
  • Confirmation of crash cart and defibrillator on site

Criterion 7 of 13

Ambulance and hospital-transfer procedures

Why it matters

Even well-equipped facilities are not hospitals. A written plan for rapid transfer is an important part of emergency preparedness.

What we ask the facility

  • Which hospital would receive a transfer, and how far away is it?
  • Do you have a written transfer agreement and ambulance access?
  • Who accompanies the client, and how is family notified?

Documentation we request

  • Written hospital-transfer agreement
  • Ambulance access arrangements and estimated transfer time

Criterion 8 of 13

Patient-to-staff ratios

Why it matters

Adequate staffing — particularly overnight and during the acute phase — affects how closely each person can be observed.

What we ask the facility

  • What is your staff-to-client ratio during dosing and overnight?
  • Is a physician on site or on call, and how quickly can they respond?

Documentation we request

  • Written staffing plan, including overnight coverage

Why it matters

Adults deserve a clear, written explanation of risks, alternatives, and policies before agreeing to any program.

What we ask the facility

  • Do you provide written informed-consent documents in advance?
  • Are they available in the client's preferred language?
  • Who explains the risks, and when?

Documentation we request

  • Copies of written informed-consent documents

Criterion 10 of 13

Program length and accommodations

Why it matters

Programs differ widely in length and setting. Understanding the daily structure helps you plan travel and set expectations.

What we ask the facility

  • What is the typical program length, and what does each day involve?
  • What are the rooms, meals, and common areas like?
  • Can companions stay on site or nearby?

Documentation we request

  • Program outline and accommodation description

Criterion 11 of 13

Pricing and refund transparency

Why it matters

Clear pricing avoids surprises. A written refund policy protects you if plans change or you are not accepted.

What we ask the facility

  • What exactly does the program fee include and exclude?
  • What is your refund policy if screening results change or plans are cancelled?

Documentation we request

  • Written price list and refund policy

Criterion 12 of 13

Aftercare and integration resources

Why it matters

The weeks after returning home can be an important time. Knowing what resources exist helps families plan ahead.

What we ask the facility

  • What aftercare do you provide or recommend?
  • Do you share discharge instructions in writing?

Documentation we request

  • Description of aftercare resources and discharge process

Criterion 13 of 13

Complaint and adverse-event procedures

Why it matters

Accountability matters. Facilities should have a clear, written way to raise concerns and a process for documenting adverse events.

What we ask the facility

  • How can clients or families raise a complaint?
  • How are adverse events documented and reported?

Documentation we request

  • Written complaint process
  • Adverse-event reporting process

Start with a private conversation.

Learn how the process works, what IBO CLEAR can coordinate, and which questions to ask when evaluating independent programs.

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