4.3 The Practitioner’s communication with other professionals regarding clients is in compliance with accepted standards and ethics. 4.4 A Practitioner possessing knowledge that another practitioner: (1) committed a criminal act that reflects adversely on the Practitioner’s competence in massage therapy, trustworthiness or fitness to practice massage therapy in other respects; (2) engaged in an act or practice that significantly undermines the massage therapy profession; or (3) engaged in conduct that creates a risk of serious harm for the physical or emotional well-being of a recipient of massage therapy, shall report such knowledge to the appropriate AMTA committee if such information is not protected or restricted by any confidentiality law(s). 5.1 Client Records. 5.1.1 The Practitioner establishes and maintains appropriate client records. 5.2 Financial Records. The ABMP Standards of Practice The ABMP 2016 Code of Ethics, as previously covered, is quite detailed and includes the standards of practice listed directly under each ethical principle rather than a separate document. 5. Records. ● Standards of Practice for the profession of therapeutic massage and bodywork are the guiding principles by which certificants and applicants for certification conduct their day- to-day responsibilities within their scope of practice. ● These principles help to assure that all professional behaviors are conducted in the most ethical, compassionate, and responsible manner. ● The Standards are enforceable guidelines for professional conduct, and therefore, are stated in observable and measurable terms intended as minimum levels of practice. ● Each applicant for certification must agree to uphold and abide by the NCBTMB Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and applicable policies. ● Failure to comply with the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice as provided herein constitutes professional misconduct and may result in sanctions, or other appropriate disciplinary actions, including the suspension or revocation of certification. ● NCBTMB certificants and applicants for certification are obligated to report unethical behavior and violations of the Code of Ethics and/or the Standards of Practice (NCBTMB, 2009). The NCBTMB Standards of Practice Last updated in 2009, are summarized below. Standard I: Professionalism. The certificant or applicant for certification must provide optimal levels of professional therapeutic massage and bodywork services as well as demonstrate excellence in practice by promoting healing and well-being via responsible, compassionate and respectful touch and shall do as follows: a. Adhere to the NCBTMB Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, policies and procedures. b. Comply with the peer review process conducted by the NCBTMB Ethics and Standards Committee regarding any alleged violations of the NCBTMB Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. c. Treat each client with respect, dignity and worth. d. Use professional verbal, nonverbal, and written communications. NCBTMB Standards of Practice Preamble Key concepts are as follows: e. Provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for the client that meets all legal requirements for health and safety.
5.2.1 The Practitioner establishes and maintains client financial accounts that follow accepted accounting practices. 6. Marketing. 6.1 Marketing consists of, but is not limited to, advertising, public relations, promotion and publicity. 6.2 The Practitioner markets his/her practice in an accurate, truthful and ethical manner. 7. Legal Practice. 7.1 American Massage Therapy Association members practice or collaborate with all others practicing professional massage/bodywork in a manner that is in compliance with national, state, or local municipal law(s) pertaining to the practice of professional massage/ bodywork. 8. Research. 8.1 The Practitioner engaged in study and/or research is guided by the conventions and ethics of scholarly inquiry. 8.2 The Practitioner doing research avoids financial or political relationships that may limit objectivity or create conflict of interest.
Refer to the Principles section of their website, listed on the reference page, to review those standards in their entirety.
f. Use standard precautions to insure professional hygienic practices and maintain a level of personal hygiene appropriate for practitioners. g. Wear clothing that is clean, modest, and professional. h. Obtain voluntary and informed consent from the client prior to initiating the session. i. If applicable, conduct an accurate needs assessment, develop a plan of care with the client, and update the plan as needed. j. Use appropriate draping to protect the client’s physical and emotional privacy. k. Be knowledgeable of his/her scope of practice and practice only within these limitations. l. Refer to other professionals when in the best interest of the client and practitioner. m. Seek the advice of other professionals when needed. n. Respect the traditions and practices of other professionals and foster collegial relationships. o. Not falsely impugn the reputation of any colleague. p. Use the NCTMB acronym only to designate his/her professional ability and competency to practice therapeutic massage and bodywork, or the NCTM acronym only to designate his/her professional ability and competency to practice therapeutic massage. q. Remain in good standing with the NCBTMB. r. Understand that the NCBTMB certificate may be displayed prominently in the certificant’s principal place of practice. s. Use the NCBTMB logo and certification number on business cards, brochures, advertisements, and stationery only in a manner within established NCBTMB guidelines. t. Not duplicate the NCBTMB certificate for purposes other than verification of the practitioner’s credentials. u. Immediately return the certificate to the NCBTMB if certification is revoked. v. Inform the NCBTMB of any changes or additions to information included in his/her application for NCBTMB certification or recertification. Standard II: Legal and Ethical Requirements. The certificant or applicant for certification must comply with all the legal requirements in applicable jurisdictions regulating the profession of therapeutic massage and bodywork, and shall: a. Obey all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
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Book Code: MTX1323
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