● Provide draping and treatment in a way that ensures the safety, comfort and privacy of the client. ● Exercise the right to refuse to treat any person or part of the body for a just and reasonable cause. ● Refrain, under all circumstances, from initiating or engaging in any sexual conduct, sexual activities, or sexualizing behavior involving a client, even if the client attempts to sexualize the relationship, unless a pre-existing relationship exists between an applicant or a practitioner and the client prior to the applicant or practitioner applying to be certified by the NCBTMB. ● Avoid any interest, activity, or influence that might be in conflict with the practitioner’s obligation to act in the best interests of the client or the profession. ● Respect the client’s boundaries with regard to privacy, disclosure, exposure, emotional expression, beliefs and the client’s reasonable expectations of professional behavior; practitioners will respect the client’s autonomy. ● Refuse any gifts or benefits that are intended to influence a referral, decision or treatment, or that are purely for personal gain and not for the good of the client. ● Follow the NCBTMB Standards of Practice, this Code of Ethics, and all policies, procedures, guidelines, regulations, codes, and requirements (NCBTMB, 2008).
● Acknowledge the limitations of and contraindications for massage and bodywork, and refer clients to appropriate health professionals. ● Provide treatment only where there is reasonable expectation that it will be advantageous to the client. ● Consistently maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence, striving for professional excellence through regular assessments of personal and professional strengths and weaknesses and via continued education training. ● Conduct their business and professional activities with honesty and integrity, and respect the inherent worth of all persons. ● Refuse to unjustly discriminate against clients and/or health professionals. ● Safeguard the confidentiality of all client information, unless disclosure is requested by the client in writing, is medically necessary, is required by law, or necessary for the protection of the public. ● Respect a client’s right to treatment with informed and voluntary consent. The certified practitioner will obtain and record the informed consent of the client, or client’s advocate, before providing treatment. This consent may be written or verbal. ● Respect the client’s right to refuse, modify or terminate treatment regardless of prior consent given. Ethics codes cannot possibly cover every situation that may arise during practice. Standards of practice, sometimes referred to as rules or standards of conduct, offer more specific guidelines for everyday practice that reflect the ethical principles outlined in the code. All major professional organizations develop and promote standards of practice for ethical conduct. Standards of Practice for AMTA The AMTA provides the following information on standards of practice that complements their Code of Ethics (AMTA, 2016d). These Standards of Practice were developed to assist the professional massage therapist to: ● Provide safe, consistent care. ● Determine the quality of care provided. ● Provide a common base to develop a practice. ● Support/preserve the basic rights of the client and professional massage therapist. ● Assist the public in understanding what to expect from a professional massage therapist (AMTA, 2016d). The document allows the professional massage therapist to evaluate and adapt performance in his or her massage/ bodywork practice. The professional massage therapist can evaluate the quality of his/her practice by utilizing these Standards of Practice in conjunction with the AMTA Code of Ethics and Bylaws and Policies, as well as precedents set by the AMTA Grievance, Standards and Bylaws Committees (AMTA, 2016d). Below is a summary, but complete details can be found on the AMTA website: 1. Conduct of the Professional Massage Therapist or Practitioner, hereinafter referred to as “Practitioner.” 1.1 AMTA members must meet and maintain appropriate membership requirements. 1.2 Individual members who engage in professional massage/bodywork shall adhere to standards of professional conduct, including the Code of Ethics. 1.3 The Practitioner follows consistent standards in all settings.
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
Standards of practice establish the expectations of professional conduct in regard to the law, confidentiality, business practices, roles and boundaries, and prevention of misconduct. Standards of practice and codes of ethics for massage therapists cover three areas of conduct: ● Conduct in relation to performing a massage. ● Conduct in business dealings. ● Conduct when interacting with clients in both a professional setting as well as in the public. 1.4 The Practitioner seeks professional supervision/ consultation consistent with promoting and maintaining appropriate application of skills and knowledge. 2. Sanitation, Hygiene, and Safety. 2.1 Practitioner provides an environment consistent with accepted standards of sanitation, hygiene, safety and universal precautions. 2.2 Pathophysiology (Contraindications). 2.2.1 The Practitioner maintains current knowledge and skills of pathophysiology and the appropriate application of massage/bodywork. 2.2.2 The Practitioner monitors feedback from the client throughout a session. 2.2.3 The Practitioner makes appropriate referrals to other reputable healthcare providers. 3. Professional Relationships with Clients. 3.1 The Practitioner relates to the client in a manner consistent with accepted standards and ethics. 3.2 The Practitioner maintains appropriate professional standards of confidentiality. 3.3 The Practitioner relates to the client in a manner that respects the integrity of the client and practitioner. 3.4 The Practitioner ensures that representations of his/ her professional services, policies, and procedures are accurately communicated to the client prior to the initial application of massage/bodywork. 3.5 The Practitioner elicits participation and feedback from the client.
Page 17
Book Code: MTX1325
EliteLearning.com/Massage-Therapy
Powered by FlippingBook