This model builds on a foundation of ethical standards that clients be informed of all procedures, give consent, have right of refusal, maintain open and ongoing communication Ethical decision making If a practitioner identifies a potential ethical dilemma is developing they may choose to implement a decision making model to investigate the situation and determine a course of action. The decision making model that is used most frequently and complements most of the professional codes of ethics is an eight-step model (Corey et al, 2015). The eight steps are: 1. Identify the problem or dilemma. 2. Identify the potential issues. 3. Look at relevant codes of ethics for general guidance. Treating minors According to the AMTA, a number of studies have been done concerning the effectiveness of massage therapy for younger populations including infants (Armstrong, 2016). These studies have demonstrated that massage and body work for minors is appropriate and effective. For scientific and medical research citations on the efficacy of infant massage, please see AMTA’s Massage Information Center on their website listed on the reference page. When working with minors, a signed consent form from the parent or guardian, along with permission to provide massage therapy is required. This consent should include a detailed description of the proposed treatment plan and
with clients, and the SDM model encourages autonomy and client centered practice.
4. Consider applicable laws and regulations, and determine how they may have bearing on an ethical dilemma. 5. Seek consultation from more than one source to gain multiple perspectives on the dilemma. 6. Brainstorm various courses of action. 7. Enumerate consequences of various decisions. 8. Implement the course of action. After implementation the practitioner should access the outcome of the action taken to determine if it has successfully resolved the issue. If not the model may be revisited and other options may be implemented and accessed. objectives for treatment. An example of a thorough intake form is included on the professional development section of AMTA’s Web site at www.amtamassage.org. Additional information and sample consent form is provided by the ABMP as follows: Minor consent forms Minors are permitted to receive massage in the clinic and parent or legal guardian must be present in helping complete the Health History Form for the minor, along with consent for the massage therapy session. Guidelines are as follows:
Minor Consent Form ● Minors, all clients under the age of 18, unless otherwise emancipated, can only receive massage with written parental/ legal guardian consent. ● In collaboration with the consenting adult and child, the massage therapist will assist in establishing goals for the session(s). ● For clients age 15 and under, the parent/guardian must always be present in the treatment room. ● For clients age 16-17 if both client and parent/guardian are comfortable with the child being in the session room by themselves, please initial here. ● Otherwise parent/guardian should be in the treatment room during each session. Once a comfortable therapeutic relationship has been established and the massage therapist, child and parent are comfortable the parent/legal guardian does not have to be present in the room. ● Appropriate draping will be used at all times during the massage, only areas being massaged are uncovered. (ABMP, 2016b) I, __________________________________________, am the parent/legal guardian of ____________________________________. I have read the above information and give permission for my child, age ________ to receive massage therapy from ______________________________________________________________. _______________________________________________________ __________________ Signature Date
It is important to check state and appropriate agency guidelines related to working with minor clients. Supporting clients of all genders According to Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
potential clients regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. To do this, the practitioner must be committed to provide all clients with the same standard of ethical care. Even small adjustments to the way we interact with clients can mean the difference between an uncomfortable or even devastating experience and massage customer who returns regularly (Haines, 2016). Clients may be gay, lesbian, transgender, nonbinary, agender, bisexual, asexual or questioning often referred to as LGBTQ. These terms may be confusing and constantly changing as society becomes more aware of varying orientations. Though simplified for this course, these terms
(GLAAD) a recent Pew poll showed nearly 90 percent of Americans said they personally know someone who is lesbian, gay, or bisexual and 16 percent said they personally know a transgender individual (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, 2016; Armstrong, 2016). Many people, including massage therapists, are getting information about gender identity and sexual orientation from the media including blogs, Facebook and other social media posts, the Internet, television shows, movies, and magazine articles. It is important to ensure that massage and bodywork practitioners have accurate information to provide the best possible experience for current and
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Book Code: MTX1325
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