PROFESSIONAL ETHICAL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS A code is a set of rules which an individual lives by either in their personal life or in their professional career. In most industries, they create a code of ethics or conduct which they expect they expect their employees to adhere to. The codes may address ethical behavior, dress code, and actions. Adherence to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Code is a prerequisite for admission for membership as well. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, Inc. (NCBTMB) requires behavior that justifies public trust and confidence. The individual with NCBTMB certification must engage in actions to enhance the reputation of the profession and which will also safeguard the interest of individual clients.
The National Association of Massage Therapy (NAMT) code of ethics is a summary statement of the standards of conduct that define ethical behavior for the massage therapist. Adherence to the code is a prerequisite for admission to and continued membership in NAMT. 3. Demonstrate professional excellence through regular self-assessment of strengths, limitations and effectiveness by continued education and training. 4. Acknowledge the confidential nature of the professional relationship with clients and respect each client’s right to privacy within the constraints of the law. 5. Project a professional image and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. 6. Accept responsibility to do no harm to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of self, clients and associates. 3. Be truthful in advertising and marketing, and refrain from misrepresenting his or her services, charges for services, credentials, training, experience, ability or results. 4. Refrain from using AMTA membership, including the AMTA name, logo or other intellectual property, or the member’s position, in any way that is unauthorized, improper or misleading. 5. Refrain from engaging in any activity which would violate confidentiality commitments and/or proprietary rights of AMTA or any other person or organization. Effective Date May 1, 2010
AMTA—American Massage Therapy Association Code of Ethics (AMTA, 2023) The Principles of Ethics form the first part of the Code of Ethics. They are aspirational and inspirational model standards of exemplary professional conduct for all members of the association. These Principles should not be regarded as limitations or restrictions, but as goals for which members should constantly strive. Massage therapists/practitioners shall: 1. Demonstrate commitment to provide the highest quality massage therapy/bodywork to those who seek their professional service.
2. Acknowledge the inherent worth and individuality of each person by not discriminating or behaving in any prejudicial manner with clients and/or colleagues. Rules of Ethics The Rules of Ethics are mandatory and direct specific standards of minimally acceptable professional conduct for all members of the association. The Rules of Ethics are enforceable for all association members, and any members who violate this Code shall be subject to disciplinary action. Massage therapists/practitioners shall: 1. Conduct all business and professional activities within their scope of practice and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. 2. Refrain from engaging in any sexual conduct or sexual activities involving their clients in the course of a massage therapy session.
NCBTMB—NATIONAL CERTIFICATION BOARD FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE & BODYWORK, INC. CODE OF ETHICS (NCBTMB, 2023)
VII. Conduct their business and professional activities with honesty and integrity, and respect the inherent worth of all persons; VIII. Refuse to unjustly discriminate against clients and/or health professionals; IX. Safeguard the confidentiality of the client’s identity and information in all conversations, advertisements, and any and all other matters unless disclosure of identifiable information is requested by the client in writing, is medically necessary or is required by law; X. Respect the 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; XI. Respect the client’s right to refuse, modify or terminate treatment regardless of prior consent given; XII. Provide draping and treatment in a way that ensures the safety, comfort and privacy of the client; XIII. Exercise the right to refuse to treat any person or part of the body for just and reasonable cause; XIV. Refrain, under all circumstances, from participating in a sexual relationship or sexual conduct with the client,
NCBTMB Certificants shall act in a manner that justifies public trust and confidence, enhances the reputation of the profession, and safeguards the interest of individual clients. Certificants will: I. Have a sincere commitment to provide the highest quality of care to those who seek their professional services; II. Represent their qualifications honestly, including education and professional affiliations, and provide only those services that they are qualified to perform; III. Accurately inform clients, other health care practitioners, and the public of the scope and limitations of their discipline; IV. Acknowledge the limitations of and contraindications for massage and bodywork and refer clients to appropriate health professionals; V. Provide treatment only where there is reasonable expectation that it will be advantageous to the client; VI. Consistently maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence, striving for professional excellence through regular assessment of personal and professional strengths and weaknesses and through continued education training;
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Book Code: MFL1225B
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