Ethics and Standards of Practice by the State Medical Board of Ohio Massage Advisory Committee

Code of Ethics for Massage Therapists In Ohio

A Draft Prepared by the Massage Advisory Committee

PREAMBLE

Ohio licensed Massage Therapists believed in the inherent worth and dignity of each individual. Therefore, Massage Therapists commit to achieving superior therapeutic relationships with their clients, their professional and their community. It is imperative that Massage Therapists recognize the vulnerability of their patients and engage only in activities that preserve the integrity of the patients and of themselves as health care professionals. Massage Therapists strive to maintain the highest levels of professional service with every patient.

THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIPS

The primary responsibility of Massage Therapists is to promote the integrity and well being of their patients.

Massage Therapists shall state and imply only the professional skills they possess and shall assume responsibility for correcting any known alleged misrepresentations.

Massage Therapists shall advise patients of the intended therapeutic protocol and obtain informed consent before beginning.

Confidentiality of the patient-therapist relationship shall be maintained. Information concerning the patient will be released only with a signed authorization from the patient or when required by law.

Dual relationships with patients that might impair objective application of professional skills shall be avoided. Massage Therapists shall not enter into relationships with patients that in any way exploit the therapist-patient relationship.

PATIENT RECORDS

Massage Therapists shall maintain patient records appropriate for the continuity of patient care.

Patient records shall be kept in a secure manner in accordance with legal requirements.

PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Massage Therapists shall refer patients to, and otherwise relate to, other professionals appropriate to the patient’s therapeutic needs. Such communication shall be consistent with protecting the integrity and confidentiality of the patient as well as the integrity of the massage therapy profession.

Massage Therapists’ referrals to and from other professionals shall be solely to benefit the patient. Massage Therapists shall neither pay others for referrals nor receive payment from referring sources.

Massage Therapists shall not engage in or support any practice that causes unjust prejudice or maligns or defames any other heath care provider.

Massage Therapists shall practice, condone and collaborate with others practicing professional massage therapy only in a manner that is in compliance with state and local laws pertaining to the practice of massage therapy.

FEES

Massage Therapists shall charge and accept fees only as appropriate for treatment within the legal scope of practice.

Massage Therapists shall inform patients of fees, including policies relating to cancellation and failure to appear, prior to charging and accepting fees.

ADVERTISING

Massage Therapists shall represent the practice of massage therapy accurately to the public.

Massage Therapists shall accurately represent their expected outcomes of treatment, fees, educational qualifications and professional affiliations.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Massage Therapists shall participate in continuing education and in appropriate consultation and self care to assure high quality application of their professional skills.

Code of Ethics for Massage Therapists In Ohio