Massage Therapist FREE Massage Therapist Ethics, Laws, and Regulations Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A massage therapist discovers that a long-time client is also a close friend's spouse. What is the most ethical course of action?
- Continue treatment without disclosure
- Refer the client to another therapist if objectivity is compromised (Correct answer)
- Immediately terminate the therapeutic relationship
- Inform the friend about the client's visits
Correct answer: Refer the client to another therapist if objectivity is compromised
When a dual relationship may compromise professional objectivity, the therapist should consider referring the client to maintain ethical boundaries.
Question 2: Which organization's code of ethics is most widely recognized for licensed massage therapists in the United States?
- American Medical Association
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (Correct answer)
- American Physical Therapy Association
- National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Correct answer: National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
The NCBTMB establishes and maintains the code of ethics and standards of practice for nationally certified massage therapists.
Question 3: Under HIPAA regulations, when can a massage therapist share a client's health information without written consent?
- When discussing cases with colleagues for educational purposes
- When required by law, such as a court order (Correct answer)
- When the client's family member requests the information
- When posting anonymized case studies on social media
Correct answer: When required by law, such as a court order
HIPAA permits disclosure of protected health information without patient consent when required by law, including valid court orders.
Question 4: A client offers a massage therapist a large cash tip and suggests meeting socially outside the practice. What should the therapist do?
- Accept the tip and the social invitation
- Accept the tip but decline the social invitation (Correct answer)
- Decline both the tip and the social invitation
- Accept the social invitation but decline the tip
Correct answer: Accept the tip but decline the social invitation
Accepting a customary gratuity is generally acceptable, but pursuing a social relationship with an active client creates boundary issues that should be avoided.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of requiring continuing education credits for massage therapy license renewal?
- To generate revenue for licensing boards
- To ensure therapists maintain and update their professional competence (Correct answer)
- To limit the number of practicing therapists
- To promote specific massage modalities
Correct answer: To ensure therapists maintain and update their professional competence
Continuing education requirements ensure that licensed practitioners stay current with evolving techniques, research, and safety standards.
Question 6: In most U.S. states, which action would constitute practicing massage therapy outside the legal scope of practice?
- Performing Swedish massage techniques
- Diagnosing a client with a musculoskeletal disorder (Correct answer)
- Providing relaxation massage for stress relief
- Using hot stones during a massage session
Correct answer: Diagnosing a client with a musculoskeletal disorder
Diagnosing medical conditions falls outside the scope of massage therapy practice and is reserved for licensed medical professionals.
Massage Therapist FREE Massage Therapist Ethics, Laws, and Regulations Questions and Answers 2
A massage therapist discovers that a long-time client is also a close friend's spouse.
What is the most ethical course of action?