Ethics, Boundaries, and Laws Flashcards
7 cards from real Massage Therapist practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethics, Boundaries, and Laws flashcards as text
A client begins sharing very personal emotional problems during a session and asks for your advice. What is the most ethical response?
Answer: Listen empathetically but refer the client to a mental health professional
Massage therapists should listen compassionately but recognize scope of practice limits and refer clients to appropriate mental health professionals.
Which of the following best describes a 'dual relationship' in massage therapy ethics?
Answer: When a therapist has both a professional and personal relationship with a client
A dual relationship occurs when a therapist holds both a professional therapeutic role and another type of relationship (friend, romantic partner, employer) with the same person.
A massage therapist notices signs of abuse on a minor client. Under mandatory reporting laws, the therapist must:
Answer: Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities
All US states require mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse by healthcare providers including massage therapists, regardless of certainty.
Which action by a massage therapist would constitute a HIPAA violation?
Answer: Mentioning a client's name and condition to a mutual acquaintance
Disclosing a client's protected health information to unauthorized parties without consent violates HIPAA privacy regulations.
A former client invites you to their wedding six months after their last session. What is the most ethically sound approach?
Answer: Consult your professional code of ethics before deciding
Consulting your professional code of ethics helps navigate the complexity of post-therapeutic relationships, as feelings and transference can persist beyond the formal client relationship.
What does 'scope of practice' mean for a licensed massage therapist?
Answer: The range of services and activities they are legally and educationally qualified to perform
Scope of practice defines the legal and professional boundaries of what a massage therapist is trained and licensed to perform.
A client asks a massage therapist to diagnose the cause of their chronic back pain. The therapist should:
Answer: Explain that diagnosis is outside their scope of practice and suggest they see a physician
Diagnosing medical conditions is outside the scope of practice for massage therapists and should be referred to licensed physicians.