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 massage therapist is working with a client who is a personal friend. Which ethical risk is most significant?
Answer: Dual relationship boundaries may be confused, compromising therapeutic objectivity
Personal friendships can compromise the professional therapeutic relationship by blurring boundaries and reducing the therapist's objectivity.
What should a massage therapist do if a client requests a technique the therapist is not trained to perform?
Answer: Decline and explain they are not trained in that technique
Performing techniques outside one's training and competence is unethical and potentially harmful; therapists must decline and refer if appropriate.
Which action would violate the ethical principle of client autonomy?
Answer: Proceeding with a technique after the client asked you to stop
Continuing a technique after a client asks you to stop violates their autonomy and right to direct their own care.
In most US states, which of the following is required to maintain a valid massage therapy license?
Answer: Completion of continuing education units (CEUs)
Most states require massage therapists to complete continuing education units (CEUs) as a condition of license renewal to ensure ongoing competency.
A client offers to trade massage sessions for legal services they provide. This type of arrangement is called:
Answer: Bartering
Bartering involves exchanging services rather than money, which can create complex ethical issues around equal value and boundary management.
How long are massage therapists typically required to retain client records in the United States?
Answer: 3–7 years depending on state law
Record retention requirements vary by state but typically range from 3 to 7 years, with longer requirements for records involving minors.
A massage therapist feels a strong personal attraction to a client. What is the most ethical course of action?
Answer: Seek supervision or consultation and consider transferring the client
Seeking supervision and potentially transferring the client protects both parties from boundary violations that can arise from romantic or sexual feelings.