Massage Therapist Ethics, Boundaries, and Laws 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When is it appropriate for a massage therapist to terminate a therapeutic relationship with a client?
- Only when the client requests it
- When the client fails to pay for one session
- When the client makes sexual advances or engages in inappropriate behavior (Correct answer)
- Only when directed by a supervising physician
Correct answer: When the client makes sexual advances or engages in inappropriate behavior
A therapist has the professional right and ethical obligation to terminate a relationship when a client engages in inappropriate or unsafe behavior.
Question 2: A massage therapist discovers their client is also seeing another massage therapist for the same condition. What is the most ethical response?
- Tell the client to choose one therapist and stop seeing the other
- Continue treatment without comment
- Communicate with the other therapist only if the client provides written consent (Correct answer)
- Report the client to the licensing board
Correct answer: Communicate with the other therapist only if the client provides written consent
Coordinating care with other providers requires client consent to protect confidentiality, but is otherwise encouraged for optimal client outcomes.
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT considered a boundary crossing in massage therapy?
- Accepting a small gift from a grateful client (Correct answer)
- Lending money to a client in financial need
- Socializing regularly with a current client outside of sessions
- Providing massage to a close family member
Correct answer: Accepting a small gift from a grateful client
Accepting a small, non-monetary gift from a client may be culturally appropriate and is generally considered a minor boundary crossing rather than a violation, though policies vary.
Question 4: Under the principle of 'non-maleficence,' a massage therapist should:
- Always do what benefits the client most
- Avoid causing harm to clients through actions or negligence (Correct answer)
- Maintain client confidentiality at all times
- Treat all clients equally regardless of background
Correct answer: Avoid causing harm to clients through actions or negligence
Non-maleficence means 'do no harm' and requires therapists to avoid actions or omissions that could injure or damage the client.
Question 5: A client tells their massage therapist they are suicidal. What is the therapist's primary ethical and legal obligation?
- Keep the information confidential as required by privacy laws
- Contact emergency services or the client's emergency contact immediately (Correct answer)
- Continue the session to keep the client calm
- Document the statement and follow up at the next appointment
Correct answer: Contact emergency services or the client's emergency contact immediately
Imminent risk of harm to self is an exception to confidentiality, requiring the therapist to take immediate action to ensure client safety.
Question 6: Which of the following would be considered practicing outside a massage therapist's scope of practice?
- Recommending a client drink water after a session
- Prescribing herbal supplements to treat a client's condition (Correct answer)
- Using Swedish massage techniques
- Adjusting table height for client comfort
Correct answer: Prescribing herbal supplements to treat a client's condition
Prescribing supplements or medications is outside the massage therapist's scope of practice and is reserved for licensed healthcare providers.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of informed consent in massage therapy?
- To protect the therapist from legal liability
- To ensure the client understands and agrees to the proposed treatment (Correct answer)
- To document the client's medical history
- To satisfy insurance billing requirements
Correct answer: To ensure the client understands and agrees to the proposed treatment
Informed consent ensures clients are fully aware of the proposed treatment, its risks and benefits, and voluntarily agree before the session begins.
Massage Therapist Ethics, Boundaries, and Laws 3
When is it appropriate for a massage therapist to terminate a therapeutic relationship with a client?