Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Ethics, Boundaries, and Laws 1

Question 1

A massage therapist notices a client becoming emotionally dependent, calling frequently between sessions and sharing personal crises. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Refer the client to a mental health professional and clarify the therapeutic relationship

Answer

Encourage the relationship since it shows client trust

Answer

Continue sessions as normal and listen supportively to all concerns

Answer

Immediately terminate the client relationship without explanation

Question 2

During a session, a client discloses that they are currently being abused at home. In most states, what is the massage therapist's legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Follow state mandatory reporting laws, which may require reporting to appropriate authorities

Answer

Keep the information confidential under HIPAA

Answer

Report the disclosure to law enforcement immediately after the session

Answer

Refer the client to a counselor and take no further action

Question 3

A massage therapist is attracted to a current client. What is the most ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Transfer the client to another therapist and seek professional supervision or counseling

Answer

Pursue a personal relationship after the current session ends

Answer

Continue treating the client while keeping feelings private

Answer

Disclose the attraction to the client to maintain transparency

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'informed consent' in massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

An ongoing process in which the client is made aware of techniques, risks, and their right to stop treatment at any time

Answer

A verbal agreement that the client will pay for services rendered

Answer

A one-time form signed at intake that covers all future sessions indefinitely

Answer

Written permission from a physician before the therapist may proceed

Question 5

A massage therapist's close friend asks for a discounted session and then begins sharing gossip about mutual acquaintances during the appointment. What is the dual-role concern illustrated here?

Accepted Answer

Blurring of personal and professional boundaries that can impair objectivity and therapeutic effectiveness

Answer

Scope of practice violation

Answer

Breach of client confidentiality

Answer

Financial conflict of interest

Question 6

A licensed massage therapist is asked by a client to diagnose the cause of chronic lower back pain. What should the therapist do?

Accepted Answer

Explain that diagnosis is outside the scope of massage therapy and recommend the client see a physician

Answer

Provide a likely diagnosis based on palpation findings

Answer

Refuse the session until the client obtains a medical diagnosis

Answer

Offer a diagnosis verbally but document that it was informal