Professional Ethics and Laws Flashcards
7 cards from real Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Ethics and Laws flashcards as text
A client discloses they are currently in psychotherapy and asks if the massage therapist can also provide emotional counseling during sessions. What is the most ethical response?
Answer: Decline and explain that counseling is outside the scope of massage therapy practice
Providing counseling services falls outside the scope of practice for massage therapists, and doing so would constitute practicing without a license in another field.
A massage therapist notices a client has an unusual mole that may indicate a skin condition. What is the appropriate action?
Answer: Document the observation and refer the client to a physician
Massage therapists should document observations of potential health concerns and refer clients to the appropriate medical professional without making a diagnosis.
Which of the following best describes the concept of informed consent in massage therapy?
Answer: The client agrees to receive massage after being told the techniques, benefits, and risks
Informed consent requires that the client receive and understand information about proposed treatment before voluntarily agreeing to it.
A massage therapist learns that a colleague is practicing massage without a current license. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Report the unlicensed practice to the appropriate state licensing board
Reporting unlicensed practice to the state licensing board protects the public and upholds professional standards.
Which principle requires a massage therapist to act in the best interest of the client rather than for personal gain?
Answer: Beneficence
Beneficence is the ethical principle of acting in ways that benefit others and promote their well-being.
A client who is a close personal friend asks for a significant discount on regular sessions in exchange for referring new clients. What ethical concern does this raise?
Answer: Dual relationship and potential boundary violation
A dual relationship exists when a therapist has both a professional and a personal relationship with a client, which can compromise objectivity and professional boundaries.
A massage therapist is subpoenaed to testify about a client's treatment records. What must the therapist do before disclosing this information in court?
Answer: Obtain a signed authorization from the client or comply with the court order
A valid court order or subpoena is a legal exception to confidentiality that compels disclosure, though obtaining client authorization when possible is ideal.