PMC Ethics, Boundaries & Professional Standards

Question 1

A parent asks the therapist to leave their 8-year-old alone in the treatment room during a massage. The therapist should:

Accepted Answer

Insist a parent or guardian remain present throughout the session

Answer

Comply with the parent's request

Answer

Ask another staff member to sit outside the door

Answer

Proceed and document the parent's request

Question 2

Informed consent for a pediatric massage client must be obtained from:

Accepted Answer

A parent or legal guardian

Answer

The child if they are over age 10

Answer

The child's school counselor

Answer

The referring physician

Question 3

Which organization provides the widely recognized certification specifically for pediatric massage therapists in the US?

Accepted Answer

IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage)

Answer

AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association)

Answer

NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork)

Answer

ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals)

Question 4

A pediatric massage therapist working in the US is legally classified as a mandated reporter in most states, meaning they MUST report:

Accepted Answer

Reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect to authorities

Answer

All sports injuries to school coaches

Answer

Parental disagreements about treatment

Answer

Any missed scheduled appointments

Question 5

The concept of 'assent' in pediatric massage refers to:

Accepted Answer

The child's verbal or nonverbal agreement to participate in massage

Answer

The parent's written consent form

Answer

A court order allowing treatment

Answer

The therapist's professional opinion about treatment suitability

Question 6

What is the ethical responsibility of a pediatric massage therapist when a child discloses abuse during a session?

Accepted Answer

Listen without judgment, reassure the child, and follow mandatory reporting protocols

Answer

Keep the information confidential to protect the therapeutic relationship

Answer

Investigate the claim thoroughly before reporting

Answer

Confront the alleged abuser directly