AMTA Ethics and Professional Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Scope of practice for massage therapists is PRIMARILY determined by:
- The therapist's personal training and experience
- State licensing laws and regulations (Correct answer)
- Client demand and preferences
- Insurance company policies
Correct answer: State licensing laws and regulations
State licensing boards define the legal scope of practice for massage therapists through statutes and regulations.
Question 2: Which of the following is OUTSIDE the typical scope of practice for a licensed massage therapist in the US?
- Assessing postural imbalances
- Diagnosing a medical condition (Correct answer)
- Applying hot and cold therapies
- Performing soft tissue work
Correct answer: Diagnosing a medical condition
Diagnosis of medical conditions is reserved for licensed medical professionals and falls outside the scope of practice for massage therapists.
Question 3: A therapeutic relationship is BEST characterized by which of the following?
- Mutual friendship and social interaction
- Power balanced equally between client and therapist
- The therapist holding a position of trust and authority to serve the client's wellbeing (Correct answer)
- Shared personal information between therapist and client
Correct answer: The therapist holding a position of trust and authority to serve the client's wellbeing
The therapeutic relationship is characterized by a power differential where the therapist holds trust and authority specifically in service of the client's wellbeing.
Question 4: AMTA's Standards of Practice require therapists to maintain continuing education primarily to:
- Increase earning potential
- Maintain competency and provide safe, effective care (Correct answer)
- Qualify for insurance reimbursement
- Avoid malpractice lawsuits
Correct answer: Maintain competency and provide safe, effective care
Continuing education is required to ensure therapists maintain and advance their knowledge and skills for the benefit of client safety and care quality.
Question 5: Which principle guides therapists to act in the BEST interest of the client, even at personal cost?
- Non-maleficence
- Autonomy
- Beneficence (Correct answer)
- Justice
Correct answer: Beneficence
Beneficence is the ethical principle of acting in the best interest of the client and actively doing good.
Question 6: When a client is unable to provide written consent (e.g., sedated), the therapist should:
- Proceed if a session was previously scheduled
- Obtain consent from a legal guardian or authorized representative (Correct answer)
- Perform only light effleurage and document it
- Cancel and reschedule when the client can consent
Correct answer: Obtain consent from a legal guardian or authorized representative
When a client cannot provide consent, it must be obtained from a legally authorized representative such as a healthcare proxy or guardian.
AMTA Ethics and Professional Standards 2
Scope of practice for massage therapists is PRIMARILY determined by: