AMTA Ethics and Professional Standards 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST defines informed consent in massage therapy?
- Signing a waiver releasing the therapist from liability
- The client's voluntary agreement after receiving relevant information about treatment (Correct answer)
- Verbal permission given at the first session only
- A physician's referral authorizing massage treatment
Correct answer: The client's voluntary agreement after receiving relevant information about treatment
Informed consent requires that clients voluntarily agree to treatment after being fully informed of its nature, risks, and alternatives.
Question 2: The AMTA Code of Ethics requires massage therapists to:
- Diagnose medical conditions when qualified
- Maintain professional boundaries with all clients (Correct answer)
- Provide services regardless of personal limitations
- Share client information with other healthcare providers freely
Correct answer: Maintain professional boundaries with all clients
The AMTA Code of Ethics mandates that therapists maintain professional boundaries to protect client welfare and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.
Question 3: A dual relationship in massage therapy occurs when:
- Two therapists treat one client simultaneously
- The therapist has a personal relationship with a client outside of the professional context (Correct answer)
- A therapist works in two different clinics
- The client receives two different modalities in one session
Correct answer: The therapist has a personal relationship with a client outside of the professional context
A dual relationship exists when the therapist and client have a secondary relationship (e.g., friend, employer) beyond the professional therapeutic one.
Question 4: Client records and personal health information must be kept confidential under:
- OSHA standards
- HIPAA regulations (Correct answer)
- IRS tax codes
- ADA guidelines
Correct answer: HIPAA regulations
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) governs the privacy and security of client health information.
Question 5: If a client discloses abuse during a session, most state laws require the therapist to:
- Keep the information confidential and document it
- Report it as a mandated reporter (Correct answer)
- Refer the client to a psychologist only
- Discontinue the session immediately without discussion
Correct answer: Report it as a mandated reporter
Most states designate massage therapists as mandated reporters, legally requiring them to report suspected abuse of children or vulnerable adults.
Question 6: Which action BEST demonstrates professional boundaries with a client who expresses romantic interest?
- Ignoring the comment and continuing the session
- Clearly stating the professional nature of the relationship and, if needed, ending the session (Correct answer)
- Transferring the client to another therapist without explanation
- Discussing personal feelings openly to build rapport
Correct answer: Clearly stating the professional nature of the relationship and, if needed, ending the session
Clearly communicating the professional nature of the relationship—and ending the session if boundaries are not respected—protects both parties.
AMTA Ethics and Professional Standards 1
Which of the following BEST defines informed consent in massage therapy?