Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Professional Ethics and Laws 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client becomes emotionally dependent on the massage therapist, calling frequently outside session times. The most appropriate response is to:
- Provide personal contact information to support the client's emotional needs
- Set clear boundaries and refer the client to a mental health professional if needed (Correct answer)
- Terminate the therapeutic relationship without explanation
- Gradually reduce session frequency without addressing the dependency
Correct answer: Set clear boundaries and refer the client to a mental health professional if needed
Setting clear professional boundaries and referring clients to appropriate resources for emotional support maintains the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes sexual misconduct in the massage therapy profession?
- Only physical sexual contact between a therapist and client
- Any sexual behavior, communication, or exploitation of the therapeutic relationship (Correct answer)
- Romantic feelings a therapist develops toward a client
- Massaging areas of the body near reproductive organs
Correct answer: Any sexual behavior, communication, or exploitation of the therapeutic relationship
Sexual misconduct encompasses any sexualized behavior, communication, or exploitation of the power differential in the therapeutic relationship, not only physical contact.
Question 3: A massage therapist is asked to testify as an expert witness about massage techniques in a personal injury lawsuit. Before accepting, they should confirm that:
- The case involves a client they have previously treated
- Their testimony falls within their actual scope of knowledge and expertise (Correct answer)
- They will receive compensation exceeding their normal session rates
- Both parties in the lawsuit have given written consent
Correct answer: Their testimony falls within their actual scope of knowledge and expertise
Expert witnesses must only testify within the boundaries of their genuine knowledge and expertise to maintain integrity and avoid misleading the court.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a code of ethics in the massage therapy profession?
- To provide legal protection for therapists against malpractice claims
- To guide professional behavior and establish standards that protect clients and the profession (Correct answer)
- To outline billing procedures and fee schedules for services
- To replace state licensing regulations with industry self-governance
Correct answer: To guide professional behavior and establish standards that protect clients and the profession
A professional code of ethics serves as a guide for conduct that protects clients, promotes professional integrity, and upholds the reputation of the profession.
Question 5: A massage therapist who owns a practice hires an unlicensed assistant to perform intake and draping. Which statement is most accurate?
- This is acceptable since draping is not considered massage
- This may be acceptable if the assistant works only under direct supervision
- Draping performed by unlicensed staff may violate state practice acts (Correct answer)
- Intake procedures are regulated separately from massage licensure requirements
Correct answer: Draping performed by unlicensed staff may violate state practice acts
Many state practice acts define draping as part of massage practice, meaning it may only be performed by licensed individuals.
Question 6: Transference in a therapeutic relationship refers to:
- The physical transfer of pathogens between client and therapist
- A client projecting feelings from past relationships onto the therapist (Correct answer)
- The legal transfer of client records between healthcare providers
- Shifting billing responsibility from the client to their insurance company
Correct answer: A client projecting feelings from past relationships onto the therapist
Transference occurs when a client unconsciously redirects feelings and expectations from past significant relationships onto the therapist.
Question 7: A massage therapist wishes to advertise that their sessions can cure chronic back pain. This claim is:
- Acceptable if supported by client testimonials
- Unethical and potentially illegal, as it constitutes a false or misleading health claim (Correct answer)
- Permitted if the therapist has advanced training in pain management
- Allowed under First Amendment protections for commercial speech
Correct answer: Unethical and potentially illegal, as it constitutes a false or misleading health claim
Claiming that massage therapy can cure medical conditions is a false and misleading health claim that violates professional ethics and advertising regulations.
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Professional Ethics and Laws 4
A client becomes emotionally dependent on the massage therapist, calling frequently outside session times.
The most appropriate response is to: