NCBTMB Ethics, Laws, and Business 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A massage therapist discovers that a long-time client is also seeing another therapist in the same building. What is the most ethical response?
- Inform the other therapist immediately
- Continue treating the client without comment
- Ask the client to choose only one therapist
- Discuss care coordination with the client if relevant (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Discuss care coordination with the client if relevant
Clients have the right to see multiple providers; a therapist may discuss coordinated care only if clinically relevant and with client consent.
Question 2: Which document outlines the specific standards of professional conduct that NCBTMB-certified massage therapists must follow?
- The Massage Therapy Practice Act
- The NCBTMB Code of Ethics (Correct answer)
- The HIPAA Privacy Rule
- The Scope of Practice Guidelines
Correct answer: The NCBTMB Code of Ethics
The NCBTMB Code of Ethics defines the professional and ethical standards expected of all NCBTMB-certified practitioners.
Question 3: A therapist wants to use a client's before-and-after photos for marketing. What must happen first?
- Post the photos with the client's face blurred
- Obtain written informed consent from the client (Correct answer)
- Get verbal permission during the session
- Use photos only on private social media
Correct answer: Obtain written informed consent from the client
Written informed consent is required before using any client images for promotional or marketing purposes.
Question 4: Under standard business ethics, how should a massage therapist handle a client who consistently cancels appointments at the last minute?
- Refuse to reschedule until payment is received
- Apply the established cancellation policy consistently (Correct answer)
- Waive fees to maintain the client relationship
- Report the client to the licensing board
Correct answer: Apply the established cancellation policy consistently
Consistent application of a written cancellation policy is both ethical and sound business practice.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the principle of non-maleficence in massage therapy?
- Doing what benefits the client most
- Acting in the best financial interest of the practice
- Avoiding actions that cause harm to the client (Correct answer)
- Maintaining professional boundaries at all times
Correct answer: Avoiding actions that cause harm to the client
Non-maleficence means 'do no harm' and requires therapists to avoid techniques or actions that could injure or negatively impact clients.
Question 6: A therapist is approached by a new client who is a minor. What is the most important initial step?
- Perform a full intake assessment
- Obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian (Correct answer)
- Verify the minor's insurance coverage
- Check the client's school ID
Correct answer: Obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian
Minors cannot legally provide informed consent; written permission from a parent or guardian is required before treatment.
Question 7: Which law primarily governs the privacy of client health information held by massage therapy practices that qualify as covered entities?
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
- HIPAA Privacy Rule (Correct answer)
- The Fair Labor Standards Act
Correct answer: HIPAA Privacy Rule
HIPAA's Privacy Rule sets national standards for protecting individually identifiable health information held by covered entities.
NCBTMB Ethics, Laws, and Business 2
A massage therapist discovers that a long-time client is also seeing another therapist in the same building.
What is the most ethical response?