PMC Ethics, Boundaries & Professional Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A PMC-certified therapist's scope of practice includes:
- Diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions in children
- Providing therapeutic massage within evidence-based guidelines for pediatric populations (Correct answer)
- Prescribing exercises and rehabilitation programs
- Performing chiropractic adjustments on infants
Correct answer: Providing therapeutic massage within evidence-based guidelines for pediatric populations
PMC scope of practice is limited to therapeutic massage of pediatric clients using evidence-based techniques; diagnosis and prescription remain outside this scope.
Question 2: Professional draping standards for pediatric clients require:
- The same approach as adult clients with identical draping
- Age-appropriate draping that maintains modesty and avoids genital areas (Correct answer)
- Minimal draping since children do not require modesty
- Parental choice with no professional standard applied
Correct answer: Age-appropriate draping that maintains modesty and avoids genital areas
Pediatric clients require age-appropriate, secure draping that maintains modesty; genitalia are never part of a therapeutic pediatric massage session.
Question 3: Before working with a child who has a complex medical history, a PMC therapist should:
- Proceed using standard protocols regardless of history
- Consult with the child's physician and obtain medical clearance (Correct answer)
- Rely solely on parent-reported information
- Apply standard adult massage protocols with reduced pressure
Correct answer: Consult with the child's physician and obtain medical clearance
For children with complex medical histories, physician consultation and written clearance ensure the therapist has complete information and works within safe parameters.
Question 4: A PMC therapist practicing in their home office should ensure which safety measure specifically for pediatric clients?
- The home office has a separate exterior entrance
- A window or open door policy so sessions are visible to another responsible adult (Correct answer)
- The session room has a television for the child
- Snacks are available for children after sessions
Correct answer: A window or open door policy so sessions are visible to another responsible adult
Sessions with minors should be observable by another responsible adult via a window, open door, or video monitor to protect both child and therapist.
Question 5: Dual relationships with pediatric clients (e.g., being a close family friend) are considered:
- Beneficial for building client trust
- Ethically problematic and should be disclosed and managed carefully (Correct answer)
- Completely acceptable in pediatric practice
- Illegal in all US states
Correct answer: Ethically problematic and should be disclosed and managed carefully
Dual relationships create conflicts of interest and boundary confusion; they must be disclosed, evaluated for potential harm, and managed with clear professional boundaries.
Question 6: Client records for pediatric massage therapy should be retained for:
- 1 year after the last session
- Until the child turns 18, then for the standard adult retention period required by state law (Correct answer)
- Permanently without exception
- Only for the duration of active treatment
Correct answer: Until the child turns 18, then for the standard adult retention period required by state law
Pediatric records must be retained at minimum until the child reaches the age of majority, after which standard state-required adult retention periods apply.
PMC Ethics, Boundaries & Professional Standards 2
A PMC-certified therapist's scope of practice includes: