Complete Your CE Test Online - Click Here Chapter 1: Ethics in Massage Therapy 2 CE Hours - state required By: Valerie Wohl Learning objectives Š Š Define the concept of power dynamics. Š Š Distinguish between transference and countertransference. Š Š Describe the nature of the fiduciary role. Š Š List four ways a practitioner might work outside his or her scope of practice. Š Š Explain the risks of dual or multiple role relationships between practitioner and client. Š Š Explain the relationship between patient autonomy and agreements, including the client’s bill of rights, informed consent, and right to refuse treatment. Š Š List four strategies that reinforce appropriate boundaries. Introduction This chapter addresses a range of issues of concern to the professional massage therapist and introduces a number of concepts important to the ethical practice of massage therapy. Successful completion of the course will equip you with the basic concepts and rationale for ethical decision- making in your practice, to help to navigate unknown ethical territory, identify questionable behavior, and develop a sense for “red flags” of potential conflict, as well as take steps to resolve these issues. Equally important, it will help you know when to seek professional guidance with a supervisor or mentor, or turn to other appropriate resources for professional assistance. This course fulfills two credits of mandatory coursework in Ethics, and: ● ● Explains concepts important to ethical theory and practice in professional massage therapy and bodywork. ● ● Examines the value and function of ethical codes and professional standards of conduct. ● ● Emphasizes the delineation of boundaries that define the therapeutic relationship. Principles of professional ethics Ethics refers to principles of right or good conduct. Professional ethics in massage therapy is the application of guiding principles of right conduct to the study, practice, and business of massage therapy. Unlike personal ethics, which are flexible and open to debate, professional ethical codes are formally defined, mandatory standards of conduct established by and for members of professional associations to ensure quality and integrity in the profession. Because virtually all state licensing authorities, certifying/accrediting agencies, and professional associations establish their own standards of conduct and ethical guidelines for their members, you will need to refer directly to the organizations and academic or training institutions with which you are affiliated, as well as state, local, and national associations, to review the ethical guidelines that apply specifically to you and your practice. This course is based on standards of ethical behavior embodied in both the AMTA and NCBTMB Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and common to the ethical codes of other agencies regulating massage therapy. A Code of Ethics states the ethical responsibilities of the massage and bodywork professional. Standards of Practice further establish the expectations of professional conduct in regard to the law, confidentiality, business practices, roles and boundaries, and prevention of misconduct. This chapter is intended to clarify the meaning of statements and concepts central to the ethical practice of massage therapy. The nature of the practitioner-client relationship is a fiduciary one. This means the client trusts that the practitioner will act in the client’s best interests. The fiduciary obligation is the duty of the practitioner to do so. This concept is central to professional practice and the therapeutic relationship. While the practitioner and client share the same primary concern and objective – the client’s welfare – it is the practitioner, by virtue of his or her professional status, who is ultimately responsible for the client’s safety, security, and well-being. The practitioner bears the burden of accountability because he or she is in a position of authority or power in relation to the client. Individuals are treated ethically not only by respecting their decisions and protecting them from harm, but also by making efforts to secure their well-being. Such treatment falls under the principle of beneficence. The term “beneficence” is often understood to cover acts of kindness or charity that go beyond strict obligation. In this context, beneficence is understood in a stronger sense, as an obligation. Two general rules have been formulated as complementary expressions of beneficent actions in this sense: (1) do not harm and (2) maximize possible benefits and minimize possible harms (beneficence and nonmaleficence). The principle of beneficence requires us, other things being equal, to do good, or what will further the patient’s interest. The principle of nonmaleficence requires us, other things being equal, to avoid harm to the patient, or what would be against the patient’s interests. Both principles rest on the fundamental importance of what is in the patient’s interest. The first is the positive requirement to further the patient’s interest. The second is the requirement to refrain from doing what damages the patient’s interest. Different claims covered by the principle of beneficence may come into conflict and force difficult choices. Ideally, your relationship and interactions with the client are a partnership that promotes healthy behaviors, leads to sound, informed, health care decisions, and ensures the client’s voice is heard. The client’s best interests should always be your primary goal, and the guide for all your actions and decisions. If you ever suspect you are acting out of an unhealthy need or motive, or feel your interactions or relationship with the client are impeding rather than facilitating the therapeutic process, seek assistance and/or supervision. Consult a professional massage therapy organization with which you are affiliated for guidance, supervision, and other professional resources. The following sections discuss key points of ethical massage therapy practice. Accountability Professional organizations protect public safety by certifying the competence of their members through licensing and continuing education requirements. Accreditation and professional affiliations maintain quality control and show your accountability to clients, colleagues, and the profession, as a whole. They confirm that you abide by prevailing health and safety standards, conduct yourself in accordance with relevant legislation and/or professional regulations, and possess the specialized knowledge and skills of your field. Once you have successfully completed an approved training course, written examination (state and/or national) and, in some cases, a practical evaluation, you are deemed “competent” in the subject area of massage therapy, despite the fact that your specific skills, training, and Massage.EliteCME.com Page 1