Pennsylvania Code › Title 49 - PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL STANDARDS › Part I - DEPARTMENT OF STATE › Subpart A - PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL AFFAIRS › Chapter 20 - STATE BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPY › SCOPE AND STANDARDS OF PRACTICE › Section 20.42 - Standards of professional conduct

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) A massage therapist shall:
(1) Maintain current knowledge of the
					 application of massage therapy, including indications, contraindications and
					 precautions.
(2) Undertake a
					 specific technique or use a product or equipment only if the massage therapist
					 has the necessary knowledge, training or skill to competently execute the
					 technique.
(3) Base decisions and
					 actions on behalf of a client on sound ethical reasoning and current principles
					 of practice.
(4) Provide treatment
					 only where there is an expectation that it will be advantageous to the
					 client.
(5) Refer to an appropriate
					 health care professional when indicated in the interest of the
					 client.
(6) Discuss with clients
					 which massage therapy modalities and techniques will be utilized and the
					 benefits of these modalities and techniques, the objectives, and that
					 participation is voluntary and that consent to treatment or participation may
					 be withdrawn at any time.
(7)
					 Obtain written consent prior to performing breast massage.
(8) Modify or terminate the massage therapy
					 session at any time upon request of the client.
(9) Keep client information private and
					 confidential. This standard does not prohibit or affect reporting mandated
					 under State or Federal law to protect children, older adults, or
					 others.
(10) Use safe and
					 functional coverage/draping practices during the practice of massage therapy
					 when the client is disrobed. Safe and functional coverage/draping means that
					 the client's genitals and gluteal cleft and the breast area of female clients
					 are not exposed and that massage or movement of the body does not expose
					 genitals, gluteal cleft or breast area. With voluntary and informed consent of
					 the client, the gluteal and breast drapes may be temporarily moved in order to
					 perform treatment of the area.
(11)
					 Act to safeguard clients from incompetent, abusive or illegal practices of
					 other massage therapists or caregivers.
(12) Continuously maintain current CPR
					 certification.
(13) Be clean,
					 fully-clothed and professional in dress and appearance.
(14) Display the massage therapist's current
					 license with expiration date in a location clearly visible to clients or, when
					 practicing offsite, display the massage therapist's wallet card.
(15) Include the massage therapist's license
					 number in all advertisements.
(16)
					 Conspicuously display the massage therapist's name and the title L.M.T. or the
					 words "Licensed Massage Therapist" on an identification badge or directly on
					 clothing worn in the public areas where massage therapy services are being
					 provided.
(17) Cooperate with the
					 Board, the Department of State or the Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation
					 in the investigation of complaints filed under the act.
(18) Provide massage therapy records
					 immediately upon demand of the Board or its authorized agents.
(19) Maintain massage therapy records for at
					 least 3 years from the last date that services were provided to the
					 client.
(20) Educate clients about
					 maintaining the beneficial effects of massage therapy treatment when indicated
					 by a massage therapy treatment plan.
(21) Obtain the written permission of a
					 parent or guardian, or their representative, prior to providing massage therapy
					 services to a minor.
(22) Require
					 that a parent or guardian, or their representative, be physically present in
					 the room during treatment of a minor.