Massage Therapy Professional Guidelines

Client Disagreement and Resolution

• Clients are not to be placed in the middle of disagreements among professionals.
• Obtaining client consent is essential before consulting with other providers.
• Disagreements should be discussed with other providers in attempts to resolve them.
• Clients must be given accurate information regarding a massage therapist's treatment rationale.
• Respect for the client’s choice of provider and treatment is crucial.

Treatment Approaches

• Multiple treatment approaches generally exist for managing conditions.
• Discussions about treatment should highlight pros and cons of each method.
• Judgmental comments regarding other professions should be avoided by massage therapists.

STRiVE Program

• STRiVE is the CMTO's Quality Assurance Program tailored to the needs of Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs).
• The program emphasizes compliance with Standards of Practice and encourages personal development for RMTs.
• Competencies include professionalism, effective communication, legal compliance, client-centered care, sensitive practice principles, safety, record keeping, wellness, and use of evidence-informed approaches.

Consent for Treatment

• Consent must be documented and acquired before any treatment or assessment.
• It must align with the scope of massage therapy practice and should not be obtained through misrepresentation.
• Consent can be granted by a substitute decision-maker if the client is incapable.
• Key elements of consent include treatment nature, expected benefits, risks, alternatives, and consequences of forgoing treatment.

Scope of Practice

• Defined by the Massage Therapy Act: it encompasses assessment and treatment of soft tissues and joints to alleviate physical dysfunction and pain.
• Establishes exclusive jurisdiction and outlines the methods used by the profession.

Emergency Preparedness

• RMTs must be trained in CPR and First Aid as part of initial registration with CMTO.
• Certification must be at the Heart saver level for CPR and Emergency level for First Aid.

Health History and Sensitive Areas

• Sensitive areas include the breast, upper chest, inner thigh, and glutes, requiring explicit consent for touch.
• Initial consent for glutes needs to be signed; subsequent touch requires verbal consent.

Inter-Professional Disagreement

• RMTs must inform clients if they have concerns about other clinicians’ treatment approaches.
• The obligation to the client takes precedence over employment obligations in such cases.

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

• EMRs must be accurately managed by RMTs, who serve as Health Information Custodians (HICs).
• Client personal health information must be protected from theft and unauthorized access.
• An audit log is required if electronic methods are used for client data management.

Code of Ethics

• RMTs should prioritize client benefit, treat clients with dignity, avoid causing harm, and maintain accountability.

Legal Framework

• RHPA addresses risks of sexual impropriety, defining sexual abuse in healthcare.
• Sexual abuse includes inappropriate physical relations and sexual remarks, but clinical behavior is exempt.
• Complaints against RMTs can lead to investigations and potential suspension or revocation of their license.

Health Care Consent Act (HCCA)

• The HCCA outlines procedures for obtaining consent and clarifies changes to simplify the consent process.

Massage Therapy Scope of Practice

• Involves assessing soft tissues and joints to treat and prevent physical dysfunction and pain.
• Manipulation techniques aim to develop, maintain, rehabilitate, or augment physical function.
• Defines the profession's exclusive jurisdiction and general methodology.

CPR & First Aid

• Mandatory for Massage Therapists to be trained in CPR and First Aid for client safety.
• Initial registration with CMTO requires proof of current CPR certification at Heart saver level or higher and First Aid at Emergency level or higher.
• CMTO does not request CPR Certification; this is a requirement from educational institutions.

Principles of Massage

• Key principles include General-Specific-General (GSG), Proximal-Distal-Proximal (PSP), Peripheral-Central-Peripheral (PCP), and Superficial-Deep-Superficial (SDS).

Sensitive Areas

• Sensitive areas include breasts, upper chest, inner thighs, and glutes.
• Consent to touch gluteal areas is required during initial treatment and verbally for subsequent sessions.
• Other sensitive areas necessitate written consent for each session.

Inter-Professional Disagreement

• Massage Therapists must inform clients of any treatment concerns or methodology from other clinicians.
• Clients should not be caught in disagreements between professionals; their consent is crucial before any discussions with other providers.
• The obligation to the client is prioritized over employment obligations.
• Alternative treatment discussions should be factual, avoiding judgment of other professions.

Conducting Public Education Classes

• Key component of community education and professional representation.

Massage Therapy Practice

• Can practice in various environments as long as professional standards are followed.

STRiVE Competencies

• Emphasizes professional integrity, effective communication, legal compliance, client-centered practice, and maintaining a safe work environment.
• STRiVE is CMTO’s Quality Assurance Program aimed at helping RMTs meet their individual needs.

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

• RMTs are responsible for maintaining EMRs as Health Information Custodians (HICs).
• Must ensure client health information is accurate, protected, and notify clients immediately if compromised.
• An electronic audit log is crucial for documenting any electronic handling of health information.

Code of Ethics

• Focuses on benefitting clients, respect, dignity, accountability, and non-harm to clients.

RHPA - Registered Health Professional Act

• Defines sexual abuse in massage therapy, encompassing inappropriate relations or remarks.
• Exception noted for clinically appropriate touching or remarks related to service provided.

Complaints & CMTO

• Complaints against RMTs undergo investigation.
• License suspension possible for 3, 6, or 12 months; revocation may follow after two years.

Health Care Consent Act (HCCA)

• Establishes consent requirements, ensuring it is documented, voluntary, and informed in line with practice standards.
• Substitute decision-makers can provide consent for clients deemed incapable.

Receipt Requirements

• Should include appointment date, client and RMT names, transaction amount, RMT signature with registration number, and HST number if applicable.

Release of Records

• Client records must be retained for 10 years after the last visit, or 10 years post-18th birthday if the client was a minor.
• Client records can only be destroyed after this retention period, ensuring confidentiality.

Consent for Treatment

• Must be documented and discussed actively with clients, covering treatment nature, benefits, risks, alternatives, and potential consequences of not proceeding with treatment.

Incapacity in Receiving Treatment

• Individuals under the influence, rude, or 15 years and younger are generally incapable of consenting to treatment; 16-years-olds can consent.
• Documented consent is imperative, especially with substitute decision-makers involved for incapable clients.

This quiz covers essential professional guidelines for massage therapists, focusing on client disagreement resolution, treatment approaches, and the STRiVE Quality Assurance Program. It emphasizes the importance of client consent, accurate information, and respect for client choices.