Ala. Admin. Code r. 532-X-9-.03
Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024
Section 532-X-9-.03 - [Effective 1/8/2025] Code of Ethics for Massage Therapy Instructors(1) The registered massage therapy instructor must comply with all legal requirements in the applicable jurisdictions and meet the established code of ethics included in this chapter. Violations of the code of ethics may result in disciplinary action. The Code of Ethics for Massage Therapy Instructors follows: (2) Any massage therapy instructor registered by the Board is required to be knowledgeable regarding the ethical, legal, and regulatory aspects of the profession of massage therapy, must be skilled in applying that knowledge, and must make students aware of their responsibilities as massage therapists. Licensed MT Instructors will conduct education in an ethical manner and serve as role models for professional behavior.(3) Registered massage therapy instructors will educate only in those areas in which they have become qualified through education, certification, and professional affiliations to ensure that all students are adequately instructed in massage therapy techniques.(4) Registered massage therapy instructors do not discriminate against or refuse professional service to anyone on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.(5) Registered massage therapy instructors are required to clearly define and maintain ethical, professional, and social relationship boundaries with their students. MT Instructors must acknowledge that they exert both power and influence over the students under their care and control and that they must, therefore, be vigilant to maintain appropriate student-teacher boundaries and take responsibility for the power differential that exists between registered massage therapy instructors and students.(6) Registered massage therapy instructors must maintain and improve their professional knowledge and competency to teach massage therapy through continuing education.(7) Registered massage therapy instructors will orient prospective students to their program expectations prior to admission, including, but not limited to:(a) The type and level of skill required for successful completion of the training.(b) A current and accurate description of the program content, training goals, and objectives.(c) The subject matter to be covered.(d) The basis for evaluation.(e) The training components that encourage self-growth as part of the training process.(f) The supervision and site requirements for required clinical field experiences.(g) Student evaluation and dismissal policies and procedures.(8) Registered massage therapy instructors do not teach the use of techniques or procedures that require specialized training, licensure, or expertise, including, but not limited to, laser therapy, injection therapy, manipulation of the joints, or any diagnosis or treatment of an illness that normally involves the practice of medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, podiatry, nursing, occupational therapy, veterinary medicine, acupuncture, osteopathy, orthopedics, hypnosis, or naturopathics.(9) Registered massage therapy instructors do not serve as counselors to students over whom they hold administrative, teaching, or evaluative roles unless this is a brief role associated with a training experience.(10) A registered massage therapy instructor should abide by federal, state, and local laws and statutes. Unethical conduct includes conviction of a felony or of any crime arising out of or connected with the practice of massage therapy and/or the habitual use of controlled substances or the habitual and excessive use of alcohol. As used herein, "conviction" includes a finding or verdict of guilt, a plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere.(11) A Registered massage therapy instructor shall refrain from the abuse of alcohol or drugs in the course of professional practice.(12) All registered massage therapy instructors should comply with state and federal laws relating to the confidentiality of student records, unless disclosure is required or permitted by law. Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, sharing of confidential information concerning student academic and disciplinary records, personal confidences, health and medical information, family status and/or income, and assessment/testing results.Ala. Admin. Code r. 532-X-9-.03
Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XLII, Issue No. 12, September 30, 2024, eff. 9/20/2024; expires 110 days, 1/8/2025 (Emergency).Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XLII, Issue No. 12, September 30, 2024, eff. 11/14/2024.Author: Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board
Statutory Authority:Code of Ala.1975, § 34-43A-6