D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17, r. 17-7514

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 17-7514 - STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

7514.1

A licensed massage therapist shall do the following:

(a) Perform only those services for which the massage therapist is qualified and shall not represent his or her skills, training, scope of practice, certifications, professional affiliations, and other qualifications in a manner which is false or misleading;

(b) Work to eliminate prejudices in the profession and not unjustly discriminate against clients or colleagues;

(c) Abide by all health occupations laws that apply to the practice of massage therapy;

(d) Protect the client's right to privacy by not divulging confidential information unless disclosure is with the consent of the client or the client's guardian, or is, in the judgment of the massage therapist, needed to protect the client or the community, or is otherwise required by law;

(e) Conduct business and professional activities with honesty and integrity and project a professional image in all aspects of his or her practice;

(f) Respect the integrity of each person and, therefore, shall not engage in any sexual activity with clients or individuals who have been clients within the previous twelve (12) months, nor engage in any activities with the intent of sexually arousing clients;

(g) Provide information about fees upon request by the client;

(h) Promptly report any information of illegal, unethical, or unsafe practice of massage therapy to the Board;

(i) Use professional verbal, nonverbal, and written communications;

(j) Provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for the client and which, at a minimum, meets all legal requirements for health and safety;

(k) Use standard precautions to insure professional hygienic practices and maintain a level of personal hygiene appropriate for practitioners in the therapeutic setting;

(l) Wear clothing that is clean, modest, and professional;

(m) Obtain voluntary and informed consent from the client or the client's guardian prior to initiating the session;

(n) If applicable, conduct an accurate needs assessment, develop a plan of care with the client, and update the plan as needed;

(o) Use appropriate draping to protect the client's physical and emotional privacy;

(p) Refer to other professionals when in the best interest of the client or practitioner;

(q) Seek other professional advice when needed;

(r) Respect the traditions and practices of other professionals and foster collegial relationships;

(s) Refrain from impugning the reputation of any colleague;

(t) Protect the interests of clients who are minors or who are unable to give voluntary consent by securing permission from an appropriate third-party or guardian;

(u) Solicit only information that is relevant to the professional client therapist relationship;

(v) Maintain client files for a minimum of three (3) years past the date of last contact for an adult and, for a minor, a minimum of three (3) years after the minor reaches the age of majority;

(w) Store and dispose of client files in a secure manner;

(x) Maintain adequate and customary liability insurance;

(y) Advertise in a manner that is not misleading to the public by, among other things, the use of sensational, sexual, or provocative language or pictures to promote business;

(z) Display or discuss schedule of fees in advance of the session so as to be clearly understood by the client or potential client;

(aa) Recognize his or her influential position with the client and not exploit the relationship for personal or other gain;

(bb) Respect the client's right to refuse the therapeutic session;

(cc) Refrain from practicing under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substances, with the exception of prescribed dosages of prescription medication that do not significantly impair the therapist; and

(dd) Have the right to refuse or terminate the service provided to a client who is abusive or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substance.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17, r. 17-7514

Final Rulemaking published at 45 DCR 7716 (October 30, 1998); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 54 DCR 8933 (September 14, 2007)