La. Admin. Code tit. 46 § XLIV-901

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section XLIV-901 - Code of Ethics

A. A massage therapist shall:

1. represent their qualifications honestly, including education and professional affiliations, and provide only those services which they are qualified to perform;

2. accurately inform clients, other health care practitioners, and the public of the scope and limitations of their discipline;

3. acknowledge the limitations of and contraindications for massage and bodywork and refer clients to appropriate health professionals;

4. provide therapy only where there is reasonable expectation that it will be advantageous to the client;

5. consistently maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence, striving for professional excellence through regular assessment of personal and professional strengths and weaknesses and through continued education training;

6. conduct their business and professional activities with honesty and integrity, and respect the inherent worth of all persons;

7. not unjustly discriminate against clients or other ethical health professionals;

8. safeguard the confidentiality of all client information, unless disclosure is required by law, court order, or absolutely necessary for the protection of the public;

9. respect the client's right to therapy with informed and voluntary consent;

10. respect the client's right to refuse, modify, or terminate therapy regardless of prior consent given;

11. exercise the right to refuse to treat any person or part of the body for just and reasonable cause;

12. refrain, under all circumstances, from initiating or engaging in any romantic or sexual conduct, sexual activities, or sexual behavior involving a client, even if the client attempts to pursue a sexual relationship;

13. respect the client's boundaries with regard to privacy, disclosure, exposure, emotional expression, beliefs, and the client's reasonable expectations of professional behavior. Practitioners will respect the client's autonomy.

B. Every person licensed as a massage therapist shall subscribe to and practice by the code of ethics established by the board.

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § XLIV-901

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Massage Therapy, LR 20:1002 (September 1994), repromulgated LR 20:1111 (October 1994), amended LR 32:1230 (July 2006), LR 39:1768 (July 2013).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37: 3551 et seq., and R.S. 37:3555 et seq.