CMATA

The Practice Standard of Canadian Massage and Acupressure Therapists Association (CMATA) is developed to ensure that all members are aware of, and committed to, upholding high standards of practice for the profession in the following areas:

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I . Conduct of the CMATA members, including Acupressure Massage Therapist and Senior Acupressure Massage Therapist (Massologist), hereinafter referred to as “Massage Therapist”

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a. The massage therapists who engage in the practice of professional massage should maintain good standing with the CMATA and adhere to the CMATA Code of Ethics, Practice Standard, policies and regulations.

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b. The individual massage therapist is required to comply with the disciplinary procedure conducted by the Disciplinary Committee regarding any alleged violations of the CMATA Code of Ethics and Practice Standards.

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c. The massage therapists should seek professional supervision consistent with promoting and maintaining appropriate application of skills and knowledge.

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II.  Practice Environment

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a. A safe and comfortable environment should be provided to the clients, which, at a minimum, meets all legal requirements for health and safety.

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b. The massage therapists should wear clean and professional clothing and maintain a level of hygiene appropriate for practice in the therapeutic setting.

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c. Draping is appropriately used to protect the client's physical and emotional privacy.

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d. The CMATA certificate should be displayed in the massage therapist's principal practice location.

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III.  Professional relationship with clients

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a. The massage therapist should practice only those massage techniques that he/she has sufficient training to perform in a way that is well integrated in the treatment.

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b. The massage therapist should be knowledgeable of his/her scope of practice and practice only within these limitations.

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c. The fee schedules must be displayed and clearly understood by the client in advance of the service provided.

 

d. Prior to the initial session, the massage therapist must ensure that representations of his/her professional services, policies and procedures are accurately communicated to the client and obtain the client's consent to provide the proposed treatment.

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e. If applicable, the massage therapist should conduct an accurate needs assessment, develop a treatment plan with the client, and update the plan as needed.

 

f. The massage therapist acknowledges and respects the client's choice in the therapeutic session. The massage therapist should promptly cease or modify his/her massage techniques in response to the client's request.

 

g. The massage therapist should refrain from any behavior that sexualizes, or appears to sexualize, the client/therapist relationship, and any other immoral behaviors.

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IV  Professional relationship with other healthcare professionals

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a. The massage therapist relates to other healthcare professionals with appropriate respect and seeks other professional advice when needed.

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b. The referral to other healthcare professionals is only made in the best interest of the client. c. The massage therapist's communication with other healthcare professionals regarding clients should be in compliance with accepted standards and ethics.

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V. Confidentiality

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a. The massage therapist should establish a clinical record for each client in a secure manner, including the contact information of the client, the client's health history, treatment plan, the record of each treatment, and reports from other professionals, etc.

 

b. The massage therapist must protect the confidentiality of the clinical records and store the records in a secure place for at least seven years after the date of the last treatment.

 

c. The client's identity should be protected in all conversations, advertisements and all other matters unless disclosure of identifiable information is requested by the client in writing, is medically necessary, is required by law or for purposes of public protection.

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VI. Business Activities

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a. The massage therapist should accurately and truthfully inform the public of his/her services provided, which remains consistent with the CMATA Code of Ethics and Practice Standard.

 

b. The massage therapist should promote the business with integrity and avoid conflict of interest.

 

c. Advertisement should be in a manner that is honest and accurate without misleading to the public.

 

d. Adequate professional liability insurance is required to maintain.

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VII. Evaluation, Education and Research

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a. The massage therapists are subject to annual evaluation which determines the renewal of membership.

 

b. The massage therapists are encouraged to take continuing educations and engage in research to maintain professional competence.

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VIII. Legal Requirements

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a. Pertaining to the practice of professional massage, the massage therapist should obey all applicable local, provincial and federal laws and refrain from any behavior that results in illegal, discriminatory or unethical actions.

 

b. The massage therapist should report to the proper authorities any alleged violations of the law by other massage therapists.

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