This code of ethics outlines standards of conduct for massage therapists including representing qualifications honestly, providing treatment only where beneficial, not discriminating against clients, maintaining confidentiality, respecting client autonomy and right to refuse treatment, avoiding sexual conduct with clients, refusing gifts intended to influence treatment, and refraining from practicing under the influence of substances. The code is intended to define ethical behavior for the profession.

4. A Code of Ethics is a statement which expresses
the primary ethical values, obligations and goals
of the profession. It is a commitment which
serves to bear witness to our promise as a
profession to uphold the values and ethical
obligations expressed in the Code.

5. A Code of Ethics gives definition to our
commitment to practice in ethical terms.
As regulated health professionals, we
have made a promise to society to accept
the responsibility and maintain the trust
with which we have been invested.

6. Massage Therapists who act as practitioners,
educators, researchers, administrators or
policy makers are all expected to maintain a
commitment to massage therapy values and
to follow the principles outlined in this
Code.

7.  Benefit Clients and Serve Their Best Interests
 Treat all Clients with Respect and Dignity
 Not Harm Clients
 Be Responsible and Accountable

8. To fulfill the goal of benefiting clients and serving their
best interests, Massage Therapists endeavour to positively
contribute to their clients’ health and well-being.
1. Commit to benefiting clients and serving clients’ best
interests by using their knowledge, skill and professional
judgement;
2. Clearly provide clients with the information they need to
make informed decisions about their healthcare;

9. 3. Encourage client engagement and focus on client goals
and preferences;
4. Use oral and written communication to facilitate client
understanding and conflict resolution;
5. Are aware of and attentive to transference and counter-
transference in the client massage therapist relationship
6. Are knowledgeable about other regulated health
professions and work collaboratively with other
professionals to improve client care, reduce risks,
increase client safety and optimize health outcomes.

10. To fulfill the goal of treating clients with respect and
dignity, Massage Therapists treat all clients with
compassion and consideration of the client’s right to
be the decision maker in their healthcare.
1. Recognize clients’ ethical and legal rights to be
the decision makers in their healthcare;
2. Obtain client’s informed consent to treatment
prior to providing care and respect the client’s
right to accept or refuse treatment without
prejudice;

11. 3. Recognize the power imbalance inherent in the
client- massage therapist relationship and maintain
professional boundaries;
4. Keep client health and personal information
confidential, except with the consent of the client or
as required by law;
5. Provide clients with advance notice and a referral
when discharging them from care;
6. Provide fair and equitable access and consistent
quality care to all clients,

12. To fulfill the goal of not harming clients, Massage Therapists
take every precaution to prevent harm to clients.
1. To fulfill the goal of not harming clients, massage
therapists take every precaution to prevent harm to
clients.
2. Do not, under any circumstance, participate in any
form of sexual behaviour with clients, including
“consensual” behaviours”
3. Do not, under any circumstance, participate in any
form of harassment of clients, colleagues, other
health professionals or employees

13. 5. Ensure they are not impaired in their professional
ability by any physical or mental condition or disorder
and have the knowledge, skill and judgement to
practise massage therapy safely
6. Ensure they provide clients with the information they
need to make informed decisions regarding treatment,
and obtain clients’ informed consent prior to treatment
7. Act with honesty and transparency if harm does occur,
take responsibility for disclosing this harm to the client
and initiate steps to minimize the harm and prevent
future occurrences
8. Maintain a clean, hygienic and safe working
environment
9. Provide therapeutic touch thoughtfully and tactfully in
a sensitive and professional manner

14. To fulfill the goal of being responsible and accountable,
Massage Therapists act in the best interest of the client
and not in the interest of the Massage Therapist.
1. Individually and collectively have a professional
responsibility to maintain public trust and confidence
2. Conduct themselves with personal and professional
integrity at all times;
3. Maintain clear, legible and comprehensive client and
business records
4. Commit to self-care and personal health and wellness;
5. maintain clear, legible and comprehensive client and
business records

15. 6. Meaningfully participate in advancing career span
competencies and continuing professional development
through self-evaluation of practice and appropriately
respond to the outcomes of evaluations and assessments;
7. Recognize their right to refuse care to clients who:
8. Demonstrate the integrity and professionalism expected
of a massage therapist as a regulated health professionals
9. Do not participate in any kind of fraud, including but not
limited to fraudulent billing practices
10. Responsibly use electronic communication, social media
and other forms of digital technology

16. Code of Ethics
This code of Ethics is a summary statement of
the standards of conduct that defines ethical
behaviour for the massage therapist.

17.  One should represent their qualifications honestly including education,
certifications and professional affiliations and accurately inform clients,
health care professionals and should provide only those services that
they are qualified to perform.

18.  One should provide treatment only where there is a
reasonable expectation that it will be advantageous to the
client and will acknowledge the limitations of and
contradictions for massage therapy and refer clients to
appropriate health care professionals when indicated.
 One should not discriminate against clients and /or
healthcare professionals.

19.  One should abide by the Personal Health Information Protection Act
(PHIPA). One must safeguard the confidentiality of all client
information, unless disclosure is required by law, court order, or
absolutely necessary for the protection of the public.
 One should respect the client’s right to refuse, modify or terminate
treatment at will regardless of prior consent given.
 One should exercise their right to refuse to treat any person or part of the
body for just and reasonable cause.
 One should respect the client’s autonomy by providing draping and
treatment in a way that ensures the safety, comfort and privacy of the
client.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDe6-Ms3DMw

20.  One should not, in any circumstance, initiate or engage in sexual
conduct, activities, or sexualizing behaviour involving a client, even
if the client attempts to sexualize the relationship.
 One should refuse any gifts or benefits that are intended to
influence a referral, decision or treatment or those that are purely
for personal gain and will avoid any interest, activity or influence
which may conflict with my obligation as a massage therapist to act
in the best interest of my client or the profession.

21.  One should refrain from practicing under the influence of
alcohol, drugs or any illegal substances, with the exception
of a prescribed dosage of prescription medication which
does not impair my ability to practice safely.