Idaho Administrative Code
Title IDAPA 24 - Occupational and Professional Licenses, Division of
Rule 24.27.01 - RULES OF THE IDAHO STATE BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Appendix B - IDAHO BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPY STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
Standard I: Professionalism
In his/her professional role the licensee shall:
1. Cooperate with any Board investigation regarding any alleged violation of the Massage Therapy law or rules.
2. Use professional verbal, nonverbal, and written communications.
3. Provide an environment that is safe for the client and which meets all legal requirements for health and safety.
4. Use standard precautions to ensure professional hygienic practices and maintain a level of personal hygiene appropriate for practitioners in the therapeutic setting.
5. Wear clothing that is clean and professional.
6. Obtain voluntary and informed consent from the client, or written informed consent from client's legal guardian, prior to initiating the treatment plan.
7. If applicable, conduct an accurate needs assessment, develop a plan of care with the client, and update the plan as needed.
8. Use appropriate draping to protect the client's physical and emotional privacy. When clients remain dressed for seated massage or sports massage, draping is not required.
9. Not practice under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substances, with the exception of legal or prescribed dosage of medication which does not impair the licensee.
Standard II: Legal and Ethical Requirements
In his/her professional role the licensee shall:
1. Maintain accurate and complete client billing and records. Client Records includes notes written by
a licensee and kept in a separate client file that indicates the date of the session, areas of complaint as stated by client, and observations made and actions taken by the licensee.
2. Report within thirty (30) days to the Idaho Board of Massage Therapy any felony or misdemeanor criminal convictions of the licensee.
Standard III: Confidentiality
In his/her professional role the licensee shall:
1. Protect the confidentiality of the client's identity in conversations, all advertisements, and any and all other matters unless disclosure of identifiable information is requested or permitted by the client in writing or is required or allowed by law.
2. Protect the interests of clients who are minors or clients who are unable to give voluntary and informed consent by securing written informed consent from an appropriate third party or guardian.
3. Solicit only information that is relevant or reasonable to the professional relationship.
4. Maintain the client files for a minimum period of seven (7) years.
5. Store and dispose of client files in a secure manner.
Standard IV: Business Practices
In his/her professional role the licensee shall:
1. Not use sensational, sexual, or provocative language and/or pictures to advertise or promote their business.
2. Display/discuss a schedule of fees in advance of the session that is clearly understood by the client or potential client.
3. Make financial arrangements in advance that are clearly understood by, and safeguard the best interests of, the client or consumer.
Standard V: Roles and Boundaries
In his/her professional role the licensee shall:
1. Not participate in client relationships that could impair professional judgment or result in exploitation of the client.
Standard VI: Prevention of Sexual Misconduct
In his/her professional role the licensee shall:
1. Not engage in any behavior that sexualizes, or appears to sexualize, the client/licensee relationship.
2. Not participate in a sexual relationship or sexual conduct with the client, whether consensual or otherwise, from the beginning of the client/licensee relationship and for a minimum of twelve (12) months after the termination of the client/licensee relationship.
3. In the event that the client initiates sexual behavior, clarify the purpose of the therapeutic session and, if such conduct does not cease, terminate or refuse the session.
