Code of Maine Rules
02 - DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL REGULATION
041 - OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL REGULATION (OPOR)
Chapter 400 - COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS
Section 041-400-4 - Clarification of Terms

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

A. FRAUD OR DECEIT.

1. The practice of fraud or deceit in obtaining or renewing or in attempting to obtain or renew a license or registration includes, but is not limited to:
a. Falsification or misrepresentation of facts or information listed on an application;

b. Intentionally withholding or misrepresenting any information requested on the application, including information regarding criminal or disciplinary action taken by any state against an applicant; or

c. Impersonating another applicant.

2. The practice of fraud or deceit in connection with services rendered, but is not limited to:
a. Intentionally engaging in false, misleading or deceptive advertising; or

b. Impersonating another licensee or registrant.

B. GROSS NEGLIGENCE, INCOMPETENCY OR MISCONDUCT

1. Gross negligence, incompetence or misconduct in the service of massage therapy includes, but is not limited to:
a. Intentionally or recklessly causing physical or emotional harm to the public;

b. Encouraging or promoting massage therapy by untrained or unqualified persons;

c. Engaging in any lewd, indecent, obscene or unlawful behavior while acting as a massage therapist or massage practitioner;

d. Massage of genital areas or massage of a client who is not properly draped for massage, or by a massage therapist or massage practitioner who is not properly dressed;

e. Failure to respect the patient's/client's boundaries with respect to privacy, exposure, or emotional expression;

f. Serving the public when physical or mental ability is impaired to any extent by alcohol and/or drugs;

g. Serving the public when ability to do so is impaired psychologically or mentally;

h. Willful or intentional misrepresentation of skills to a client;

i. Failure to comply with the terms of any settlement agreement or other disciplinary action by the department;

j. Subject to the limitations of 5 MRSA chapter 341, conviction of a crime which involves dishonesty or false statement or which directly relate to the practice of massage;

k. Failure to safeguard the confidentiality of all client information, unless disclosure is required by law or court order;

l. Failure to respect the client's right to refuse, modify, or terminate treatment, regardless of prior consent given;

m. Failure to provide draping and treatment in a way that ensures the safety, comfort and privacy of the client; or

n. Failure to refrain, under all circumstances, from initiating or engaging in any sexual conduct, sexual activities, or sexualizing behavior or speech with a client in connection with the rendering to that client of professional massage services, even if the client attempts to sexualize the professional relationship.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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