Code of Massachusetts Regulations
269 CMR - BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Title 269 CMR 5.00 - Code Of Professional Ethics & Standards Of Ethical Practice
Section 5.02 - Standards of Professional Practice

(1) Perform a written or verbal intake interview with the client to determine whether any contraindications to massage therapy exist and whether modifications, including pressure, technique, and duration of treatment, are appropriate;

(2) Acknowledge the limitations of, and contraindications for, massage therapy;

(3) Provide only those services that the Licensee is qualified to perform and that are within the scope of practice of a Massage Therapist;

(4) Refer the client to other professionals or services if the treatment or service is beyond the Massage Therapist's scope of practice;

(5) If a plan of care or treatment is appropriate, explain the plan to the client, to others designated by the client, and to appropriate professionals with client permission;

(6) Provide massage therapy services that meet or exceed the generally-accepted practice of the profession;

(7) Practice massage therapy in accordance with accepted safe, sanitary and hygienic standards, including, but not limited to, following all standards of practice for disease control;

(8) Receive the written permission of either a parent or guardian for providing massage therapy services to a client younger than 18 years old prior to providing those services;

(9) Provide massage therapy services to a client younger than 18 years old only when a responsible adult chaperone is in the room, unless the parent or guardian waives this requirement in writing;

(10) Not perform massage therapy in bars and/or adult entertainment facilities;

(11) Not initiate or engage in any behavior that is sexually suggestive or engage in any sexual conduct or activities with a client;

(12) Not knowingly aid and abet another person to use the term "Massage" as part of a professional title when that person is not authorized to do so; knowingly employ a person not authorized to use the regulated professional title in the course of such employment; advertise as a massage therapist, also known as a muscular therapist, myotherapist, masseur, masseuse or a Massage Therapy Establishment unless a person in its employment holds a valid license under M.G.L. c. 135; combine advertising for a licensed massage therapy service with advertising for an escort or dating services; use any sexually suggestive language or images in advertising; advertise as performing massage in a form in which the person has not received training, or of a type that is not licensed or otherwise recognized by law or administrative rule; or advertise by using any term other than therapeutic massage or massage therapy to refer to the service. The term "advertise" shall include, but not be limited to, the issuance of any card, sign, or device to another; the causing, permitting, or allowing of any sign or marking on or in any building, vehicle or structure; advertising in a newspaper or magazine or on television or on the internet; any listing or advertising in a directory under a classification or heading that includes the word "massage" or commercials broadcast by airwave transmission.

(13) Unless prohibited by law, have the right to refuse to treat any person or part of the body at the Licensee's discretion;

(14) Unless prohibited by law, be allowed to pool or apportion fees received with other members of a business entity in accordance with any business agreement; and

(15) Adhere to the standards of documentation as provided in 269 CMR 5.03.