What is a practitioner code of conduct?

Modified on Fri, 20 Dec at 8:37 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Australia
New Zealand
United States
United Kingdom

The Practitioner Code of Conduct provides the expectations around professional conduct and behaviour expected from all providers of health services, including but not limited to massage therapy.

As self-employed freelance service providers using the Blys platform, each service provider is expected to be fully compliant with the standards outlined in their relevant state/industry code of conduct.

Australia

Provided below are guides / key aspects for practitioners in providing health services/treatments to clients:

must provide health services in a safe and ethical manner
if diagnosed with an infectious medical condition, must ensure they practise in a manner that does not put clients at risk
must not make claims to cure certain serious illnesses
must adopt standard precautions for infection control
must not dissuade clients from seeking or continuing with treatment by a registered medical practitioner and must accept the rights of their clients to make informed choices in relation to their healthcare
must not practise under the influence of alcohol or drugs
must not practise with certain physical or mental conditions
must not financially exploit clients
are required to have an adequate clinical basis for treatments
must not misinform their clients
must not engage in a sexual or improper personal relationship with a client
must comply with relevant privacy laws
must keep appropriate records
must keep appropriate insurance
must display code and other information (with some exceptions)
must not sell or supply an optical appliance without proper authorisation.

If a practitioner breaches their relevant state/industry code of conduct, they may be reported to the relevant health commissioner. If you believe you or another practitioner is in breach of their code of conduct, please immediately notify our team at [email protected].

Other References:

For more information on lodging a complaint for Australian providers, please refer to this page.

New Zealand

New Zealand provider's Code of Conduct

Professional Behaviour
- Act honestly and ethically in all interactions with clients.
- Avoid conflicts of interest.
- Respect cultural, religious, and personal beliefs.
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
Confidentiality and Privacy
- Adhere to the Privacy Act 2020 when handling personal and health information.
- Obtain client consent before sharing information.
- Please refer to this for more information: https://www.privacy.org.nz/
Safety and Hygiene
- Maintain a safe, clean, and hygienic environment.
- Use clean equipment and follow protocols to prevent the spread of infections.
- Report any safety hazards or incidents promptly.
Competence and Continuing Education
- Only provide services you are qualified to deliver.
- Stay updated with ongoing professional development.
- Abide by guidelines for the scope of practice set by professional bodies like Massage Aotearoa New Zealand (MANZ).
Informed Consent
- Clearly explain the treatment process, including risks and benefits.
- Obtain written or verbal consent before proceeding.
- Respect the client’s right to withdraw consent at any time.
Prohibition of Misconduct
- Avoid any behaviour that could be interpreted as harassment, discrimination, or exploitation.
- Refrain from inappropriate or non-consensual physical contact.
Insurance and Legal Compliance
- Hold professional indemnity insurance.
- Comply with all local laws and regulations related to health and wellness services.
Accountability
- Accept responsibility for your actions and any mistakes.
- Cooperate with investigations or complaints processes.
Reporting Obligations
- Report unethical conduct by colleagues to relevant authorities.
- Disclose conflicts of interest where applicable.

For more information on lodging a complaint for New Zealand providers, please refer to this page.

United States

United States provider's Code of Conduct based on major professional bodies like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)

Client Welfare
- Prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of clients during all sessions.
- Tailor your approach to meet the specific needs of each client.
Confidentiality
- Maintain strict confidentiality of client information unless required by law or with explicit client consent.
- Protect sensitive client records and interactions.
Boundaries and Professional Conduct
- Uphold professional boundaries and avoid any behaviour perceived as sexual, discriminatory, or disrespectful.
- Show respect and dignity to clients, colleagues, and other practitioners.
Integrity and Honesty
- Represent qualifications accurately and avoid misleading advertising.
- Maintain the highest standards of professional integrity in all interactions.
Ongoing Education and Competency
- Engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on best practices and trends.
- Complete required continuing education to maintain licensing and enhance skills.
Licensing Compliance
- Comply with state-specific licensing regulations and ensure services are delivered in a safe, clean, and professional environment.
Cultural Sensitivity
- Treat clients and partner providers equitably, respecting their backgrounds, identity, and beliefs.

For more detailed information on these codes, you can refer to the following resources:

AMTA Code of Ethics: https://www.amtamassage.org
FSMTB Code of Ethics: https://www.fsmtb.org

For more information on lodging a complaint for United States providers, please refer to this page.

United Kingdom

United Kingdom massage therapists Code of Conduct

Maintain a professional and ethical approach to clients
- Ensuring respectful interactions and professional conduct during all treatments.
Obtain proper client consent and ensure confidentiality
- Fully informing clients and safeguarding their personal and treatment information.
Provide services within the boundaries of qualifications and experience
- Only offering treatments within one’s certified expertise.
Ensure cleanliness and hygiene in treatment environments
- Maintaining a clean and safe environment for both the provider and client.
Commit to continuing education and professional development
- Staying updated with industry standards and evolving best practices.
Treat clients with respect and dignity
- Valuing each individual and their needs, fostering a comfortable and safe environment.
Keep records confidential
- Safeguarding client information and maintaining privacy in accordance with relevant data protection regulations.
Provide safe, competent, and effective treatments
- Administering treatments that are appropriate, safe, and beneficial for the client’s needs.

For a deeper understanding, the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) provides further guidance on these principles for practitioners, which you can explore in more detail on their website at https://www.fht.org.uk

For more information on lodging a complaint for United Kingdom providers, please refer to this page.