TMTA Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

MEMBERSHIP OATH

By my agreement, I hereby covenant the following:

  1. I have read the Code of Ethics of the Tennessee Massage Therapy Association (TMTA), and hereby agree to abide by said Code of Ethics.
  2. I am a professional massage therapist/bodyworker licensed by the State of Tennessee. I agree that our primary goal is to promote massage therapy/bodywork in Tennessee.
  3. I realize at times there may be personal differences between members. However, I agree that our goals as an organization  are respectful tolerance, unselfish cooperation and fellowship among professional massage therapists/bodyworkers.
  4. As an authorized holder of a massage therapy license from the state of Tennessee, I agree to abide by all the codes of professional conduct as set forth in the Massage Therapy Act of 1995.
  5. I will voluntarily submit my resignation from the TMTA should a majority of the Board of Directors determine that I am ever guilty of any of the following acts of misconduct:
    • Being convicted or found guilty of a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of massage therapy/bodywork, or the ability to practice this profession, or to any of the following acts of misconduct. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered conviction for purposes of this act.
    • Engaging in false, deceptive, or misleading advertising, or making deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in the practice of massage therapy/bodywork.
    • Engaging, or attempting to engage, or offering to engage a client in sexual activity, including any genital contact, within a client/therapist relationship. A client shall be presumed to be incapable of giving free, full and informed consent to sexual activity with his/her therapist.
    • Failing to practice massage therapy/bodywork with reasonable care, skill, and safety to clients which is a recognized professional standard, by reason of malpractice or illness, or the misuse of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other substance, or as a result of any mental or physical condition.
    • Being found guilty of violating the professional codes of conduct as set forth in the Massage Therapy Act of 1995 resulting in revocation of my license from the state of Tennessee. In this event, I understand there should be no refund of dues for the current year. I further agree to hold harmless any and all members of the Board of Directors of TMTA in this action, or any part of the TMTA, individually or as a whole.

CODE OF ETHICS

Massage therapists/bodyworkers shall:

  • Serve and educate clients and the public about the benefits of massage therapies/bodywork.
  • Promote unity within the profession
  • Promote massage therapies/bodywork and other healing modalities in the communities served.
  • Continue to promote professional excellence through continuing education, mastering skills used in practice, having a deep commitment to highest quality care.
  • Practice within the scope of training and experience, referring clients to appropriate health care providers when another form of treatment or diagnosis is medically or ethically needed.
  • Honor the value of the client without prejudice, honor the confidentiality of session time communications and procedures, and honor the responsibilities of our professional boundaries.
  • Act to build and maintain sound mental, physical, and emotional health as an individual member of the heal-ing arts profession.