Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Ethics, Boundaries, and Laws Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A massage therapist discovers that a new client is a close family friend. What is the most ethical course of action?
- Proceed with treatment without disclosure
- Discuss the dual relationship and establish clear professional boundaries (Correct answer)
- Refuse to treat the client under any circumstances
- Offer a discounted rate to maintain the friendship
Correct answer: Discuss the dual relationship and establish clear professional boundaries
Dual relationships require open discussion and clear boundary-setting to maintain professional integrity.
Question 2: Which federal law requires massage therapists to maintain client health information confidentiality?
- OSHA
- HIPAA (Correct answer)
- ADA
- FERPA
Correct answer: HIPAA
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) establishes national standards for protecting patient health information.
Question 3: A client offers a massage therapist an expensive gift after a session. What is the most appropriate response?
- Accept the gift to avoid offending the client
- Accept it but do not disclose it to anyone
- Politely decline and explain professional boundary policies (Correct answer)
- Accept it and give a free session in return
Correct answer: Politely decline and explain professional boundary policies
Accepting expensive gifts can blur professional boundaries and create an expectation of preferential treatment.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a scope of practice for licensed massage therapists?
- To limit competition from other healthcare providers
- To define the legally permitted techniques and services a therapist may perform (Correct answer)
- To establish pricing guidelines for massage services
- To determine which insurance companies will provide coverage
Correct answer: To define the legally permitted techniques and services a therapist may perform
Scope of practice legally defines the boundaries of what a licensed massage therapist is trained and authorized to perform.
Question 5: A massage therapist suspects a minor client is being physically abused. Under mandatory reporting laws, what must the therapist do?
- Confront the parent or guardian directly
- Document the suspicion and report it to the appropriate authorities (Correct answer)
- Wait for the client to disclose abuse voluntarily
- Discuss the suspicion with other clients for advice
Correct answer: Document the suspicion and report it to the appropriate authorities
Mandatory reporting laws require healthcare professionals to report suspected child abuse to designated authorities such as child protective services.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the concept of informed consent in massage therapy?
- The client signs a waiver releasing the therapist from all liability
- The therapist explains the treatment plan, risks, and benefits, and the client agrees before the session begins (Correct answer)
- The client verbally agrees to any technique the therapist chooses during the session
- The therapist obtains consent from the client's physician before treatment
Correct answer: The therapist explains the treatment plan, risks, and benefits, and the client agrees before the session begins
Informed consent requires that the client understands and voluntarily agrees to the proposed treatment after being given adequate information about procedures, risks, and benefits.
