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Survival Guide for Massage Therapists
12 hours
Developed by:
The Massage Palms, Inc. and My CE National
Mailing:
My CE National
10936 N. 56th
Street Suite 201
Tampa, FL 33617
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 813-464-7645
Website: www.myceflorida.com
www.mycenational.com
NCBTMB PROVIDER 451576-11
Florida Continuing Education Provider 50-12773
Content copyright 2011 The Massage Palms, Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks and/or copyrights are in effect
All website disclaimers and/or Terms & Conditions apply
The information in this course has been researched and is generally accepted as factual at the time of publication. The Massage Palms, Inc. disclaim responsibility
for any contradictory data.
It is the responsibility of the medical professional and/or massage therapist to determine what precautions to take in their field and to abide by their scope of
practice.
CREDITS TO BE AWARED FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF COURSE: 12 (TWELVE)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Directions: Please read through the course carefully. Read and UNDERSTAND what you are reading. This course is important to protect yourself and others. Relax, take your time and go at your own pace. You will be rewarded 12 credits of continuing education. Once you have understood the material presented, move on to the test questions. Completing the Test: You will need to print out the last page of this document
1) Fill out ALL of your information at the top. 2) Read each question carefully before answering. 3) Bubble in your answer with a pencil or pen. 4) You must receive at least a 70% correct
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Getting Credit: After you have completed the test answer sheet with your license number, you may:
Mail: My CE National 10936 N. 56th Street Suite 201 Tampa, FL 33617 Email: [email protected] (Subject: Credit Sheets) -BEST WAY Fax: 813-464-7645
This course is intended for informational purposes ONLY!
This is NOT a certification NOR does it imply, state or refer to performing any
illegal activity or service to be performed by you, a massage therapist.
There may be some reference to Florida Law as this is where My CE National is based out of. Please check you state and local law for current laws and/or
information. The information given does not necessarily reflect the views of any of My CE National representatives. Any similarity to any person living or dead is purely coincidental. Please use your professional judgment when performing any
and all acts of massage therapy.
COURSE STARTS NOW
Survival Guide for the LMT
FORWARD
Most massage therapists have forgotten more about laws and rules and standards than most people will ever know. Even with that being the case, this little course is meant to refresh what you already know and give you some helpful tips that you might not know. This course is based primarily on NCBTMB and Florida Standards, but I will do my best to guide you where you happen to be. I will do my very best to keep this light and entertaining; there is a quiz at the end, but it’s all based on what you are about to read. Any similarity to any person, place or thing is purely coincidental; any names have been changed to protect all parties.
I. Hooray! You’re a Massage Therapist!
So, here you are! You’re licensed, you’ve been through school and most of you have classes beyond that. We throw out terms just like a pitcher on a mound. But, are we completely sure that we are calling things by their correct names? For the longest time, I thought that the “Board” meant the Department of Health Board, and boy! Was I wrong!! So, just to keep everything neat and tidy, let’s start with some basic terms.
Basic Terms
A. “Board” means the Board of Massage Therapy.
B. “Department” means the Department of Health.
C. “Massage” means the manipulation of
The soft tissues of the human body with the hand, foot, arm, or elbow, whether or
not such manipulation is aided by hydrotherapy, including colonic irrigation, or
thermal therapy; any electrical or mechanical device; or the application to the
human body of a chemical or herbal preparation.
D. “Massage therapist” means a person licensed as required by this act, who
administers massage for compensation.
E. “Establishment” means a site or premises, or portion thereof, wherein a
massage therapist practices massage.
F. “Licensure” means the procedure by which a person, hereinafter referred to as
A “practitioner,” applies to the board for approval to practice massage or
to operate an establishment.
G. Practitioner is someone who applies to the massage board to practice massage
or operate an establishment.
Those terms will be referred to throughout the course. For our purposes, we will assume that YOU are the practitioner and that you work at an Establishment, whether you own said Establishment or not. In Florida, there are specific laws that govern who is and who is not eligible to apply for a massage license. Some things are consistent from state to state, while some things differ. If you are in one state wanting to move to another, do NOT assume that your NCBTMB certification will suffice. Many times you will have to take some additional courses (that is true in Florida). So, let’s examine requirements for most of the United States, some costs that you may be responsible for. Listed are several states, complete with basic requirements for each. Find your state and take a peek!
A. LMT Qualifications – All 50 States
*18 yrs. Old
*GED or HS diploma
*passed state and/or national exam
*pay the fees
B. State by State Rundown (if you do NOT see a state listed here, there is no
state board, which means that NCBTMB Rules and Standards apply)
1. Alabama – www.almtbd.state.al.us
Initial Licensure: 650 Hours
License Renewal: $100 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 16 Hours every 2 year
2 Arkansas - www.arkansasmassagetherapy.com
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: Between $30 - $45 per year
Continuing Education: 6 Hours every year
3. Arizona - http://www.massageboard.az.gov
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: $75 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 25 Hours every 2 years
4. California – www.californiahealthfreedom.gov
Due to the Freedom of Access laws in effect, if you are from or are moving to
California, contact the city where you are moving for their municipal laws and codes;
they will direct you to the correct contact information for the state.
5. Connecticut - www.dph.state.ct.us
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: $200 per 2 years
Continuing Education: 24 hours every 4 years
6. Delaware - www.dpr.delaware.gov
Initial Licensure: 300hr/CMT (Certified Massage Technician)
200hr/Temporary CMT
500hr/LMT
License Renewal: $100 every 2 years
Continuing Education: CMT – 12 hours every 2 years
LMT – 24 hours every 2 years
7. Florida - www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/massage
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: $155 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 24 Hours every 2 hours, + HIV/AIDS
8. Georgia - http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/massage/
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: $75 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 24 hours every 2 years
9. Hawaii – www. hawaii.gov
Initial Licensure: 570 Hours
License Renewal: $120 every 2 years
Continuing Education: None required as of this publication (April 2011)
10. Idaho - www.3state.id.us
This state is like California – freedom of access laws are in effect
11. Illinois - http://www.idfpr.com
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: $175 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 24 every 2 years
12. Indiana - http://www.in.gov/pla/bandc/massage
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
As of the date of this publication, there are neither license renewal
fees nor continuing education requirements.
13. Iowa - www.idph.state.ia.us/licensure
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: $120 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 24 Hours every 2 years
14. Kentucky - http://finance.ky.gov
Initial Licensure: 600 Hours
License Renewal: $100 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 24 Hours every 2 years
15. Louisiana - www.lsbmt.org
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: $125 every year
Continuing Education: 12 Hours every year
16. Maine - www.maine.gov/professionallicensing
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: $25 per year
Continuing Education: none required at this time
17. Maryland - www.mdmassage.org
Initial Licensure: 500 hours for Registered Massage Therapist
500 hours, PLUS 60 college credits for Certified
Massage Therapist
License Renewal: $200 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 24 every 2 years
18. Massachusetts - http://www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/mt/index.htm
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
** There are no requirements for license renewal fees nor continuing
education as of this publication date
19. Minnesota - www.state.mn.us
Like California, there is no information available due to Freedom of
Access laws being in effect
20. Mississippi - www.msbmt.state.ms.us/msbmt/msbmt.nsf
Initial Licensure: 700 Hours
License Renewal $192 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 24 hours every year
21. Missouri - http://pr.mo.gov/massage.asp
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: $200 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 12 hours every 2 years
22. Nebraska - www.dhhs.ne.gov/crl/crlindex.htm
Initial Licensure: 1, 000 Hours
License Renewal: $27 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 24 hours every 2 years
23. Nevada - http://massagetherapy.nv.gov/
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
License Renewal: $150 every year
Continuing Education: 12 hours per year
24. New Hampshire - www.dhhs.nh.gov
Initial Licensure: 750 Hours
License Renewal: $100 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 12 hours every 2 years
25. New Jersey - www.state.nj.us
Initial Licensure: 500 hours
License Renewal: $120 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 20 every 2 years
26. New Mexico - www.rld.state.nm.us
Initial Licensure: 650 Hours
License Renewal: $125 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 16 Hours every 2 years
27. New York - www.op.nysed.gov/massage.htm
Initial Licensure: 1,000 Hours
Renewal Fee: $55 for 3 years
Continuing Education: To begin January 1st, 2012
36 hours every 3 years
28. North Carolina - www.bmbt.org
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
Renewal Fee: $100 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 25 every 2 years
29. North Dakota - www.ndboardofmassage.com
Initial Licensure: 750 Hours
Renewal Fee: $100 per year
Continuing Education: 18 per year
30. Ohio - http://med.ohio.gov
Initial Licensure: 750 Hours
Renewal Fee: $50 every 2 years
Continuing Education: No requirement at this time
31. Oregon - www.oregonmassage.org
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
Renewal Fee: $100 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 25 hours every 2 years
32. Rhode Island - www.health.state.ri.us/hsr
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
Renewal Fee: $37.50 per year
Continuing Education: none at this time
33. South Carolina - www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/massagetherapy
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
Renewal Fee: $175 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 12 every 2 years
34. South Dakota - www.state.sd.us/doh/massage
Initial Licensure: since 2008, their laws have been scrambled, so the best
thing to do is contact them directly.
Renewal Fee: $65 every year
Continuing Education: 8 every 2 years
35. Tennessee - http://health.state.tn.us
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
Renewal Fee: $110 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 25 hours every 2 years
36. Texas - www.dshs.state.tx.us/massage
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours, PLUS 50 hour internship
Renewal Fee: $106 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 12 hours
36. Utah - www.dopl.utah.gov
Initial Licensure: 600 Hours for LMT; 1,000 Hours for Massage
Apprenticeship
Renewal Fee: $52 every 2 years
Continuing Education: None at the time of this publication
37. Virginia - www.dhp.virginia.gov
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
Renewal Fee: $70 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 25 hours every 2 years
38. Washington - www.doh.wa.gov/massage
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
Renewal Fee: $25 per year
Continuing Education: 24 hours every 2 years
39. Washington D.C. - www.dchealth.dc.gov/
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
Renewal Fee: $111 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 12 Hours every 2 years
40. West Virginia - www.wvmassage.org
Initial Licensure: 500 Hours
Renewal Fee: $100 every 2 years
Continuing Education: 24 hours every 2 years
41. Wisconsin - www.drl.wi.gov
Initial Licensure: 600 Hours
Renewal Fee: $53 every 2 years
Continuing Education: none at the time of this publication
**Note: Be sure to contact your appropriate state agency to see if any Continuing
Education Classes need to be in-person (hands-on), or if they can ALL be taken
online. This requirement changes from state to state.
Remember, every fee discussed above is for an individual therapist. If you happen to own an establishment, the fee structure may be a little different. Most of this information is common-sense, but there have been misunderstandings when it comes time to sell or add on business partners.
Let’s talk briefly about that issue. There is NO transfer of license from one owner to another. Pretend for a minute that you own a massage establishment with a business partner. We’ll call him Pete (the Partner). Say that everything is in your name, and you want to branch off and start new projects, leaving Pete primarily in charge. Pete is going to have to go through all of the inspections and fees just as if he were opening for the first time. You cannot just hand over your license to Pete and think it is OK.
Say that you have decided to move to a different location, but keep the same name. You still have to go through the inspection process, but you MAY transfer that business license to your new location without having to pay for a new business license. You may decide to change the name of your business, whether or not you move. You MAY transfer your business license to that new name. In short, license transfer between 2 locations or 2 different names is OK. Transfer between 2 PEOPLE is NOT OK.
While we’re at it, there’s the massage establishment issue. There IS a difference between the massage establishment and you. Every establishment has its own license and fees, which must be renewed every 2 years in Florida. That seems to be about the standard. You MUST have an application on file with the Board. You must also be available for inspection any time during business hours. And, if for some reason your license becomes inactive, it can be activated again with Board approval.
II. Uh-Oh! You’ve Been Bad!
Just as in life, there are certain rules and guidelines that we must abide by. There are consequences for both good and bad behavior. Certain actions are grounds for disciplinary action by the board. Some states are more lenient than others, but NCBTMB standards are the same nationwide.
A. Practicing Massage Therapy
These behaviors are a good way to raise red flags and make the Board take notice in a not-so-nice way. Most of these will cost you big bucks in fines:
1. License was obtained illegally, fraudulently, or through bribery
2. License has been suspended or revoked from any state or Board
3. Being found GUILTY of any crime which is directly related to the practice of
massage
4. Misleading advertising
5. Aiding an unlicensed person in practicing massage
6. Making false representations in the practice of massage
7. Being incompetent to practice, for whatever reason
8. Malpractice
9. Practicing beyond what you know is your scope of practice
10. Failing to comply with a Board ruling
11. Practicing in an unlicensed facility (exceptions apply)
While most of those items are common sense, here is one that many people forget. You MUST have your MA or MM number somewhere in your advertising. Print, radio, Facebook®, Twitter®, or whatever, you must have one or other of those numbers.
B. Actions that are AGAINST THE LAW
The above actions will get the negative attention of the Board, but these will get you in some legal trouble:
A. employ and allow unlicensed people to practice in your
establishment
B. use the license number of another individual
C. present false or forged evidence to obtain a license
D. use a revoked license
E. engage in any sexual activity with a client
F. practice massage without a state approved license
G. practice in an unlicensed facility
In Florida, most of these infractions involve hefty fines, but rarely jail time. For example, in Florida the penalty for breaking the law is this:
* First class misdemeanor for first time offense
* Jail time not to exceed one year
* Fine of $1, 000 per incident
Be sure to check with your local state massage board for your particular state penalties.
C. To Drape or Not To Drape…
There has been much confusion over draping issues, at least in Florida. By law, draping means covering everything EXCEPT the part of the body being massaged. In other words, if you are working the leg, it is the only thing outside of the drape. Everything else is covered (except for the face and head, even though some clients you would happily do that to!). No draping means that the client does not need to have covering EXCEPT for female breasts and ALL genitals of both men and women.
You must get permission to undrape your client. Get written permission; that’s what will hold up in court. Unfortunately, you have to look at everything as a possible lawsuit these days. Now, I am going to sound sexist, but I am simply stating fact: Male massage therapists take heed! Most male clients are not all that picky about draping; they just want to lay there and get a good treatment. But…I have read about more “misunderstandings” between female clients and their male therapists, and the ensuing accusations of misconduct, resulting in nasty investigations and other such nonsense. No draping automatically implies that you have permission to work the glute muscles of your client.
Have intake paperwork, and have your draping policy stated so that can check whether or not they would care to have it and make them sign it. Now, you’re protected. Every agency wants to make sure the public is protected; I
want to see that WE are protected. If you have ever taken any of my other courses, you will see how much I stress intake forms and paperwork. You will thank me one day, so get it in your head now: have signed paperwork on EVERY client EVERY TIME they come in to see you.
D. The Sexual Element of Massage
Most of this is just plain old common sense. Keep in mind that, while this is based on Florida law, it is pretty standard throughout the United States. Again, some laws may be stricter or more lenient, depending on where you are. NCBTMB Standards always apply.
Solicitation for Sex/Prostitution:
It is unlawful to:
1. Own, establish, maintain, or operate any place, structure, building, or
conveyance for the purpose of lewdness, assignation, or prostitution.
2. To offer to commit, or to commit, or to engage in, prostitution, lewdness, or
assignation.
3. To solicit, induce, entice, or procure another to commit prostitution, lewdness,
or assignation.
4. To enter, or remain in, any place, structure, or building for the purpose of
prostitution, lewdness, or assignation
5. To aid, abet, or participate in any of the acts or things enumerated in this
subsection.
6. To purchase the services of any person engaged in prostitution.
When is it considered to be solicitation or prostitution under Florida law?
The actual sexual act or exchange of money is not necessary for a prostitution
or solicitation arrest in Florida. Any resident or visitor who attempts to engage
in a conversation for a sex act can be charged under these statutes. Whether or
not you are offering money in exchange for sexual acts to a prostitute,
undercover officer, or other person, you can be charged with solicitation of
prostitution based solely on your words. (e.g. “Do you offer happy endings?”
would apply in this case.
Sexual Misconduct in Massage Therapy
1. It is prohibited.
2. If it is construed as prostitution, since money exchanged hands, the
following penalties are applicable:
1. First offense = 2nd
degree misdemeanor = 60 days
jail and $500 fine
2. 2nd
offense= 1st degree misdemeanor = up to 1 year
jail and $1,000 fine.
3. 3rd
offense = upgrade to 3rd
degree felony = 5 yrs.
jail and $5,000 fine.
3. Penalties for breaking the law (NOT the same as prostitution penalties)
a. first class misdemeanor for first time offense
b. jail time not to exceed one year
c. fine of $1, 000 per incident
III. Playing the Insurance Game
Remember, this course originated in Florida, so a lot of Florida stuff is in here. ALWAYS refer to your state massage board for your particular state’s requirements. This will give you a starting point as to what to look for. Although having insurance is not required by law in the state of Florida, it is just really something that you don’t really want to go without. It’s like your auto insurance; every time you pay the premium you curse yourself and them, but when that accident pops up you realize what you’ve been paying for. Hopefully there will never come a time when you have to play this card. It sure is nice to have it in your hand, should you need it. So, here are the Florida requirements for both individual therapists and for establishments:
1. Individual Therapist
a. the state of Florida does not require massage therapists to have liability
nor per-occurrence insurance as individuals
2. Massage Establishments
a. the owner of the establishment is required to maintain property damage
and bodily injury liability insurance b. proof of insurance must list the exact business name, address and owners
as it appears on the application c. It the therapist is an owner, ONLY then may coverage from another
professional organization satisfy the insurance requirement
* Types of Insurance Coverage
1. Liability
a. Professional Liability and Premises Liability (including Property
Damage Liability). This ensures that you are protected for both acts of
professional misconduct as well as from a simple slip and fall incident that
could occur on your premises.
2. Per - occurrence
a. this usually covers more, and is dependent on the event, as opposed to the
duration of the policy.
b. If someone gets hurt by you and then turns around and falls down, they may
want to sue for both things. Per occurrence insurance would help to cover both events,
separately.
3. Premises insurance
a. This will cover accidents that occur on the premises, e.g slip and fall, but
does not protect therapist against anything else.
A. Is Having Insurance Law?
a. In Florida, it is not required that an individual therapist acquires and
maintains liability insurance.
b. In Florida, it is law that a massage establishment have property
damage and bodily injury liability insurance
B. If you work for someone else
1. Do not be surprised if they:
a. require you to have per occurrence insurance
b. require you to list them as secondary insured
C. Why?
1. If you are sued, the business you work for will likely be sued,
as well.
2. If you have per occurrence insurance, you are covered when
something happens. Liability may be more generic and may
not cover what you need it to.
D. Where do I get it?
1. Florida State Massage Therapy Association www.fsmta.org
2. American Massage Therapy Association
www.amtamassage.org
3. There are other places, but these deal specifically with
massage therapists and their needs.
** Most state massage therapy associations offer insurance. The AMTA is available
for all states and applicable Canadian provinces**
IV. HIPAA Regulations
Although HIPAA is more involved with the strictly medical community, the laws still can pertain to massage therapists, especially if you do medical billing for your services. For a first time client, you must ask them if they would like to see or have a copy of their HIPAA rights. (Most will say no.) So, here are the ins and outs of HIPAA:
A. HIPAA
1. What does the acronym stand for?
a. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
b. was meant to make insurance portable for employees changing jobs.
c. Applies more when you actually bill insurance for services
d. Protects the client’s personal health information; e.g. no one can just call
and get another’s health information without express written consent from
the client.
B. Clients’ rights under HIPAA:
1. Patients are entitled to see a copy of their records.
2. Patients are entitled to receive a copy of their records.
3. Patients are entitled to make an amendment in the file to their patient
health information.
4. The massage therapist has a right to deny inclusion of amendments in the
patient's file.
5. The patient has a right to disagree with the therapist's refusal of inclusion.
6. The therapist has a right to rebut the patient's disagreement, but any time a
file is sent out, a copy of that rebuttal must be included.
7. The patient has a right to a privacy practice notice from the therapist
providing the care. (The patient can object to certain information given to
him in the privacy of his office, and the therapist can comply with this or
refuse to treat the patient. The fine for violation of the privacy standards is
$25,000 per incident.)
C. What Does this Mean?
1. if client changes therapist and new therapist wants info on client, that
client must give old therapist permission to give info before it can be
given.
2. Among the many forms the massage therapist must use is an authorization
form that must be signed by the patient any time information is given out
about the patient for purposes other than billing.
3. For example:
Let's say you faxed something out, and it went to the wrong person. The
patient files a complaint, and it goes to OCR. Representatives come to your
office. You show how your equipment proves that the fax went to the right
phone number, and that you have authorization on a patient disclosure form to
use a fax or e-mail. You have only made a mistake, and you won't be fined or
penalized.
V. Oh, no! Not MORE Paperwork!!
It’s been said throughout this course and all over the place. Paperwork will indeed, protect you, if you do it right. Forget something and you could be in the doghouse real fast. You don’t have to have trillions of pages that you hand in a 3-inch stack to your clients. A quick, easy form with pertinent information on it will do very nicely.
Here are a few things that you might want to include on your paperwork. Design it however you feel would yield the best results:
A. Paperwork for Client
1. Name
a. It is a good thing to know who you are working on. Make a space for first and last
name
2. Phone Number
a. many clients may give you a phony number. Check your Caller ID and cross
reference.
b. if the number on the paperwork does not match the number given on Caller ID or e-
mail, be sure to put all numbers on the paperwork
3. Date
a. put a space for the date next to the signature line
4. Draping Options
a. always put a space for the client to sign if they want draping and
another space if they do not.
5. Pre-existing conditions
a. You may have a list of these conditions for them to check off
b. You may leave a few lines for the client to write in any
conditions, surgeries, medications, etc.
6. Signature
a. always have your client sign at the bottom of your paperwork. (if
they did not read it, that is their problem and not yours)
7. Legibility
a. if the writing is not legible, ask them for their first and last name
and write it in above where they wrote.
B. Paperwork for Therapist
1. SOAP notes
a. somewhere the therapist should state what was done in the session and the
disposition of the client before and after said session.
b. should be done quickly upon exit of client to insure that little is forgotten. It
may be useful in the future.
C. Keeping Client Paperwork
1. Law dictates that paperwork must be kept for at least 4 years.
VI. What Can I Legally Practice?
Although the answer to this question seems incredibly obvious, there has
been confusion in some courts of law as to who was actually certified to
perform what. Some therapists think that because they took a course once
upon a time that they are automatically certified to perform that modality. Oh
contraire, Pierre! You have to actually get a certification in that particular
modality in order for you to say that you are a licensed practitioner in that
modality.
A. Modalities covered by massage therapy schools
1. Swedish
2. Deep tissue
3. Chair Massage
4. Tandem
5. Anything that is listed on the therapists’ transcripts.
B. Modalities Requiring Additional Coursework and Certifications
1. Shiatsu
2. Reflexology
3. Thai
4. Lomi Lomi
5. Sports
6. Neuromuscular (NMT)
7. Myofascial Release
8. Aromatherapy
9. Lymphatic Drainage
10. Craniosacral
11. Reiki
12. Hot Stone
13. Any modality NOT listed on therapists’ transcripts
D. Insurance Coverage
1. If therapist is sued for malpractice of any modality it will not be covered if
therapist is not specifically trained for that modality
E. Penalties
1. If therapist claims to have training in certain modalities but does not have
the credentials to back up the claim, it is considered fraud and a first
degree misdemeanor.
F. Best Practice
1. As health professionals we are expected to know what we are doing, so
best practice indicates that if you do it, you need to be trained in it.
VII. Stuff No One Wants You to Know
We have been shown what materials are appropriate to have in our businesses when we were in massage school. We have been taught that there is nothing that works as well as our hands. There is the reality, though, that many deep tissue massages will ruin your body. Laundry becomes a mountain, and so does your debt. Plus, we are all tired; every free minute should not be doing laundry and nursing ourselves back to health just in time for more abuse.
Here are some helpful hints to get you by in a pinch. Remember, these are just some ideas. You don’t have to use them, but they may come in handy on one of those hurting, busy weeks.
A. Sheets and Such
1. Printed Sheets
Printed sheets do not show every speck of oil or lotion. They are easier to get and keep clean, thereby saving money on your laundry bill!
2. Flannel Sheets
If you get a medium-heavy printed flannel sheet, not only will it not show lotion stains, but it will keep your clients cool in summer and warm in winter. If you heat your table, the sheets will hold in warmth, allowing you to turn the temperature down. That will save the life of your heating element for your table, plus the sheets feel thick and cozy.
Lotions and Oils
There are certain types of oils and lotions that create more of a mess than they are worth. I find it helpful to have several things available to me so that I have the least amount of work after the client leaves.
1. Oils
Face it; all oils are going to be messy. Oil is very helpful when you are dealing with particularly hairy men; lotions used to promote friction are painful to someone with a lot of hair.
Pick unscented oil; one that is fairly clear if you look at it. These oils are lighter in texture and will not clog up pores. They will also leave less of a mess.
2. Lotions
Lotions can be as messy as oils can be if you get the wrong ones. Biotone® has great products, but some of them are a little more oily than others. FX® has a great lotion that is all-purpose, and it leaves fewer stains to be dealt with after the massage is over.
Again, do yourself a favor and use unscented lotion. It costs less to clean your linens because you don’t have to clean out clients’ cologne smell as well as your lotion/oil smell!
Peeee-uuuuu! It Stinks!
The perfume industry is a billion dollar business; perfume definitely has its place in society. The massage session, however, is not one of them. Everyone has their own personal preferences about what does and does not smell good, not to mention allergies and headaches that can result from certain olfactory sensations. The BIGGEST compliment I have heard over the years is,” Thank you for not smelling like a perfume factory!”
PPP: People, People, Please! Don’t use perfumed-up oils and lotions. It is bad enough that your clients walk in and lay on your fresh linen with enough perfume on to scent an entire high school population. Already you know your laundry bill is going to soar – it may take two washings to get the smell out. Don’t add to the problem. Two wrongs don’t make it right. Use unscented products. It’s just that simple.
B. The Laundry Loads
There is no escaping it; it looms in the dark, waiting to spring out at you when you least expect it. It’s the LAUNDRY! We can use all of the unscented everythings in the world, but unless you have new sheets for every single client, you are going to be in the Laundromat. How you deal with your laundry is up to you, but here are some suggestions:
1. Buy enough sheets so that you always have 1 spare and the other sets make up a full load. 4 – 5 sheet sets are usually good, give or take. If you buy good flannel sheets, they may take up more washer room, but you can add other lighter stuff to it to create a full load.
2. Don’t be fooled into the Laundromat-saving-me-money scheme. It really depends on how much stuff you have, but going to a Laundromat can rack up some serious cost. If you don’t have a whole lot to do, you are better off doing the laundry at your own home.
3. If you want a little scent, use a small amount of fabric softener in the rinse.
4. If your sheets are other than stark white (which I hope they are for your sake), DO NOT use bleach, unless it’s a colorfast bleach. Bleach will not only ruin the pretty patterns in your sheets with giant white blobs, but it will also shorten the life of your sheets. Remember, this stuff kills HIV viruses on contact, so imagine what it does to the fabric and elastic!
C. Oh, My Achin’ Bod!!
It is only a matter of time until you discover that parts on you hurt where you didn’t even know you HAD parts. And, you can’t exactly stop massaging without you going into the poor house. So, what do you do?
There are some tools of the trade out there to help you in your practice without breaking the bank.
1. THUMPER VIBRATOR MINI PRO [1]
http://www.thumpermassager.com/
A lot of power in a little package, The MINI PRO2 is a professional strength massager in a personal, self-use size. Using the same patented Thumper percussive action, the MINI PRO2 was designed for those hard to reach areas like the shoulders and mid-back. Weighing only 3 pounds (1.4 kg), the MINI PRO2 has three electronically regulated power settings for use on both thick and thin muscles. It's perfect for packing and travel
2. THERMOPHORE MOIST HEAT PAD 14” X 27”
Moist Heat Arthritis Pad - Back - http://www.thermophore.com/
14" x 27"
Hands-free switch
On/off function
3. The Acuforce 7.0 - http://www. acuforce.com/
The Acuforce 7.0 is specifically designed to use its own weight (7 lbs.) in applying pressure during your therapy treatments. This saves your thumbs, wrists and elbows from fatigue and injury. The Acuforce 7.0 performs muscle stripping, cross- fiber friction and trigger point therapy. The tool is made with a special skin-like material that works incredibly well with lotions and oils.
4. EARTHLITE DELUXE FLEECE PAD SET
Not only will this give your clients that feeling of soft plush when they lay down, but it is a therapeutic heat treatment throughout the massage session. Combined with flannel sheets, this is luxury feeling at its finest!
· Great value
· Soft one inch thick fleece
· Luxurious pile twice the thickness of standard fleece
· Fitted corners fully wrapped sides
· Snug fit elastic all the way around
· Includes fitted fleece crescent cover
· Machine washable and dryable
· Fits most table brands
D. Protecting Your Table Equipment
If you have your table covered in heaters and fleece underneath your sheets, you will want to protect them. At any given time, the possibility exists that there might be leakage that can soak through the sheets and ruin anything underneath.
Here is a good way to use those towels that are a little frayed around the edges and really can’t be used on clients. Lay the large towel down on top
of the fleece and heater before you put on your sheets. That way you don’t have to worry about bodily fluids all over your nice fleece and heater.
If you want to spend some money, get large under pads. These can be found in the adult incontinence aisle of your favorite store where the Depends and such are kept. Throw these on the table just as you would that towel. These can be thrown away after a few uses. You can decide if you want to spend money on laundry or on pads. Either way, though, it will keep your expensive table equipment nice and fresh at all times.
VIII. Wrapping it All Up
You have been given several suggestions on ways that you can improve your treatments, save money, stay legal and safe and still make money! Even with all of these pesky little laws and rules and requirements never lose sight of the fact that you are helping people feel better. If you mind your P’s and Q’s, and use tools when your body gets to hurting, you should have a long, wonderful practice. So, go out, have fun, an d be the best therapist you can be!
References
1. Tuschman, Richard. (March 10, 2010). Sexual Harrassment. Florida
Employment and Immigration Law Blog. Retrieved from
http://www.flemploymentlawblog.com.
2. U.S. Legal™, Definitions, 2001-2010. Retrieved from
http://definitions.uslegal.
.com.
3. Online Sunshine (2010). 2010 Florida Statutes Chapter 480 Massage
Practice. Retrieved from http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm.
4. Umansky Law Firm (2010). Prostitution in Florida. Retrieved from
http://www.orlandocrimedefense.com/faq-prostitution.html
5. Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy, Massage
Establishment, Retrieved from Government of the State of Florida Dept.
of Health Website: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/4027948/Florida-
Department-of-Health-BOARD-OF-MASSAGE-THERAPY-Massage-
Establishment.
6. Florida State Massage Therapy Association, Professional Liability
Insurance, Retrieved from http://fsmta.org/member-
rewards/professional-liability-insurance/
7. Editorial Staff (January, 2003). Everything You Ever Wanted to Know
About HIPAA: An Interview With Howard Ross, Massage Today, Vol.
3. Issue 01, Retrieved from
http://www.massagetoday.com/archives/2003/01/05.html
8. Massage Modalities (massage technique) used by Massage Therapists
(n.d.), Retrieved from
http://www.sandiegomasseurs.com/massage_modalities_defined.htm
9. My Florida Defense Lawyer, Florida Criminal Procedures, Retreived
from
http://www.myfloridadefenselawyer.com/FlCriminalProcedures.html
10. Kagan, Spencer, Cooperative Learning Terms, Journey to Excellence,
2004 – 2010. Retrieved from
http://www.journeytoexcellence.org/practice/assessment/cooperative/kag
an.phtml
11. Florida Board of Massage Therapy, Continuing Education
Requirements, Retrieved from
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/massage/ma_ceu.html.
12.Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, Direct Instruction, Retrieved from
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_Instruction
13. North Central Regional Educational Library, Guided Practice,
Retrieved from
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/learning/lr1guid.htm.
14. Instructional Strategies Online (n.d.), What is Cooperative Learning?
Retrieved from http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/DE/PD/instr/strats/coop/index.html.
TEST STARTS NOW.
You DO NOT need to print out entire test, just the last page of this
document to send back to us.
Please note that the answers to these questions come directly from the
material presented here. ALL answers are in this course.
Written Assessment for Survival Guide For the LMT
Instructions: All questions on this assessment are taken directly from the course itself. It is pretty straight-forward; if you read the material this assessment will be a piece of cake. Good Luck!
1. “Board” stands for: a. Board of Health b. Board of Massage Therapy c. Board of Natural Health d. Board of Nutrition and Body Work
2. “Massage therapist” refers to:
a. anyone who wants to do massage b. anyone who has a BS degree in any Science field c. person licensed as required by this act, who administers massage
for compensation. d. none of the above
3. If you want to move from one state to another, do not assume that your
_________ will suffice a. state massage license b. NCBTMB certificate c. massage school transcript d. massage school diploma
4. In all states, one must have/be this in order to apply for massage school:
a. a licensed driver b. 18 years or older c. GED or high school diploma d. b and c only
5. It is OK to transfer licenses from one owner to another
TRUE FALSE
6. For this course, the business partner’s name is: a. Pete b. Paul c. Porgy d. Petunia
7. You MAY transfer licenses from:
a. owner to owner b. the old name to the new name c. from one location to another d. you can NEVER transfer licenses e. b and c only
8. Every ________has its own license and fees in the state of Florida: a. massage therapist b. massage establishment c. both a and b d. none of the above
9. You must have a(n) ____________on file with the Board if you own and
establishment. a. diploma b. transcripts c. application d. CE credits
10. A “red flag” behavior is one that:
a. makes the Board take notice in a not-so-nice way b. makes a therapist wonder about the client c. tells the therapist to use more draping d. we never want to talk about
11. One of the following is a “red flag” behavior:
a. being found guilty of any illegal act related to massage b. not answering your phone c. dating other therapists d. being rude to the owner
12. You must include this in all of your advertising:
a. your photo b. a map c. your license number(s) d. a menu of your services
13. “Red flag” behaviors usually result in:
a. losing your license b. big bucks in fines c. being fired d. all of the above
14. This behavior might land you in some legal trouble:
a. calling clients off duty b. telling clients they must only use a credit card for payment c. using the license number of another individual d. using the wrong phone number in your advertising
15. A first time offense in the state of Florida results in: a. first class misdemeanor b. jail time not to exceed one year c. $1,000 fine d. all of the above e. none of the above
16. By law, draping means covering everything except: a. the body part being massaged b. the groin c. the breast tissue d. the head and face
17. No draping means
a. nothing is covered up on the body b. only the face is covered c. everything is exposed except for women’s breasts and all genitals d. only the butt is covered
18. You must get __________from your client to undrape him.
a. permission b. money c. paperwork d. a call
19. ______________will hold up in court.
a. Your bank account b. Your client base c. written and signed paperwork d. none of the above
20. Have signed paperwork _______time on _________client.
a. one, each b. every, every c. some, one d. every, female
21. It is unlawful to own, establish, maintain, or operate any place, structure, building, or conveyance for the purpose of lewdness,
assignation, or prostitution.
True False
22. In Florida, a _____________can be grounds for solicitation of prostitution, whether there was a sexual act involved or not.
a. conversation b. picture c. phone call d. wink
23. If you have been charged with solicitation of prostitution, it is a __________for the first offense.
a. Class D felony b. $1,500 fine c. 2nd degree misdemeanor d. 1st degree misdemeanor
24. Penalties for prostitution and breaking the law are the same.
True False
25. Florida does NOT require its massage therapists to have insurance
True False
26. If you own a massage establishment, you must maintain this type of insurance:
a. accident b. medical malpractice c. property damage d. death
27. This type of insurance usually covers more and is dependent upon the event:
a. bodily injury b. accidental death c. per-occurrence d. medical malpractice
28. If you work for someone, they may ask you to add their business to your insurance as:
a. secondary insured b. spouse in-absentia c. dependent d. co-dependent
29. Upon admitting a new client, you MUST ask them if they would like a copy of their:
a. X-Rays b. HIPAA Laws c. intake paperwork d. SOAP notes
30. The acronym “HIPAA” stands for: a. Healthy Infants Physicians All American b. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act c. Humanitarian Insurance Portables and Allegiance Act d. Holistic Insurance Providers American Act
31. Clients’ rights under HIPAA states that they are allowed to _________and _______a copy of their records.
a. see, feel b. separate, throw away c. see, receive d. send, receive
32. Under HIPAA Law, the client has a right to a ________practice notice from the therapist providing the care.
a. privacy b. intermittent c. medical d. temporary
33. Under HIPAA Law, the penalty for violating the privacy standard is: a. $10,000 per incident b. a written reprimand c. $25,000 per incident d. $5,000
34. An LMT must use a(n) ______________form that is signed by the client any time information is given out for purposes other than billing.
a. consent b. initial c. doctor permission d. authorization
35. A good thing to include on your client intake form is: a. pre-existing conditions b. Client Name c. draping policy d. all of the above e. a and b only
36. Client paperwork and records must be kept for a minimum of _____-years.
a. 3 b. 4 c. 5 d. 6
37. You have to have a ____________in a modality in order to legally practice that modality.
a. signature b. certification c. knowledge d. recognition
38. If a therapist is sued for a modality in which she is not trained and certified for, insurance may not cover it
True False
39. It is helpful to get __________sheets. a. folded b. white c. printed d. paper
40. Although oil is messy, it is a good idea to have some on hand to make massaging ___________much easier.
a. heads b. hands c. hairy men/people d. feet
41. Although it has its place, _______does not belong in massage. a. heavy perfume b. dry towelettes c. hard ice packs d. slippery sandals
42. Buy enough sheets so that you always have extra. ____ to _______ sets is a good number.
a. 3 to 4 b. 4 to 5 c. 1 to 2 d. 15 to 20
43. If you want your linens to have a light scent, put _________in the laundry
a. perfume b. hair spray c. massage oil d. fabric softener
44. One of the tools to help you in your massage is a. a belt b. the Thumper Mini-Pro c. Thick bolsters d. none of the above
45. The AcuForce 7.0 is good for muscle-stripping, cross fiber friction and ______ _______ _______.
a. hurting your client b. pumping up muscles c. trigger point therapy d. Lymphatic Drainage strokes
46. If you want to protect your sheets, a good thing to get are: a. plastic coverings b. under pads c. a frayed bath towel d. b and c e. all of the above
ANSWER SHEET IS ON THE NEXT PAGE
TEST ANSWER SHEET
(Survival Guide for Massage Therapists 12 hours) 12 CE Hours
First Name _________________________ Last Name _________________________
Phone ( )_________-_____________
Address ____________________________________________________________
City ___________________________ State________________________________
Email ______________________________________________________________
State of Licensure: _________________ License Number ____________________
NCBTMB # (if applicable) _____________________________________________
DIRECTIONS: 1. PRINT all information. Write your name, address, phone, and license numbers on the blanks provided above.
2. Bubble or Fill in the correct answer on this answer sheet
3. Sign this answer sheet in the space provided below, then follow these directions:
a. Print out this sheet after completion with signature
b. Scan the document and e-mail it to: [email protected] (Subject: Credit Sheets)
c. Fax the signed document to: 813-464-7645, OR
d. Send this completed sheet to: My CE National, 10936 N. 56th Street Suite 201, Tampa, FL 33617
1. (A) (B) (C) (D) 14. (A) (B) (C) (D) 27. (A) (B) (C) (D) 40. (A) (B) (C) (D)
2. (A) (B) (C) (D) 15. (A)(B)(C)(D)(E) 28. (A) (B) (C) (D) 41. (A) (B) (C) (D)
3. (A) (B) (C) (D) 16. (A) (B) (C) (D) 29. (A) (B) (C) (D) 42. (A) (B) (C) (D)
4. (A) (B) (C) (D) 17. (A) (B) (C) (D) 30. (A) (B) (C) (D) 43. (A) (B) (C) (D)
5. ( )True ( )False 18. (A) (B) (C) (D) 31. (A) (B) (C) (D) 44. (A) (B) (C) (D)
6. (A) (B) (C) (D) 19. (A) (B) (C) (D) 32. (A) (B) (C) (D) 45. (A) (B) (C) (D)
7. (A)(B)(C)(D)(E) 20. (A) (B) (C) (D) 33. (A) (B) (C) (D) 46. (A)(B)(C)(D)(E)
8. (A) (B) (C) (D) 21. ( )True ( )False 34. (A) (B) (C) (D)
9. (A) (B) (C) (D) 22. (A) (B) (C) (D) 35. (A)(B)(C)(D)(E)
10.(A) (B) (C) (D) 23. (A) (B) (C) (D) 36. (A) (B) (C) (D)
11.(A) (B) (C) (D) 24. ( )True ( )False 37. (A) (B) (C) (D)
12.(A) (B) (C) (D) 25. ( )True ( )False 38. ( )True ( )False
13.(A) (B) (C) (D) 26. (A) (B) (C) (D) 39. (A) (B) (C) (D)
COURSE EVALUATION
We welcome any suggestions that you may have so that we may continue to provide you with the most comprehensive
learning experiences with the least amount of hassle. Please take a moment to evaluate this course by circling your
responses below.
(5) Excellent , (4) Very Good , (3) Good , (2) Fair , (1) Poor
Easy to read and understand _______ Would you recommend this course to others? ______YES _________NO
Content ______________ Are there any other topics that you are interested in studying further? _____
Terminology ______________ ________________________________________________________
Clear Instructions ____________ Corrections or Suggestions_______________________________________
Overall Quality ______________ ________________________________________________________
Signature______________________________________________________Date_____________________________
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