The Standard of Practice: Collecting Personal Health Information (PHI) from Clients ensures Registered Massage Therapists/Massage Therapists (RMTs/MTs) only collect PHI necessary to provide safe, effective Massage Therapy care. Massage Therapy is a clinical treatment, and this standard protects and empowers you by requiring RMTs/MTs to only ask questions that are relevant to Massage Therapy care, provide reasons for questions asked, and to not ask questions that may discriminate against you. An RMT/MT needs to understand your health to treat you safely, so they will ask questions before starting treatment and may request updates during future visits.

When visiting an RMT/MT, here is what you can expect:

What an RMT/MT Will Ask:

• Basic Details: Name, age, contact details, emergency contact, allergies, and physician/referring practitioner (if applicable);
• Care Needs: Language preferences, mobility needs, and reason(s) for seeking care; and
• Health Updates: Changes to any health or treatment history since your last visit.

What an RMT/MT Will Not Ask:

• Unnecessary Personal Details: Personal life and relationships; or Health conditions that do not affect Massage Therapy treatment.

What an RMT/MT May Ask if it’s Relevant to Your Treatment:

• Pain or Injuries: Recent strains, sensitive areas, or discomfort;
• Medications: Blood thinners, pain relievers, or substances affecting sensation; and Other PHI: Pregnancy, aging, or conditions impacting safe treatments (e.g., heart conditions).

This is not a complete list – an RMT/MT will only ask you to share what is needed to provide care safely.

An RMT/MT will:

• Clearly Explain: the reasons why an RMT/MT needs different types of information and answer your questions;
• Tailor their Approach: Use sensitive, nonjudgmental approaches to collecting information and offer multiple options for collecting information when needed (verbal, written or electronic); and
• Respect Your Choices: including your right to not share certain types of information that are uncomfortable and explain options for safe treatment using information you are willing to share.

Open communication works best when sharing personal health information with your RMT/MT.