Below are answers to frequently asked questions received by CMTO’s Practice Specialists about effectively navigating the holiday season with your clients.

A client paid for a treatment with a gift certificate, should I provide a receipt?

Yes. However, when the gift certificate is redeemed, a receipt for the dollar amount of the gift certificate cannot be issued. If the recipient wishes to receive a receipt, it must read “gift certificate redeemed” with no dollar amount provided. Please see the requirement 13 under Standard of Practice: Fees and Billing for more information.

Should I accept or give gifts to clients over the holidays?

Exchanging gifts with a client can challenge the boundaries of the professional relationship and raise concerns related to conflicts of interest. In some circumstances, accepting gifts could be considered as engaging in financial abuse of a client. For example, if a client felt that giving a gift of significant value was expected and/or encouraged. As such, Registered Massage Therapists/Massage Therapists should not give or receive gifts from their clients.

Can I advertise a promotion with discounted prices for the holiday season?

If advertisements meet the requirements of the Advertising Regulations under the Massage Therapy Act, 1991, then RMTs/MTs may advertise holiday specials. For example, advertisements must be respectful of clients’ choices and must not include undue pressure or the promotion of unnecessary services to clients.

It is important to ensure any holiday promotions are respectful and client-centred.

If you have further questions, please contact the Practice Specialist at practicespecialist@cmto.com or by phone 416-489-2626/1-800-465-1933, and press 5.