Core Documents

This Code of Ethics is a summary statement of the standards of conduct that define ethical behavior for the massage therapist. Adherence to the Code is a prerequisite for admission to and continued membership in the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).

Principles of Ethics

The Principles of Ethics form the first part of the Code of Ethics. They are aspirational and inspirational model standards of exemplary professional conduct for all members of the association. These Principles should not be regarded as limitations or restrictions, but as goals for which members should constantly strive.

Massage therapists/practitioners shall:

1. Demonstrate commitment to provide the highest quality massage therapy/bodywork to those who seek their professional service.
2. Acknowledge the inherent worth and individuality of each person by not discriminating or behaving in any prejudicial manner with clients and/or colleagues.
3. Demonstrate professional excellence through regular self-assessment of strengths, limitations and effectiveness by continued education and training.
4. Acknowledge the confidential nature of the professional relationship with clients and respect each client’s right to privacy within the constraints of the law.
5. Project a professional image and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
6. Accept responsibility to do no harm to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of self, clients and associates.

Rules of Ethics

The Rules of Ethics are mandatory and direct specific standards of minimally acceptable professional conduct for all members of the association. The Rules of Ethics are enforceable for all association members, and any members who violate this Code shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Massage therapists/practitioners shall:

1. Conduct all business and professional activities within their scope of practice and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

2. Refrain from engaging in any sexual conduct or sexual activities involving their clients in the course of a massage therapy session.

3. Be truthful in advertising and marketing, and refrain from misrepresenting his or her services, charges for services, credentials, training, experience, ability or results.

4. Refrain from using AMTA membership, including the AMTA name, logo or other intellectual property, or the member’s position, in any way that is unauthorized, improper or misleading.

5. Refrain from engaging in any activity which would violate confidentiality commitments and/or proprietary rights of AMTA or any other person or organization.

Effective Date May 1, 2010

This code of ethics for school members is a summary statement by which a massage education institution agrees to conduct itself and is a declaration of the general principles of acceptable, ethical, professional behavior.

School members shall:

1. Behave with integrity, honesty, and competence in all professional relationships with other schools, faculty, staff, students, society and the massage therapy profession.

2. Honestly represent the school and programs in all forms of communication.

3. Educate students to represent themselves honestly and to provide only those services for which they are qualified to provide.

4. Provide a positive focused learning environment that addresses a variety of learning styles and includes a physical space conducive to learning, including but not limited to appropriate lighting, heat/air, cleanliness, and equipment. 

5. Conduct the program/school in a manner which respects and teaches the students boundaries and privacy on all levels, including appropriate draping, physical privacy and matters of confidentiality.  Any sexual misconduct will be considered a violation of this code of ethics.

6. Uphold principles and standards which value the dignity and worth of all persons regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender, general disability and/or health status.

You must be a member to view the Policy on Member Discipline.

If you have a complaint against an AMTA member, you may submit a signed complaint in writing to Executive Director, AMTA, 500 Davis Street, Suite 900, Evanston, Illinois 60201. Include a description of the alleged violation as well as specific references to the activities or conduct supporting the complaint. Complaints may not be based on hearsay evidence.