Code of Ethics

This Professional Code of Ethics is a summary statement of the standards of conduct that define the general principles of acceptable, ethical and professional behavior for the massage therapists graduating from American Post-Ops Academy.

As our post-graduate student, please be advised that we are obligated to report any illegal activity to the individual state board of massage therapy, national board of massage therapy (NCBTMB), and health care agencies for disciplinary action if someone has filed a complaint against you.

As our post-graduate student, you are obligated to uphold American Post-Ops Academy’s Code of Ethics as follows:

• I am a massage therapist. I will provide only those services I am qualified to perform. I will practice within my scope of practice as defined by the state, city, county, and country where I practice.
• I will represent my credentials & qualifications honestly including education, certifications and professional affiliations.
• I will not perform or promote any of all these following techniques: Incisional Drainage (ID), Express Lymphatic Drainage (ELD), reopening Incisions, suturing wounds or removing of sutures, drain removal, seroma drainage/needle aspiration, flushing the drains (with air or saline solution) and advanced wound care.
• I am a massage therapist who holds training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and training in Pre & Post-Surgical Recovery Massage Therapy for Liposuction and Plastic Surgery Patients. I understand that I do not hold any right to treat Lymphedema Patients. I am not qualified to provide any therapeutic services related to Lymphedema and patients who suffer from this “specific condition” at any level.
• With the purpose of assisting patients with reducing bruising and swelling, I understand that my training and knowledge of “compression therapy and foam application” can only be used for Plastic Surgery Patients. Without any additional training and certification of CLT, I understand that this education does not allow me to provide any compression services for Lymphedema patients.
• I will provide treatment only where there is a reasonable expectation that it will be advantageous to the patients.
• I will carefully evaluate and assess the needs of each individual patient and refer the patient to another healthcare professionals when indicated.
• It is my responsibility for building, maintaining and providing an effective, healthy, and safe therapeutic protocol for my patients. I will always conduct a thorough health and medical history intake for each patient to rule out contraindications and create the most suitable therapeutic session.
• I will act in the best interests of my patients and provide them with the highest quality of post-surgical recovery massage and bodywork service possible.
• I will follow good business practices regarding record keeping, compliance with code of ethics, regulation, and law.
• I will not discriminate against others. I will demonstrate compassion, kindness, understanding and respect for patients, health care professionals and colleagues. I will seek to decrease discrimination, misunderstandings, and prejudice.
• I will abide by the Federal guidelines of the Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act (HIPPA). I will safeguard the confidentiality of all client information, unless disclosure is required by law, court order, or necessary for the protection of the public.
• I will respect the patient’s right to refuse, modify or terminate treatment at will regardless of prior consent given.
• I will respect the patient’s modesty by providing draping and treatment in a way that ensures the safety, comfort and privacy of the patient.
• I will not engage in sexual conduct, activities, or sexualizing behavior involving a patient, even if the patient attempts to sexualize the relationship. I understand that sexual impropriety may lead to sexual harassment charges.
• I will refrain from practicing under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any illegal substances.
• I will refrain from using Academy of American Post-Ops membership, including the name, logo or other intellectual property in any way that is unauthorized, improper or misleading.
• I understand that I am solely responsible for how I run my practice. I understand that I may or may not be able to apply some/all methods and techniques that I have learned at Academy of American Post-Ops in my state. It is my duty to know the rules that govern my profession within my state.
• I understand that American Post-Ops Academy will revoke my certificate and membership shall I engage in any inappropriate activities that bring harm to society and violate this code of ethics.