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, professional behavior. for the massage therapists graduated from  American Post-Ops Academy.

In the United States, any massage therapist who practices outside their scope of practice is jeopardizing the health of their patients, misleading the public with false practice and education is risking of losing their licenses, increasing their liability, and facing lawsuits.

As our post-graduate student, to protect the public, the patients and the reputation of our profession,  please be advised that we are obliged to report any illegal activity to the individual state board of massage therapy and national board of massage therapy (NCBTMB) for disciplinary action if someone has filed a complaint against you acting out of your scope of practice,  practicing unethical and illegal manual techniques and intentionally distributing false information.

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

  • I am a massage therapist. I will provide only those services I am qualified to perform. I will practice within the scope of practice that is defined by the state where I practice. I agree to comply with the massage scope of practice mandated by my city, state, county, and country, and honor all relevant massage codes and rules of conduct of my local massage governing agencies, Academy of American Post Ops, as well as The NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
  • I will represent my credentials & qualifications honestly including education, certifications and professional affiliations. I will always accurately inform patients, health care professionals and the public of the scope and limitations of my discipline.
  • I manifest willingness to prioritize the safety of patients with post-surgical pain and physiological discomforts. I will not perform all these following techniques and will not promote any of these following techniques: Incisional Drainage (ID), Reopening Incision , Express Lymphatic Drainage (ELD), Suture/ and 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 Manually Lymphatic Drainage 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 all levels.
  • With the purpose of assisting patients with reduction of 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 and will acknowledge the limitations of and contradictions for massage therapy.
  • I will carefully evaluate and assess the needs of each individual patient and refer the patient to another healthcare or massage therapy provider if the patient requires assistance beyond my scope of practice. I will acknowledge the contraindications and limitations for massage therapy and refer patients out to other health-care 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 process for each patient and perform assessments to rule out contraindications and/or to create the most suitable therapeutic session.
  • I will always serve my patients with the best interest 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 set fair fees and run my practice with honesty.
  • 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 not refuse service and/or work with patients/health care professionals and colleagues based on disability, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, physical build, or sexual orientation; religious, national, or political affiliation; or social or economic status.
  • 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 absolutely 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 exercise my right to refuse to treat any person or part of the body for just and reasonable cause.
  • I will respect the patient’s autonomy by providing draping and treatment in a way that ensures the safety, comfort and privacy of the patient. For each session I will provide a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for sessions.
  • I will not, in any circumstance, initiate or 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 can lose my massage credentials and get my licenses as a massage therapist revoked, face lawsuits for personal damages, criminal charges, fines, attorney’s fees, court costs and possible prison time.
  • I will refuse any gifts or benefits that are intended to influence a referral, decision or treatment or those that are purely for personal gain, and I will avoid any interest, activity or influence which may conflict with my obligation as a massage therapist to act in the best interest of my patient or the profession.
  • I will demonstrate my professionalism by providing only correct information and honest communication with others. I will not disrespect patients, other healthcare providers and colleagues. I will not practice defamation against others. I will represent myself with professional images, respectful behaviors and proper personal appearances.
  • I will refrain from practicing under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any illegal substances, with the exception of a prescribed dosage of prescription medication which does not impair my ability to practice safely.
  • I will refrain from using Academy of American Post-Ops membership, including the name, logo or other intellectual property, or the member’s position, in any way that is unauthorized, improper or misleading.
  • I will refrain from engaging in any activity which would violate confidentiality commitments and/or proprietary rights of Academy of American Post-Ops or any other person or organizations.
  • I understand that I am solely responsible for how to 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 rules that govern my profession within my state.
  • I understand that American Post-Ops Academy will revoke/suspend my certificate/membership shall I engage into any impropriate activities that bring harm to the sociate and violated this code of ethics.