American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Practice Test

A massage therapist must obtain the client's consent for all of the following except:

1. Deciding which form of written or electronic documentation to use

2. For specific types of massages or draping alterations

3. Acknowledgement of financial considerations

4. Releasing the client's medical records to another party

The correct answer is: Deciding which form of written or electronic documentation to use

Obtaining a client's consent is a fundamental aspect of ethical practice in massage therapy. In the context of this question, the correct choice pertains to situations where formal consent is not typically required. When it comes to deciding on the method of written or electronic documentation to use, this is generally an internal administrative decision made by the massage therapist or their practice. While therapists must manage client information responsibly and align with privacy regulations, the specific choice of documentation format does not necessitate direct consent from the client. This is because clients expect therapists to handle their records in a professional and secure manner according to prevailing standards in the profession. In contrast, obtaining consent is crucial for specific types of massages or modifications to draping, as this directly impacts the client's comfort level and personal boundaries. Furthermore, clients must acknowledge financial considerations before services are rendered, as transparent communication about costs is vital for informed decision-making. Lastly, releasing a client's medical records to another party requires explicit consent to protect personal health information and comply with legal regulations such as HIPAA.