American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Practice Test

Before referring a client to another health care provider, what must a massage therapist do first?

1. Send all relevant health information to the provider

2. Obtain informed consent from the client

3. Attempt one month of treatment with the client

4. Attempt all possible massage treatments

The correct answer is: Obtain informed consent from the client

Obtaining informed consent from the client is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in the field of healthcare, including massage therapy. Before making a referral to another health care provider, it is essential for the massage therapist to ensure that the client is fully aware of the reasons for the referral and agrees to it. This consent process helps to build trust between the therapist and the client and ensures that the client's autonomy is respected in their healthcare decisions. Without informed consent, the client may feel uncomfortable or hesitant about the referral, which can lead to misunderstandings or a lack of cooperation with the subsequent healthcare provider. Furthermore, informed consent involves providing the client with all pertinent information about potential benefits and risks associated with the referral, empowering them to make educated decisions about their health care. While it is important for a therapist to have a comprehensive understanding of the client’s health information and to have attempted appropriate treatment options, these steps should only be taken after ensuring the client has provided informed consent regarding any referral to another provider.