201 KAR 42:010. Goals for massage therapy

sessions.

 

      RELATES TO: KRS 309.350(7),, 309.355(3)

      STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 309.355(3)

      NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS

309.355(3) requires the board to promulgate administrative regulations setting

standards of practice. This administrative regulation establishes the goals of

massage therapy and possible means of achieving these goals.

 

      Section 1. (1) Goals for massage therapy shall

include:

      (a) Maintaining health;

      (b) Providing relaxation;

      (c) Preserving or increasing functional

capacity;

      (d) Diminishing soft-tissue pain arising

from stress, anxiety, adhesions, and overuses; and

      (e) Providing treatment that is

professionally appropriate for the client.

      (2) In order to reach these objectives,

the massage therapist shall:

      (a) Provide consultation with a client or

a referring professional on soft-tissue issues;

      (b) Evaluate clients for the appropriate

approaches for each session;

      (c) Plan sessions;

      (d) Provide direct treatment; and

      (e) Provide draping and treatment in a

way that ensures the safety, comfort, and privacy of the client.

      (3) With client permission, the massage

therapist may interact with the client’s physician or other healthcare

providers if the client is under direct medical care.

 

      Section 2. Client Management. (1) The

massage therapist shall:

      (a) Evaluate each client through:

      1. Intake interviews;

      2. Observation;

      3. Palpation; and

      4. Relevant records provided by the

client;

      (b) Plan and implement a treatment

session or program individualized for the client; and

      (c) Refer to a licensed healthcare

provider any client whose condition is determined by the massage therapist to

be beyond the therapist’s scope of practice.

      (2) If the basis for a massage

appointment is a referral from a healthcare provider, the massage therapist may

confer with the referring healthcare provider after obtaining the client’s

permission.

      (3) If the client is self-referred and

under the care of a doctor, the massage therapist may seek permission to:

      (a) Advise the doctor that the patient is

seeking massage treatment;

      (b) Provide to the doctor the massage

therapist’s evaluation results;

      (c) Advise the doctor of the noted

treatment plan; and

      (d) Provide a follow-up report upon

completion of the massage treatment plan to enhance communication between the

multidisciplinary care-giving team. (32 Ky.R. 1015; 1226; eff. 2-3-2006; 37

Ky.R. Am. 1009; 1695; 1989; eff. 3-4-2011.)