population and key stakeholders of the NCBTMB. Preamble These Approved Provider Standards of Practice for the profession of therapeutic massage and bodywork are the guiding principles by which Approved Providers and applicants for Approved Provider status conduct their day-to-day responsibilities within their scope of practice. These principles help to assure that all professional behaviors are conducted in the most ethical, compassionate, and responsible manner. Through these Approved Provider Standards of Practice, NCBTMB seeks to establish and uphold high standards, traditions, and principles of the practices that constitute the profession of therapeutic massage and bodywork and continuing education. The Standards are enforceable guidelines for professional conduct, and therefore, are stated in observable and measurable terms intended as minimum levels of practice to which Approved Providers and applicants for Approved Provider status are held accountable. Upon submission of the application to become an Approved Provider, each applicant for Approved Provider status must agree to uphold and abide by the NCBTMB Approved Provider Code of Ethics, Approved Provider Standards of Practice and applicable policies. Approved Providers or applicants for Approved Provider status failure to comply with the Approved Provider Code of Ethics and the Approved Provider Standards of Practice as provided herein constitutes professional misconduct and may result in sanctions, or other 15 appropriate disciplinary actions, including the suspension or revocation of Approved Provider status. NCBTMB certificants, Approved Providers and applicants for Approved Provider status are obligated to report unethical behavior and violations of the Approved Provider Code of Ethics and/or the Approved Provider Standards of Practice they reasonably and in good faith believe have been performed by other NCBTMB Approved Providers and applicants for Approved Provider status to NCBTMB. These Approved Provider Standards of Practice reflect NCBTMB’s clear commitment that Approved Providers and applicants for Approved Provider status provide an optimal level of service and strive for excellence in their businesses. This includes remaining in good standing with NCBTMB, committing to continued personal and professional growth through continuing education, and understanding and accepting that personal and professional actions reflect on the integrity of the therapeutic massage and bodywork profession and NCBTMB. Approved Providers and applicants for Approved Provider status are responsible for showing and maintaining professional compliance with the Approved Provider Standards of Practice. NCBTMB requires Approved Providers and applicants for Approved Provider status to conduct themselves in a highly professional and dignified manner. NCBTMB will not consider and/or adjudicate complaints against Approved Providers and applicants for Approved Provider status that are based solely on consumer related issues or are based on competitive marketplace issues. As the therapeutic massage and bodywork profession evolves, so, too, will the Approved Provider Standards of Practice. The Approved Provider Standards of Practice are, therefore, a live and dynamic document and subject to revision in keeping with the changing demands and expectations of the therapeutic massage and bodywork profession. Standards of Practice Standard I: Professionalism The Approved Provider or applicant for Approved Provider status must provide optimal levels of professional therapeutic massage and bodywork continuing education and demonstrate expert knowledge in specific modalities taught by seeking continuous education of each subject taught. Massage therapy and bodywork modalities must always be within the massage therapist’s/bodyworker’s scope of practice and taught ethically and non-judgmentally to other professionals in the field. In his/her professional role the Approved Provider or applicant for Approved Provider status shall: a. adhere to the NCBTMB Approved Provider Code of Ethics, Approved Provider Standards of Practice, policies and procedures b. comply with the peer review process conducted by the NCBTMB Approved Provider Committee regarding any alleged violations of the NCBTMB Approved Provider Standards of Practice c. comply with the peer review process conducted by the NCBTMB Ethics & 16 Standards Committee regarding any alleged violations of the NCBTMB Approved Provider Code of Ethics d. treat each student with respect, dignity and worth e. use professional verbal, nonverbal and written communications f. provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for the student and which, at a minimum, meets all legal requirements for health and safety g. use standard precautions to insure professional hygienic practices and maintain a level of personal hygiene appropriate for continuing education providers in the therapeutic setting h. wear clothing that is clean, modest, and professional i. obtain voluntary and informed consent from students prior to initiating the lab/clinical portions of the class j. if applicable, conduct an accurate needs assessment, develop a curriculum, and update the curriculum as needed k. require that students use