Blog

💡 What This Means for You As a client of massage therapy, your privacy, dignity, and autonomy are at the core of how we collect and use your Personal Health Information (PHI). The CMTO has introduced a new standard of practice that ensures your information is gathered and used only as needed for safe, effective, and ethical care.

🛡️ Your Rights as a Client • You will only be asked for information that is directly relevant to your massage therapy care. • You have the right to give, withhold, or withdraw consent to how your PHI is collected, used, or disclosed. • You are protected from being asked for unnecessary, overly personal, or potentially harmful information.

✅ What Information We May Collect To provide you with the best possible care, your therapist may ask for: • Your name, contact info, emergency contact • Date of birth, preferred language, accessibility/mobility needs • Name/address of your family doctor or referring practitioner (if applicable) • History of massage therapy care and updates since your last visit • The reason you’re seeking massage therapy • Allergies • Information related to an acute health issue that may require first aid or referral

⚠️ What We Will Not Ask We will not ask for: • Personal details unrelated to your care (e.g., relationship status, family planning unless relevant to treatment) • Health conditions already addressed through routine infection-control practices (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis C)

🤝 Our Commitment to You Your RMT will use professional judgment and a client-centred approach by: 1. Explaining why information is being collected and how it will be used 2. Offering options for how you share your PHI – verbally, in writing, electronically, or a combination 3. Ensuring a respectful, inclusive environment free from discrimination or stigma 4. Asking clarifying questions only when necessary for your treatment 5. Tailoring treatment to your individual needs, preferences, and health conditions

🧠 Examples of Optional Information You May Choose to Share Depending on your health needs, we may discuss: • Current medications (e.g., anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, blood thinners, inhalers) • Past or present injuries, surgeries, or medical treatments • Conditions that affect how your body responds to treatment (e.g., inflammation, pain, sensitivity) • Life stages that affect care (e.g., pregnancy, adolescence, aging) • Gender identity and preferred pronouns – only if you wish to share • Physical symptoms associated with mental health – only if relevant to your physical care ⸻ 📚 Legislation Supporting This Practice This practice follows: • Massage Therapy Act, 1991 • Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), 2004 • General Regulation, Part III – Records

🔍 Our Professional Standards This policy aligns with CMTO’s core competencies, ensuring we: • Act with integrity and respect • Practice in a client-centred, inclusive, and evidence-informed manner • Maintain comprehensive and legally compliant records • Keep up-to-date with current professional standards ⸻ If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy or this policy, please don’t hesitate to ask. Your comfort and safety are always our priority.

Warm regards, Melissa Madsen, RMT

East Mountain Massage

www.eastmountainmassage.ca | info@eastmountainmassage.ca