Prevention of Medical Errors
(2 CE Hours)

Medical errors are a serious, and unfortunately common, occurrence in the health care industry. This course covers medical errors that occur not only in a medical setting, but in a massage clinic or spa. In Prevention of Medical Errors, we discuss measures you can take to protect your clients, your business, and yourself. This course satisfies the medical errors in massage therapy continuing education requirement for the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.

A couple things you can expect to learn from this course

The Basic Scope of Practice for Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is manipulation of soft tissue through the systematic external application of massage techniques including touch, stroking, friction, vibration, percussion, kneading, stretching, compression, and passive joint movements within the normal physiologic range of motion. The goal of soft tissue manipulation is to increase circulation, restore range of motion, and improve muscle tone.

1. Stick to Massage Therapy:

Even though our scope and goals are similar to other health and wellness professions, it is important to remember not to provide the following without proper training and a dual license in the area.
• Facial or Esthetician Services
• Physical Therapy Services
• Chiropractic Manipulations or Adjustments

2. Do not diagnose:

Do not diagnose or label conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or moles you may deem as non-cancerous. Always refer a client to their physician for a proper diagnosis.

3. Do not prescribe:

This includes vitamins, OTC medications, pain relievers, herbal supplements, or essential oils.
• Do not tell clients to stop taking medications.
• Do not tell clients how much to take of any medications or supplements; let them read the directions.

Work within your scope of practice

Scope of practice differs from city to city and state to state. Many have varying regulations on colonic irrigation, spa therapies, or animal massage. Make sure you work within your legal limits. Many massage professionals may not use the term “facial massage” because is may imply esthetic services.

When in doubt, refer out

There are wonderful health care providers out there who are trained to assess the needs of you clients and deal with conditions. Keep a list of practitioners in your office to give to you clients if needed. Developing good relationships with other health care providers will benefit your clients and your practice.
• Physician
• Acupuncturist
• Chiropractor
• Dermatologist
• Physical Therapist

This course is available as a downloadable eBook with online exam. A certificate will be available to print immediately after completion of the course and exam. Click Here for more information on the online process.