21 NCAC 30 .0624             STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

(a)  The following standards of professional conduct shall apply to instructional staff, key administrative staff and students, and shall apply to all school facilities as well as any other location where staff or students are demonstrating or delivering therapeutic treatments as a part of course requirements:

(1)           Conduct shall be in accordance with Standards of Conduct set forth in Section .0500 of this Chapter.

(2)           Nudity is not permitted where massage and bodywork therapy is taught or practiced.  For the purpose of this Section, "nudity" is defined as exposure of the genital or anal area for men or women, or exposure of the breast area for women.  The only exception shall be for treatment to the breast area while utilizing therapeutic techniques.

(3)           The school shall provide a private area where persons receiving therapeutic treatments may dress or undress, whether for in-class practice or treatments performed in a student clinic.  As an alternative, the school may provide instruction to persons receiving therapeutic treatments in the procedure of undressing while on the treatment table under a full sheet covering.

(b)  Members of the instructional staff or key administrative staff of the massage and bodywork therapy school or program shall not engage in sexual activity, as defined in Rule .0508 and prohibited by Rule .0509 of this Chapter, with students, whether consensual or otherwise.  The only exception to this is a personal relationship between a staff member and prospective student that exists before the student applies for enrollment in the school.  In such case, the relationship shall be documented in writing and placed in the student's file.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-626(9); 90-631;

Eff. October 1, 2007;

Amended Eff. September 1, 2011;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. November 12, 2014.