Raising Professional Standards in Australian Massage Therapy
AMSA Professional Standards

Clear standards for a stronger profession

AMSA professional standards provide a clear framework for ethical, safe and responsible massage practice. They are designed to support practitioners, protect clients and strengthen public confidence in Australia's massage industry.

Standards Framework

What AMSA standards are designed to promote

The framework establishes professional expectations that members can apply across clinical practice, client care and business operations.

Safe and responsible practice Clear expectations for client wellbeing, hygiene, consent and appropriate professional conduct.
Ethical client relationships Respectful communication, confidentiality, professional boundaries and informed decision-making.
Ongoing professional development Continued education, reflective practice and commitment to maintaining professional competence.
Professional accountability Transparent practice, accurate records and responsible participation in complaints and review processes.
Important: AMSA is an independent voluntary professional association. Its standards support professional membership and credentialing but do not replace Australian laws, regulations or statutory registration requirements.
Professional Practice Framework

The eight core professional standards

These standards establish the professional expectations that guide AMSA members in delivering safe, respectful, ethical and responsible massage services.

01

Professional Conduct

Members must act honestly, respectfully and responsibly in all professional dealings.

  • Maintain professional behaviour
  • Avoid misleading claims
  • Communicate respectfully
02

Client Safety and Wellbeing

Client wellbeing must remain central to every assessment, treatment and professional decision.

  • Prioritise client safety
  • Recognise contraindications
  • Refer when appropriate
03

Consent and Communication

Clients must receive clear information and provide informed consent before treatment begins.

  • Explain treatment clearly
  • Respect client decisions
  • Confirm ongoing consent
04

Professional Boundaries

Appropriate physical, emotional and professional boundaries must be maintained at all times.

  • Protect client dignity
  • Use appropriate draping
  • Avoid conflicts of interest
05

Privacy and Confidentiality

Personal and health information must be handled securely and only used for legitimate professional purposes.

  • Protect client information
  • Maintain secure records
  • Respect confidentiality
06

Competence and Scope

Members must work within their education, competence and lawful scope of practice.

  • Practise within competence
  • Maintain current knowledge
  • Seek supervision when needed
07

Hygiene and Practice Environment

Treatment environments must be clean, safe, professional and suitable for client care.

  • Maintain infection control
  • Use clean equipment
  • Provide a safe environment
08

Records and Accountability

Accurate records and transparent professional processes support safe care and public confidence.

  • Keep accurate client records
  • Cooperate with complaints reviews
  • Accept professional accountability

Professional standards work together with the AMSA Code of Ethics

The Standards explain what is expected in practice, while the Code of Ethics sets out the values and principles that guide professional decision-making.

Read the Code of Ethics