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September 29, 2004

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I have an arrangement with an insurance company as a provider of massage services to their clients. The arrangement I have with this company is to give their clients a small discount on my services--no files to claim, and relatively little paperwork to deal with.

Annually, I have to update my status with the insurance company, proving that I have current licensure and liability insurance. In the event that I move my office, an inspector is sent to the premises to check for things like clearly marked exits, functioning fire safety equipment, a hand-washing station, clean linen storage and proper paperwork procedures.

I usually have most things in order, though one of our fire extinguishers needs recharging. What I do not have is a clearly stated confidentiality agreement. I mistook it's requirement for a physician release form which allows me to transfer my notes to a physician with the written permission of the client.

This brings up issues surrounding ethics and self-accountability, which was touched upon in a 2003 article by Ben E. Benjamin. Self-accountability is the cornerstone of ethics: It is who you are and what you do when no one is watching. In other words, if we are dishonest in our personal life, we are likely to be dishonest in our business affairs. Likewise, if we cannot keep the secret of a friend, our client's confidentiality is also at risk.

A confidentiality statement will now be included on my intake form stating: All information on this form and during massage sessions will be deemed confidential unless there is written permission to share information with other qualified professionals.

Posted by linda at September 29, 2004 10:12 AM