Author: Selena Belisle, Owner/Instructor, CE Institute LLC, Miami FL
Every client must be able to provide informed consent for each service they request or receive at the spa, salon or massage therapy practice. Informed consent includes telling the client of any possible consequences for the service, including known risks and benefits. The client can only provide consent for the service once this information is shared.
A person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not of legal capacity to provide informed consent. This person may exhibit slurred speech, may be off-balance or is not able to make sense of their surroundings, etc.—and usually is not of “sound mind” to provide consent.
As massage therapists, spa & salon service providers, we are not able to make medical diagnoses. Unfortunately, a person exhibiting imbalance, slurred speech, etc., may be having an acute medical episode that requires immediate medical attention. Regardless of the situation, personal care services can only be provided when an individual can provide informed consent. Personal care services should not be provided to an individual who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs that reduces the client’s capability to provide informed consent for any reason.
Author Selena Belisle is the Founder of CE Institute LLC in Miami FL. She is a retired professional athlete and has been practicing massage therapy for over 30 years. Selena is an approved CE Provider with NCBTMB & the Florida Board of Massage. She now teaches full time for the Complementary and Alternative Health Care Industries. You can learn more about Selena’s training and CE classes at www.CeInstitute.com
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