Ethics & conduct
Code of Ethics
The core ethical commitments every RMT makes to clients, colleagues and the public.
Foundational standard
For RMTs · Standards & Rules
The standards that keep clients safe.
Twenty Standards of Practice — plus a Code of Ethics — govern how RMTs work in Ontario. Search or filter to find the standard you need.
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Standards & rules
One rulebook, built around the client.
These are the Standards and Rules that apply to RMTs working in Ontario. Some are set by CMTO; others are established by law or by other bodies. Together they define safe, ethical, competent practice — and the College publishes resources to help RMTs meet and exceed them.
The library
Find a standard.
Showing all 20 standards
Ethics & conduct
Professional Boundaries
Maintaining clear, professional boundaries in every therapeutic relationship.
Ethics & conduct
Conflict of Interest
Recognising and managing situations where personal interest could affect client care.
Ethics & conduct
Prevention of Sexual Abuse
The standard underpinning CMTO’s zero-tolerance approach to sexual abuse of clients.
Foundational standard
Ethics & conduct
Understanding Professional Misconduct
What counts as professional misconduct — and why it matters.
Client care
Consent
How RMTs obtain and document informed consent before and throughout treatment.
Client care
Client-centred Care
Putting the client’s needs, goals and dignity at the centre of care.
Client care
Communication
Clear, respectful communication with clients about their care.
Client care
Draping & Physical Privacy
Protecting clients’ physical privacy through appropriate draping at all times.
Client care
Collaboration & Professional Relationships
Working respectfully with clients, colleagues and other health professionals.
Privacy & records
Privacy & Confidentiality
Keeping client information private and confidential.
Privacy & records
Collecting Personal Health Information
Rules for collecting, using and protecting personal health information.
Privacy & records
Record Keeping
Creating and maintaining accurate, complete treatment records.
Business & safety
Advertising
Honest, accurate advertising that never misleads the public.
Business & safety
Fees & Billing
Transparent fees and accurate billing for the services provided.
Business & safety
Social Media Guidelines
Using social media professionally and protecting client privacy online.
Business & safety
Infection Prevention & Control
Preventing infection and keeping the treatment environment safe.
Business & safety
Safety & Risk Management
Identifying and managing risks to keep clients and practice safe.
Business & safety
Cannabis
How RMTs approach cannabis in the context of safe, professional practice.
Business & safety
Acupuncture
Additional requirements for RMTs who provide acupuncture.
No standards match your search.
View the official Standards & Rules
Each standard has its own page, with guidance and resources, on the College site.
At the centre
The Code of Ethics.
Every standard rests on a shared foundation: the Code of Ethics. It sets out the commitments every Registered Massage Therapist makes — to put clients first, to practise with integrity, and to uphold the trust the public places in the profession.
Standards protect clients
From consent and draping to record keeping and infection control, each standard exists for one reason: to keep the people RMTs care for safe.