In this Post: We talk about how to create a COVID liability waiver for massage clients. As we begin to return to our massage careers liability waivers are things for us to consider.
As professional massage therapists, we all have liability insurance. And as insulating as that may feel, no liability insurance policy in the massage profession can unconditionally claim coverage of infectious disease transmission. My coverage through AMTA has “no exclusions for Coronavirus or any communicable diseases,” which, while seemingly promising, is not the same as an affirmation of coverage.
Because of this truth, you may want to consider an additional COVID-19 Liability Waiver. Now, I am not a lawyer, thus cannot guarantee such a waiver would stand up in court. But, my feeling is that any additional means to attempt to protect yourself is prudent and wise. And you better believe I am going to have my clients sign one moving forward.
ABMP Suggests
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, ABMP has given us some great verbiage to use for a liability waiver. They suggest and encourage us to adopt and adapt the following words to fit our needs:
To proceed with receiving treatment, I confirm and understand the following:
I understand that the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, I understand that COVID-19 is extremely contagious and may be contracted from a variety of sources. I understand COVID-19 has a long incubation period during which the virus carriers may not show symptoms and still be contagious.
I understand that I am the decision-maker for my health care needs. To the best of their ability, my practitioner will provide me with information to assist me in making informed choices. This process is often referred to as “informed consent.” It involves my understanding and agreement regarding recommended care and the benefits and risks associated with the provision of health care during a pandemic. Given the current limitations of COVID-19 virus testing, I understand determining who is infected with COVID-19 is exceptionally difficult.
I understand that preventative measures and intensified sanitation protocols intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have been implemented. However, because this work involves close physical proximity over an extended period of time in a closed space, there may be an elevated risk of disease transmission, including COVID-19. I hereby acknowledge and assume the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 through this treatment and give my express permission to you to proceed with providing care.
I have been offered a copy of this consent form.
KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY, I CONSENT TO THE TREATMENT WITH THE FULL UNDERSTANDING AND DISCLOSURE OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH RECEIVING CARE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. I CONFIRM ALL OF MY QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED TO MY SATISFACTION. I HAVE READ, OR HAVE HAD READ TO ME, THE ABOVE COVID-19 RISK INFORMED CONSENT TO TREAT. APPRECIATING THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CONSIDER EVERY POSSIBLE COMPLICATION TO CARE, I HAVE ALSO HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT ITS CONTENT, AND BY SIGNING BELOW, I AGREE WITH THE CURRENT OR FUTURE RECOMMENDATION TO RECEIVE CARE AS IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE FOR MY CIRCUMSTANCE. I INTEND THIS CONSENT TO COVER THE ENTIRE COURSE OF CARE FOR MY PRESENT CONDITION AND FOR ANY FUTURE CONDITION(S) FOR WHICH I SEEK CARE FROM THIS OFFICE.
In addition to AMBP’s suggestions, I included the following on my liability waiver.
I agree to:
- Wait in my car until you text or call me that you are ready for me to enter the building.
- Put on a mask before entering your establishment. And will continue to wear the mask the entire duration I am on-premises.
- I agree to wash my hands thoroughly upon entering the premises.
- If I am sick, even in the slightest, I will cancel my appointment. You will not be charged.
Another thing I am choosing to do is combine my COVID Intake Form with my liability waiver. This way, my clients only have one document to fill out before their appointment.
How to Create A COVID Liability Waiver for Massage Clients
There are many ways out there to deliver intake forms, but my favorite method is through the website JotForm.com. Here you can easily create your own customizable form that is entirely online. They even have an app you can install on your phone for easy access to your forms and your client’s results. As a solo practitioner, you can probably get away with their free version as you get 100 submissions per month. It really is pretty slick how smooth this platform works!
Whether or not you use jotform.com, I would suggest you find a platform that allows you to send a digitilized copy to clients. The more we can get away from paper forms at this time, the better.
You also may want to consider if you are going to take new clients or only work on existing clientele – if you will work on someone who has recently traveled, and how you feel about working on tourists. As well as how to communicate the changes you are implementing to ensure your clients health and well-being.
Clients will have varying levels of receptiveness to your new policies, procedures, waivers, and intake forms. Stand firm in the boundaries you decide to implement for your practice. Don’t let anyone bully you into relaxing your standards. You know what is best for your practice! And anyone who might try to bully you doesn’t deserve to be your client!
