Are there specific laws regarding the treatment of minors in massage therapy in Maryland?

In Maryland, as in many states, laws regarding the treatment of minors in health-related practices, including massage therapy, require the consent of a parent or guardian. This regulation is in place to protect the rights and welfare of minors, acknowledging that they cannot legally provide informed consent for treatment due to their age and potential lack of understanding of the implications of such care.

The necessity for a parent or guardian's consent ensures that there is an involved adult who can make health-related decisions in the best interest of the minor. This not only safeguards the minor but also provides a layer of legal protection for the massage therapist, confirming that the treatment has been authorized by someone who is responsible for the child's welfare.

In this context, options suggesting that minors can be treated without consent or only require written consent misrepresent the legal requirements, while the notion that consent is only necessary for invasive procedures fails to acknowledge that any form of treatment for a minor mandates parental involvement. Therefore, the correct response underscores the importance of informed consent specifically for the treatment of minors in massage therapy.