CMTO - New Standard of Practice for Collecting Personal Health Information (PHI) from Clients – Effective November 1, 2025

The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) has released a new Standard to ensure Registered Massage Therapists/Massage Therapists (RMTs/MTs) are collecting Personal Health information (PHI) in a client-centred, respectful way, and not over collecting PHI. The Standard of Practice for Collecting Personal Health Information (PHI) from Clients, comes into effect on November 1, 2025. This timeline ensures RMTs/MTs have time to review the Standard and update their PHI collection practices. As of this date, all RMTs/MTs are responsible for adhering to this Standard within their practice. CMTO will not conduct routine audits of PHI forms, or review forms on a request basis. Our focus is on supporting your implementation of client-centred practices.

This new Standard was developed through open consultations with RMTs/MTs, members of the public, and other stakeholders to balance client rights with clinical needs. As healthcare professionals, RMTs/MTs need PHI to deliver quality tailored care, and this Standard helps RMTs/MTs have open conversations with their clients about their health. It specifies the PHI RMTs/MTs must ask, must never ask, and may ask clients under certain circumstances to provide safe and effective Massage Therapy care.

Why is this Standard important for RMTs/MTs?
Each client has unique needs and preferences when seeking Massage Therapy. This Standard sets forth requirements for collecting PHI using a client-centred approach, helping avoid potential discrimination and stigma (e.g., intrusive questions unrelated to care). RMTs/MTs must apply professional judgment when asking questions and limit PHI collection to only what is essential for safe and effective Massage Therapy treatment.