Purpose:
• To establish Disciplinary Policy for non-compliance regarding Current Vulnerable Sector Check as outlined in CMMOTA Bylaws 3.5.1.1.3., 3.5.1.2.3., 3.5.1.3.2., 3.5.1.4.2., 3.5.1.5.2., 3.5.1.6.4., 3.5.1.7.3., 3.6.2.2., 3.6.2.3., and 3.7.1..
Policy:
1. The Board of Directors grants its authority to Administration to suspend, and if necessary, cancel an individual’s membership following the steps outlined below regarding non-compliance regarding Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).
2. All Full Massage Therapist, Full Manual Osteopathic Therapist, Associate Massage Therapist, Registered Massage Therapist and Spa Therapist members are responsible to maintain a VSC that has been completed within a three (3) year time frame.
3. Student Massage Therapist and Student Manual Osteopathic Therapist members whose professional liability insurance has been provided through the Association’s broker are responsible to maintain a VSC that has been completed within a three (3) year time frame.
4. All Full Massage Therapist members practicing in Nova Scotia are responsible to maintain a VSC that has been completed within a one (1) year time frame.
5. Student Massage Therapist members practicing in Nova Scotia whose professional liability insurance has been provided through the Association’s broker are responsible to maintain a VSC that has been completed within a one (1) year time frame.
6. A new VSC must have been completed within the previous ninety (90) days to be considered valid.
7. Prior to suspension, administration shall phone or text the member to warn them of the impending suspension. This phone call or text message notice shall include:
a. The date that the membership will be suspended if no action is taken.
b. The date that the membership will be cancelled if no action is taken.
c. That additional information surrounding suspension/cancellation of membership will be provided by email if no action is taken.
8. If a member does not submit a new VSC within 3 years of the date the current VSC was completed, then the next business day of the Association, their membership shall be immediately suspended, and the member shall be notified of the suspension to their last known email address. Administration shall be responsible to fulfill this policy point.
9. If a Full Massage Therapist, and when required Student Massage Therapist member practicing in Nova Scotia does not submit a new VSC within 1 year of the date the current VSC was completed, then the next business day of the Association, their membership shall be immediately suspended, and the member shall be notified of the suspension to their last known email address. Administration shall be responsible to fulfill this policy point.
10. A suspended member must not practice Massage Therapy, or Manual Osteopathic Therapy until their suspension has been lifted.
11. If a suspension has not been lifted within 5 business days of the notice of suspension, the member’s number shall be permanently retired and all necessary third parties will be notified of the membership suspension.
12. If a suspension is lifted after a member’s number has been permanently retired, a new member number will be issued.
13. If a member has been suspended, they shall have 30 days from the date of the suspension to submit a new VSC.
14. If a member still does not submit a new VSC prior to end of the 30-day suspension period, then the next business day of the Association, their membership shall be immediately cancelled, and they shall be notified of the cancellation to their last known email address. In addition, all necessary third parties will be notified of the member’s cancellation. Administration shall be responsible to fulfill this policy point.
15. For a cancelled member to be eligible for reinstatement into the Association, a valid VSC must be provided to the Association in advance of application for reinstatement in accordance with CMMOTA Bylaw 3.7.1..
Original Date of Policy Adoption: September 26, 2020
Date of Last Policy Revision: January 28, 2026
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