About ABMP

ABMP Purposes and Policies

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) exists to advance the professional interests of its members. It accomplishes this goal through various approaches: helping members sort among career path choices; providing materials and advice to help members maximize their prospects for success in establishing and sustaining a practice; aiding marketing and client communications via Web and print resources; providing comprehensive, tailored professional liability insurance; facilitating access to products, continuing education alternatives, and other business services; advocating for a level, fair regulatory environment; and keeping members informed about major issues and educational developments within the massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies professions.

ABMP strives to provide excellent value for each member both by strengthening benefits offered and by keeping membership fees reasonable. Because some elements of the costs of membership are beyond the association’s control, the Board of Directors reserves the right to establish and adjust fees as necessary.

For the benefit of all members, to assure that a membership within ABMP connotes commitment to high standards, the ABMP Board of Directors has adopted the following policies:

1. Members of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals shall abide by the ABMP Code of Ethics and shall promote the art and science of massage and bodywork.

2. The name ASSOCIATED BODYWORK & MASSAGE PROFESSIONALS, its logos, and the initials ABMP may be used by current, active members of ABMP in any advertising, articles, business cards, etc. in reference to their status as a member only. Any such use shall be made in an ethical manner and shall reflect appropriate discretion.

3. The Board of Directors of ABMP may from time to time decide to affiliate with other organizations for the purposes of networking, supporting the profession, and expanding the working capabilities of ABMP. The Board of Directors of ABMP shall have complete authority and discretion regarding the requirements, implementation, and/or termination of any such affiliations.

4. The ABMP Board of Directors may elect not to accept an application for membership, terminate an existing membership, and/or deny any membership or membership renewal at any time for any reason. In the case of action to terminate an unexpired membership, a pro-rata refund will be provided to an affected member for the remaining pre-paid portion of their membership tenure.

a. Should any member: 1) be charged with misconduct and/or failure to practice their profession in accordance with the principles and standards set forth in the ABMP Code of Ethics, or 2) be accused of using his/her membership in ABMP for fraudulent purposes, the member shall be informed in writing of the charges made against him/her and shall be granted the privilege of presenting a written defense to the ABMP Board of Directors. The Board shall review the evidence presented and render a decision based upon allevidence available.

b. In the event the Board of Directors determines that a member has violated the principles of the ABMP Code of Ethics, has been convicted of a moral offense or felony by a governmental authority, is guilty of misconduct unbefitting an ABMP member, and/or is in default in payment of membership dues, that member's membership shall be revoked and the member shall be denied all rights and privileges of membership in ABMP. Upon demand of the Board of Directors or its designee, the member shall surrender to ABMP all membership certificates, documents, and various other member materials.

c. It shall be deemed a violation for any individual whose membership in ABMP has been revoked or who is not currently a paid member in good standing to wear, use, display or advertise the ABMP logo, certificate, member card or claim membership in ABMP. Any such violations may be subject to legal action.

d. Decisions of the ABMP Board of Directors with regard to membership termination, non-renewal or any lesser sanctions are considered final.

5. Complaints alleging a violation of conduct or Code of Ethics by a member must be submitted in writing to the ABMP Board of Directors. To be considered, such written complaint must be signed by the complainant and shall state fully in as precise a manner as possible the facts surrounding the acts considered to be violations, and the nature and extent of the alleged violations. A grievance may be initiated by any member or by the Board of Directors. Any member of the public also may file a complaint by writing the ABMP Board of Directors.

a. All documents and findings of the proceedings involving disciplinary procedures shall be kept strictly confidential in order to protect the rights of the accused, unless ordered released by a court of law.

b. A member against whom a grievance has been submitted shall be informed in writing of such grievance by the Board of Directors by certified mail, return receipt requested, sent within thirty (30) days of receipt of said complaint and shall have the privilege of providing a written response to the particular alleged violation or violations to the ABMP Board of Directors.

c. The Board of Directors may at any time communicate with a member against whom a grievance/complaint has been filed, the person who filed said grievance/complaint, or both, in order to determine whether the matter can be resolved among the parties without further ABMP involvement. In the event the matter can be resolved between the parties pursuant to mediation by the Board of Directors or its designee, the Board of Directors shall withdraw the grievance and close the matter.

d. Decisions of the ABMP Board of Directors in response to complaints are considered final.

*****

In each case where reference is made above to the ABMP Board of Directors, that board may designate one or more officers of ABMP to discharge that particular power or responsibility.

The main office of ABMP is currently located at 25188 Genesee Trail Road, Suite 200, Golden, Colorado, 80401. ABMP reserves the right to relocate and/or open offices at such other places as the Board of Directors may designate.