Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 007 - Arkansas Department of Health
Division 35 - Center for Health Protection
Rule 007.35.24-008 - Rules for Massage Therapy in Arkansas

Universal Citation: AR Admin Rules 007.35.24-008

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024

Section 1

Authority and Purpose

1. Authority - The following Rules for Massage Therapy in Arkansas are duly adopted and promulgated by the Arkansas Board of Health pursuant to the authority expressly conferred by the laws of the State of Arkansas including, without limitation, the Massage Therapy Act, specifically Arkansas Code § 17-86-203(a).

2. Purpose -

(a) These Rules are prepared for the purpose of establishing standards to:

(1) regulate the vocation of massage therapy;

(2) provide for the licensing of persons to carry on and to teach such vocation; and

(3) regulate the conduct and sanitation of massage therapy clinics, Massage Therapy schools, and Massage Therapy postsecondary schools so as to prevent the spreading of communicable diseases and, to provide penalties for violation thereof.

3. Applicability of Rules

These Rules are not applicable to any massage therapy clinic under the control or direction of a duly licensed physician, nor do they apply to licensed medical hospitals and similarly licensed medical institutions.

4. Prohibitions

The following practices are not within the scope of massage therapy as defined in Arkansas Code:

(a) Colonic irrigation and other methods of internal hydrotherapy;

(b) Depilation, waxing, extractions, and electrolysis;

(c) Practices involving the use of ultrasound, unless the therapist can present educational qualifications acceptable to the Department and a licensed physician prescribes the treatment; and,

(d) Piercing, lancing, or penetrating the skin.

5. Enforcement

(a) A clinic owner, mobile clinic owner, or school owner and the person in charge of any such clinic, mobile clinic, or school shall be liable for implementing and maintaining these Rules in the clinic, mobile clinic or school.

(1) This shall be done individually and jointly with all persons employed by or working in or on the premises of such clinic, mobile clinic, or school.

(2) All therapist, clinic, mobile clinic, or school owners, and students shall be held individually liable for implementation and maintenance of the Rules as applicable.

(b) All persons performing acts of massage therapy shall present satisfactory proof of identification upon request by an authorized representative of the Department.

(c) All persons working in a clinic, mobile clinic, or school shall present a photographic driver's license or photographic identification card issued by any state, federal, or other recognized government entity. Failure to present valid proof of identification shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

(d) Conducting or operating a clinic, mobile clinic, or school without a current, valid registration shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

(e) Allowing a person to engage in or attempt to engage in the occupation of massage therapy in or about a clinic or mobile clinic or allowing a person to engage in or about a school of massage therapy without a current valid Arkansas license shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

(f) Performing acts of massage therapy or attempting to perform acts of massage therapy, for compensation in any form, without a current, valid Arkansas license shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

6. Access for Enforcement of Rules

(a) To assure compliance with the laws and rules governing the operations of school of massage therapy and clinics, the Department's authorized representatives shall have access to enter any and all parts of the premises of any school of massage therapy or clinic is open for business or at any time that the instruction or practice of massage therapy is being conducted for the purpose of making inspections to determine compliance with these rules.

(b) The Department shall also be permitted access to all required records.

7. Authorization by the Department of Health

(a) Any person, firm, or corporation desiring to open a massage therapy clinic or school shall submit an application for license or for registration to the Department for approval.

(b) Any person, firm or corporation who has applied for a registration to operate a massage therapy clinic will receive a registration letter allowing the owner to operate the clinic or school. The registration letter shall be conspicuously posted in the clinic or school.

(c) Any person, firm or corporation conducting or operating a massage therapy clinic shall be required to obtain a current clinic registration letter prior to operating said clinic. The proprietor shall be responsible for compliance with the law and all rules promulgated by the Board of Health.

(d) Any person, firm or corporation conducting or operating a school of massage therapy, a postsecondary school of massage therapy shall be required to obtain a current license prior to operating. The proprietor shall be responsible for compliance with the law and all rules promulgated by the Board.

(e) An institution wishing to teach both secondary and post-secondary students shall obtain both a license for a School of Massage Therapy and a Postsecondary School of Massage Therapy, The School shall also provide a procedure by which it will ensure that only students with a high school diploma or the equivalent are enrolled in the post-secondary school and receive Title IV funds.

8. Consumer Information

(a) A copy of the most recent inspection sheet shall be posted in a conspicuous area.

(b) All Massage Therapy Schools, Massage Therapy Postsecondary Schools, Massage Therapist licenses, Master Massage Therapist license, Massage Instructor licenses, and spa and clinic registration letter shall be conspicuously posted in a designated place in reception areas, outside individual work rooms, or in the clinic area.

(c) A copy of the online complaint website and phone number for the Arkansas Department of Health Cosmetology, Body Art, and Massage Therapy Section shall be posted in a designated place in reception area, outside individual work rooms, or in the clinic area.

9. Inspections

(a) Initial, routine and complaint inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with the licensing law and rules.

(b) Any inspector shall have the authority to enter into and inspect any massage therapy spa, clinic or school at any time during business hours. Massage Therapy spas or clinics are inspected at least annually but not limited to, to ensure compliance with the licensing law and rules promulgated by the Board unless complaints are received by the Department.

(1) examine identification of persons working at a massage therapy spa or clinic or massage therapy school, or otherwise engaging in the practice of massage therapy;

(2) examine licenses;

(3) inspect buildings and equipment;

(4) report violations of the law or rules;

(5) investigate complaints; and

(6) perform initial inspections of new spas, clinics and schools.

10. Complaints

(a) Any person may file a complaint on any of the grounds for disciplinary action provided in § 17-86-311(a) of the Massage Therapy Act against any of the following:

(1) a person who practices massage therapy;

(2) a massage therapy clinic/spa; or

(3) a massage therapy school or postsecondary massage therapy school.

(b) Official complaints must be made in writing within ninety (90) days from the date of infraction, notwithstanding complaints for sexual misconduct as defined under Ark. Code. Ann § 17-86-102.

(d) The Department has the authority to investigate all such written complaints, investigate and refer to the MTTAC any information that comes to their attention constituting reasonable belief that a violation of law or rule has occurred.

11. Hearings

(a) If findings are made against a licensee, clinic/spa, or massage therapy school or postsecondary massage therapy school, a hearing shall be held by the MTTAC.

(b) The MTTAC will hold any necessary hearings at the regular quarterly meetings.

(d) For the purpose of adjudicative hearings on complaints, the Department shall comply with the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act, § 25-15-201, et. seq.

12. Location

(a) The office of the Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, and Body Art Section is located at 4815 West Markham, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.

(b) All matters related to massage therapy licensing should be directed to the Section of Massage Therapy office by calling 501-683-1448 or by emailing the Section at adh.massage@arkansas.gov.

Section 2

Principles, Methods and Definitions

Terms found in Arkansas Code § 17-86-102 are descriptive rather than limiting, and massage therapy includes those techniques which are utilized in all phases of massage and bodywork for the purposes of relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, injury prevention, injury repair, postural improvement and/or health enhancement.

1. "Apprenticeship" means a program that meets the federal guidelines set out in 29 C.F.R. Part 29, as existing on March 1, 2021, and approved by the United States Office of Apprenticeship as meeting the requirements of an apprenticeship.

2. "Assist" means acting as an aide to a master massage therapist or massage therapy instructor.

3. "Automatic licensure" means granting the occupational licensure without an individual having met occupational licensure requirements provided under the Arkansas Code or by other provisions in these Rules.

4. "Board" means the Arkansas State Board of Health.

5. "Continuing Education" means education that is acquired after an individual has graduated and become licensed as a massage therapist.

6. "Cupping Therapy for massage" means a modality used to release rigid soft tissues, through the application of a non-heated device that creates suction to lift the tissue away from the body.

7. "Department" means the Arkansas Department of Health.

8. "Direct supervision" means being in the physical presence of a licensed master massage therapist or massage therapy instructor.

9. "Guest Instructor" means a qualified speaker or presenter.

10. "Licensee" means an individual licensed under the Massage Therapy Act and these Rules.

11. "Massage Therapist":

(a) "Massage therapist" means a person who has:

(1) Earned a diploma from a Board-accepted school of massage therapy;

(2) Passed an examination required or accepted by the Board; and

(3) Become licensed and registered to practice massage therapy.

(b) "Massage therapist" includes a person who has previously obtained the massage therapist license under prior state law.

(1) Instruct continuing education programs approved by the Department of Health; and

(2) Assist in the instruction of the procedures listed in the definition of Massage Therapy under the direct supervision of a massage therapy instructor or master massage therapist.

12. "Massage Therapy":

(a) "Massage therapy" means the treatment of soft tissues, which may include skin, fascia, and muscles and their dysfunctions for therapeutic purposes of establishing and maintaining good physical condition, comfort, and relief of pain.

(b) "Massage therapy" is a health care service that includes gliding, kneading, percussion, compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes, and stretching the tissue.

(1) Massage therapy techniques and procedures either hands-on or with mechanical devices;

(2) Therapeutic application and use of oils, herbal or chemical preparations, lubricants, nonprescription creams, lotions, scrubs, powders, and other spa services;

(3) Therapeutic application of hot or cold packs;

(4) Hydrotherapy techniques, which means the use of water in any form for therapeutic purposes and includes methods of full and partial immersion baths, whirlpools, sponging, sprays, body shampoos, body scrubs, body wraps, fomentations, compresses, poultices, packs, masks, steam treatments, and sauna treatments;

(5) Heliotherapy, which may include mechanical devices, heat lamps, and other devices with the use of light for therapeutic purposes and may consist of the use of infrared radiation lamps and devices and the various uses of other light that might be approved by the Department;

(6) Electrotherapy, which means the use of electrical devices for therapeutic purposes and may consist of the use of mechanical vibrators, electric stimulation, direct and alternating currents, interferential currents, micro currents, and Russian stimulation; and,

(7) Any hands-on bodywork techniques and procedures rising to the level of the techniques and procedures intended to be regulated under the Massage Therapy Act and not covered under specific licensing laws of other boards.

(d) The following are not included in the scope of massage therapy practice:

(1) Colonic irrigation and other methods of internal hydrotherapy;

(2) Depilation, waxing, extractions, and electrolysis;

(3) Practices involving the use of ultrasound, unless the therapist can present educational qualifications acceptable to the Department and a licensed physician prescribes the treatment; or,

(4) Piercing, lancing, or penetrating the skin.

13. "Massage Therapy Act" means Arkansas Code § 17-86-101, et. seq.

14. "Massage Therapy Apprentice" means a person who is enrolled in a massage therapy apprenticeship program;

15. "Massage Therapy Apprenticeship program" means a program that meets federal guidelines set out in 29 C.F.R. Part 29, as existing on March 1, 2021, and is approved by the United States Office of Apprenticeship;

16. "Massage therapy clinic" means a clinic, place, premises, building, or part of a building in which a branch or any combination of branches of massage therapy or the occupation of a massage therapist is practiced;

17. "Massage Therapy Instructor":

(a) "Massage Therapy Instructor" means a person who:

(1) Before July 1, 2010, has completed no less than two hundred fifty (250) hours of practical experience as a master massage therapist, which may be gained, in part or in whole, as an assistant to an instructor in a massage school or may be gained, in part or in whole, as a directed instructor in a massage school and has completed no less than two hundred fifty (250) continuing education hours as approved by the Department;

(2) On or after July 1, 2010, has been an active and practicing licensee and registered as a master massage therapist for a period of not less than three (3) years preceding the application for an upgrade to massage therapy instructor;

(3) On or after July 1, 2010, in addition to the experience under subdivision (15)(a)(1) of this section, has completed no less than two hundred fifty (250) continuing education hours as approved by the Department as a licensed master massage therapist; and

(4) Is determined by the Department to be qualified to be licensed and registered to practice massage therapy.

(b) Massage therapy instructor includes a person who has previously obtained the massage therapy instructor license under prior state law.

(1) Instruct continuing education programs approved by the Department;

(2) Instruct any of the procedures in subdivision (12) of this section; and

(3) Instruct basic curricula in a massage therapy school registered by the department as required by Arkansas Code § 17-86-306(e).

18. "Massage therapy learning permit" means a permit issued by the Department of Health before enrollment in massage therapy apprenticeship program or in a massage therapy school that is valid for no longer than six (6) months after completion of the apprenticeship or graduation from the massage therapy school; and

19. "Massage therapy student" means a person who is enrolled in a licensed massage therapy school or postsecondary massage therapy school.

20. "Massage Therapy School" means a registered and licensed facility that meets and follows the required educational standards as established by § 17-86-306 and all pertinent rules established by the State Board of Health.

21. "Massage Therapy Spa" means a site or premises, or portion of a site or premises, in which a massage therapist practices massage;

22. "Master Massage Therapist":

(a) "Master massage therapist" means a person who:

(1) Before July 1, 2010, is a licensed and registered massage therapist who has completed no fewer than two hundred fifty (250) hours of practical experience as a massage therapist, which may be gained in part or in whole as an assistant to an instructor in a massage school and has completed no less than one hundred twenty-five (125) continuing education hours as approved by the Department of Health;

(2) Either:

(A) On or after July 1, 2010, has:

1. been an active and practicing licensee and registered as a massage therapist for a period of not less than two (2) years preceding the application for an upgrade to master massage therapist; and

2. has completed no less than one hundred twenty-five (125) continuing education hours as approved by the Department of Health; or

(B) On or after July 1, 2023, has:

1. Been an active practicing licensee and registered as a massage therapist for the period of not less than twelve (12) months preceding the application for an upgrade to master massage therapist; and

2. Completed not less than three hundred (300) hours of advanced coursework in massage therapy as part of an Associates of Applied Science degree of massage therapy from an accredited college or university; and

(3) Is determined by the Department of Health to be qualified to be licensed and registered to practice massage therapy.

(b) "Master massage therapist" includes a person who has previously obtained the master massage therapist license under a prior state law.

(1) Master massage therapists may:

(A) Instruct continuing education programs approved by the Department of Health;

(B) Instruct any of the procedures listed in the definition of massage therapy in this section; and

(C) Instruct, as directed by a massage therapy instructor, basic curricula in a massage therapy school registered by the Department of Health as required by Arkansas Code § 17-86-306(e).

23. "NCBTMB" means National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

24. "Owner" means an individual who is a sole proprietor, member, shareholder, or holder of an ownership interest, directly or indirectly, in a partnership, association, joint venture, corporation, limited liability company, or trust that owns or controls a massage therapy school or postsecondary massage therapy school.

25. "Passing grade" means a score of seventy (70%) percent or better.

26. "Postsecondary massage therapy school" means a massage therapy school that:

(a) Offers a postsecondary curriculum approved by the State Board of Health; and

(b) Has an enrollment in which no more than fifty percent (50%) of its students do not have a diploma or the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma.

27. "Sexual misconduct" includes:

(a) A range of behavior used to obtain sexual gratification against another's will, at the expense of another, without the client's knowledge, engaging in sexual activity for profit, or a combination of any of these activities;

(b) Massage of the genitalia, anus, and, except under specific circumstances, the breast; and

28. "Uniformed service member" means an active or reserve component member of the United States Air Force, United States Army, United States Coast Guard, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, United States Space Force, or National Guard; an active component member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps; or an active or reserve component member of the United States Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service.

29. "Uniformed service veteran" means a former member of the United States uniformed services discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Section 3

Policies & Procedures

1. The Department designates all forms and letters as necessary.

2. The Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee (MTTAC) may meet on a quarterly basis and at other times as deemed necessary by the Department and follows all requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and all other applicable State laws in conducting such meetings.

(a) The MTTAC shall consist of seven (7) members, who shall be appointed by the Board for a term of three (3) years. The composition of the MTTAC shall be as follows:

(1) Six (6) shall be licensees under the Massage Therapy Act;

(2) Only one (1) shall be an owner of a massage therapy school; and

(3) One (1) member, to represent the public, shall not be engaged in or retired from the practice of massage therapy.

(b) The powers and duties of the MTTAC are as follows:

(1) Recommend rule changes to the Board;

(2) Recommend CEU approval to the Department; and,

(3) Hold initial hearings and determinations as described in Section 1-11.

3. Requests for items to be placed on the MTTAC's agenda must be submitted to the Department of Health's Massage Therapy Section in writing at least fourteen (14) days prior to the applicable MTTAC meeting.

4. A copy of the Massage Therapy Act and a copy of the latest adopted Rules shall be posted on the Department of Health's website and available for download.

5. An applicant applying for enrollment in a massage therapy school, postsecondary massage therapy school, or a massage therapy apprenticeship program or applying as a new massage therapy licensee, an individual applying for a new massage therapy school license, or a licensee applying for an upgrade issued by the Department of Health shall apply to the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police for a state and federal criminal background check to be conducted by the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(a) The state and federal criminal background check shall conform to applicable federal standards and shall include the taking of fingerprints;

(b) The applicant shall sign a release of information to the Department and shall be responsible for the payment of any fees associated with the state and federal criminal background check;

(c) Each applicant who has resided outside of Arkansas shall provide a state and federal criminal background check, including the taking of fingerprints, issued by the state or states in which the applicant resided; and,

(d) Results shall be sent directly to the Department from the agency performing the state and federal criminal background check.

6. The MTTAC may deny, suspend, place on probation, or revoke a license if a licensee or applicant has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or been found guilty of any felony listed under Arkansas Code § 17-3-102.

7. Pre-Licensure Criminal Background Check

(a) Pursuant to Act 990 of 2019, an individual may petition for a pre-licensure determination of whether the individual's criminal record will disqualify the individual from licensure and whether a waiver may be obtained.

(b) The individual must obtain the pre-licensure criminal background check petition form from the Department.

(d) The Departments response will state the reasons for the decision.

(e) All decisions of the Department in response to the petition will be determined by the information provided by the individual.

(f) Any and all decisions made by the Department in response to a pre-licensure criminal background check petition are not subject to appeal.

(g) The Department will keep and maintain a copy of the petition and response, which will be reviewed during the formal application process.

8. Waiver Request:

(a) If an individual has been convicted of a felony listed in Arkansas Code § 17-3-102, the Department may waive disqualification of a potential applicant or revocation of a license based on the conviction if a request for a waiver is made by:

(1) An affected applicant for a license; or

(2) An individual holding a license subject to revocation.

(b) The Department may grant a waiver upon consideration of the following, without limitation:

(1) The age at which the offense was committed;

(2) The circumstances surrounding the offense;

(3) The length of time since the offense was committed;

(4) Subsequent work history since the offense was committed;

(5) Employment references since the offense was committed;

(6) Character references since the offense was committed;

(7) Relevance of the offense to the occupational license; and

(8) Other evidence demonstrating that licensure of the applicant does not pose a threat to the health and safety of the public.

(c) A request for a waiver, if made by an applicant, must be in writing and accompany the completed application and fees. A request for waiver, if made by a licensee, must be in writing.

(d) The Department will respond with a decision in writing and will state the reasons for the decision.

(e) Appeals under this section will be subject to the Administrative Procedures Act, Arkansas Code § 25-15-201, et seq.

9. Applicants for licensure are considered who have completed and graduated with a minimum of five (500) in-classroom hours of massage therapy classes, or proof is given of completion of the specific classes and hours taken as required in Arkansas massage schools.

(a) Each course must be a passing grade of seventy-five (75) percent of higher.

10. Fee Waiver under Act 725 of 2021

(a) Pursuant to Act 725 of 2021, an applicant may receive a waiver of the initial licensure fee, if eligible. Eligible applicants are applicants who:

(1) Are receiving assistance through the Arkansas, or current state of residence equivalent, Medicaid Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (SSNP), the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TEA), or the Lifeline Assistance Program (LAP);

(2) Were approved for unemployment within the last twelve (12) months; or

(3) Have an income that does not exceed two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty income guidelines.

(b) Applicants shall provide documentation showing their receipt of benefits from the appropriate State Agency.

(1) For Medicaid, SNAP, SSNP, TEA, or LAP, documentation from the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), or current state of residence equivalent agency;

(2) For unemployment benefits approval in the last twelve (12) months, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, or current state of residence equivalent agency; or

(3) For proof of income, copies of all United States Internal Revenue Service Forms indicating applicant's total personal income for the most recent tax year e.g., "W2," "1099," etc.

(c) Applicants shall attest that the documentation provided under Section 3-10.-(b) is a true and correct copy and fraudulent or fraudulently obtained documentation shall be grounds for denial or revocation of license.

11. Licensure for Massage Therapist through Apprenticeship under the Earn and Learn Act of 2021

(a) An applicant for licensure for Massage Therapist under this Rule shall provide satisfactory proof of completion of apprenticeship via official documentation from the apprenticeship program. This documentation may be in the form of a certificate, diploma, or similar official credential, or letter on official program letterhead.

(b) An applicant for licensure under this Rule shall provide satisfactory documentation that the completed apprenticeship program meets the federal guidelines set out in 29 C.F.R. Part 29, as existing on March 1, 2021, and that the program has been approved by the United States Office of Apprenticeship or the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services.

(c) An applicant for licensure under this Rule shall meet all the other non-educational requirements for licensure under these Rules, including Section 5.2 and Section 7.

(d) If an applicant is denied a license for failing to meet the criteria in Section 3-11.-(a)-(c), the applicant shall be provided the reason for denial in writing.

Section 4

Licensing and Renewals

1. The Department may administer an examination of its own preparation as the State licensing examination for Arkansas massage therapists, to be administered at the time and place the Department so designates.

2. The Department will accept any of the following, in lieu of the State licensing examination, provided that the applicant passes a Department examination that verifies their knowledge of the Massage Therapy Act and of these rules that govern the practice of massage therapy in the State:

(a) Federation of State Massage Therapy Board Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx);

(b) National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM); or,

3. In the instance of multiple exams, the Department reserves the right to approve additional exams that are equivalent to those listed in Section 4 -2.

4. The Department may, at its discretion, require a practical examination and may publish guidelines for the examination so that applicants might have insight into what would be expected to be demonstrated.

5. Every massage therapy license, active or inactive, is valid for a period of two (2) years and expires on the licensee's birthday.

(a) The licensee must submit the following for renewal of his or her license: a completed license renewal application, payment of the appropriate fees and documented proof of no fewer than eighteen (18) hours of continuing education that have been approved in accordance with Section 7.

(b) A renewal application must be postmarked on or before the first day of the month preceding the month in which the licensee's birthday falls in the biennial renewal year.

Example: Joe's birthday is June 14th and his license expires in 2011. His renewal application must be postmarked on or before May 1, 2011.

(c) A renewal application postmarked after the first day of the month preceding the month in which the licensee's birthday falls shall be charged a late fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) in addition to renewal fees.

(d) A license is expired if application is postmarked after the birthday of the licensee in the biennial renewal year.

(1) Before the Department issues a new license to an applicant with an expired license, the applicant shall:

(A) Submit a new application that requires the applicant to meet current requirements; and

(B) Successfully complete an examination recognized by the Department of Health.

6. Renewal application forms will be mailed out the first of the month preceding the month they are due.

7. Any individual licensee who is currently not practicing and wishes to place his or her license on the inactive list shall:

(a) Submit a renewal application for inactive status every two (2) years, even if remaining inactive;

(b) Surrender his or her current license to the Department of Health office;

(d) Not remain on the inactive list for a period to exceed four (4) years without reexamination.

(e) An individual who has been placed on the inactive list for fewer than four (4) years and wishes to reactivate licensure shall follow the procedures for license renewal, present satisfactory evidence of completion of continuing education hours for the inactive period and pay all appropriate fees before resuming active practice of massage therapy.

(f) An individual who passes the four (4) year time allotment shall be considered to have an expired license and must meet the current requirements for licensure and successfully complete an examination recognized by the Department before resuming active practice of massage therapy.

8. Persons practicing with an expired license may be referred for prosecution or civil action for practicing without a license and penalties of Arkansas Code § 17-86-103 may be applied.

Section 5

Reciprocity, Temporary Licensure and Military Licensure

1. Reciprocity under Act 1011 of 2019.

(a) Required Qualifications for Reciprocity. An applicant applying for reciprocal licensure shall meet the following requirements:

(1) The applicant shall hold a substantially similar license in another United States jurisdiction.

(A) A license from another state is substantially similar to an Arkansas Massage Therapy license if the other state's licensure qualifications require:

1. Completed and graduated with a minimum of five (500) inclassroom hours of massage therapy classes, or proof is given of completion of the specific classes and hours taken as required in Arkansas massage schools as required by Arkansas Code § 17-86-306(e).

(B) The applicant shall hold his or her occupational licensure in good standing.

(2) The applicant shall not have had a license revoked for:

(A) An act of bad faith; or

(B) A violation of law, rule, or ethics;

(3) The applicant shall not hold a suspended or probationary license in a United States jurisdiction;

(4) The applicant shall be sufficiently competent in the Massage Therapy and pass a licensing exam comparable to Section 4 -2 and pass the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination.

(b) Required documentation. An applicant shall submit a fully-executed application, the required fee, and the documentation described below.

(1) As evidence that the applicant's license from another jurisdiction is substantially similar to Arkansas, the applicant shall submit the following information:

(A) Evidence of current and active licensure in that state. The Department may verify this information online if the jurisdiction that issue provides primary source verification on its website and;

(B) Evidence that the other state's licensure requirements match those listed in Section 5-1.-(a)-(1)-(A) The Department may verify this information online if the jurisdiction that issue provides primary source verification on its website.

(2) To demonstrate that the applicant meets the requirements in Section 5 -1.-(a)-(2) through (4), the applicant shall provide the Department with:

(A) The names of all states in which the applicant is currently licensed or has been previously licensed;

(B) Letters of good standing or other information from each state in which the applicant is currently or has ever been licensed showing that the applicant has not had his license revoked for the reasons listed in Section 6, Rule 1(a)(2) and does not hold a license on suspended or probationary status as described in Section 6, Rule 1(a)(3) The Department may verify this information online if the jurisdiction that issue provides primary source verification on its website.

(3) As evidence that the applicant is sufficiently competent in the field of Massage Therapy, an applicant shall:

(A) Pass a licensing exam comparable to Section 4 -2 and pass the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination.

(B) Submit three (3) letters of recommendation from former employers. former educators, or clients.

(4) Documents required to show compliance with least restrictive Requirements:

(A) A valid photo identification or driver's license, or both; and

(B) A social security card issued in the same name as the applicant or licensee.

(C) Present a high school diploma, Certificate of General Educational Development, or college transcript and credentials issued by a department-accepted massage therapy school or a like institution with no less than five hundred (500) in-classroom hours of instruction.

(D) An applicant shall have the massage therapy school submit the transcript directly to the department office.

1. If the applicant's transcript is not obtainable from the original school, the applicant shall submit a statement to explain why it may not be obtained.

2. Other documentation of credentials may be submitted and accepted for licensure at

(E) Furnish to the department satisfactory proof of passing an examination recognized and approved by the department;

(5)

(A) An out-of-state applicant holding a current massage therapy license issued by another state and after receiving an Arkansas massage therapy license may apply for an upgrade to master massage therapist or massage therapy instructor by providing appropriate continuing education credits and experience gained before Arkansas licensure for department approval.

(B) An upgrade request shall be made by submitting a complete application package and paying the fees required by this chapter.

2. Temporary License

(a) The Department shall issue a temporary license immediately upon receipt of the application, the required fee, and the documentation required under Section 5-2.-(b) and (c).

(b) The temporary license shall be effective for 90 days, unless the Department determines that the applicant does not meet the requirements in Reciprocity sections Section 5-1.-(b)-(1) through (4) in which case the temporary license shall be immediately revoked.

(c) An applicant may provide the rest of the documentation required above in order to receive a license, or the applicant may only provide the information necessary for the issuance of a temporary license.

3. License for person from state that doesn't license profession pursuant to Act 1011 of 2019.

(a) Required Qualifications. An applicant from a state that does not license Massage Therapy shall meet the following requirements:

(1) The applicant shall be sufficiently competent in Massage Therapy;

(2) Pass a licensing exam comparable to Section 4 -2 and pass the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination; and,

(3) Submit three (3) letters of recommendation from former employers. former educators, or clients.

(b) Required documentation. An applicant shall submit a fully-executed application, the required fee, and the documentation described below.

(1) As evidence that the applicant is sufficiently competent in the field of Massage Therapy an applicant shall:

(A) Pass a licensing exam comparable to Section 4 -2 and pass the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examination; and,

(B) Submit three (3) letters of recommendation from former employers. former educators, or clients.

(2) A valid photo identification or driver's license, or both.

(3) A social security card issued in the same name as the applicant or licensee.

(4) Present a high school diploma, Certificate of General Educational Development, or college transcript and credentials issued by a department-accepted massage therapy school or a like institution with no less than five hundred (500) in-classroom hours of instruction.

(5) An applicant shall have the massage therapy school submit the transcript directly to the department office.

(A) If the applicant's transcript is not obtainable from the original school, the applicant shall submit a statement to explain why it may not be obtained.

(B) Other documentation of credentials may be submitted and accepted for licensure at

(6) Furnish to the department satisfactory proof of passing an examination recognized and approved by the department.

4. Reciprocity and state-specific education pursuant to Act 1011 of 2019.

(a) The Department shall require an applicant to take no less than five hundred (500) inclassroom hours of instruction department-accepted massage therapy school or a like institution if the applicant is licensed in another state that does not offer reciprocity to Arkansas residents that is similar to reciprocity provided to out-of-state applicants in Arkansas Code §§ 17-1-108.

(b) Reciprocity in another state will be considered similar to reciprocity under Arkansas Code §§ 17-1-108 if the reciprocity provisions in the other state:

(1) Provides the least restrictive path to licensure for Arkansas applicants;

(2) Do not require Arkansas applicants to participate in the apprenticeship, education, or training required as a prerequisite to licensure of a new professional in that state, except that the state may require Arkansas applicants to participate in continuing education or training that is required for all professionals in that state to maintain the licensure; and,

(3) Do not require Arkansas applicants to take a state-specific education unless required to do so under the same conditions described in Arkansas Code §§ 17-1-108.

5. Automatic Occupational Licensing of Uniform Service Members, Veterans and Spouses under Act 137 of 2023

(a) This Rule applies to a:

(1) uniformed service member stationed in the State of Arkansas;

(2) uniformed service veteran who resides in or establishes residency in the State of Arkansas; or,

(3) the spouse of a uniformed service member stationed in the State of Arkansas or a uniformed service veteran who resides in or establishes residency in the State of Arkansas including a:

(A) uniformed service member who is assigned a tour of duty that excludes the spouse from accompanying the uniformed service member and the spouse relocates to Arkansas; or,

(B) uniformed service member who is killed or succumbs to his or her injuries or illness in the line of duty if the spouse establishes residency in Arkansas.

(b) Automatic licensure shall be granted to persons listed in Section 5 -5. -(a) if:

(1) The person is a holder in good standing of occupational licensure with similar scope of practice issued by another state, territory, or district of the United States; and,

(2) The person pays the licensure fee in Section 4.

(c) Credit toward initial licensure - Relevant and applicable uniformed service education, training, national certification, or service-issued credential shall be accepted toward initial licensure. Expiration Dates - A license expiration date shall be extended for a deployed uniformed service member or spouse for one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of the uniformed service member's return from deployment.

(d) Continuing Education - A uniformed service member or spouse shall be exempt from continuing education requirements in Section 6 for one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of the uniformed service member's return from deployment.

(e) Any uniformed service member or spouse exercising the exemption shall provide evidence of completion of continuing education evidence of before renewal or grant of a subsequent license.

Section 6

Continuing Education

1. All courses for continuing education must fall within the scope of practice of massage therapy. Courses, demonstrations and workshops offered within the State of Arkansas must be submitted to the Department for prior approval for continuing education credits unless approved by NCBTMB, AMTA, or ABMP.

2. For the purpose of renewing or upgrading a license, credits may be approved for courses that are:

(a) Pre-approved by the Department; or

(b) Officially transcribed courses from a U.S. Department of Education approved and accredited postsecondary institution completed with a passing grade in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, pathology, medical terminology or other related courses within the scope of practice of massage therapy; orc. Out of state continuing education courses that fall within the scope of practice of massage therapy that are approved by NCBTMB, AMTA, or ABMP.

3. Home study and online courses may be approved by the Department providing all the following criteria are met:

(a) The course is pre-approved by the Department, NCBTMB, AMTA, or ABMP. The course must fall within the scope of practice of massage therapy.

(b) The course content cannot be in a hands-on subject matter.

(c) The course or courses cannot comprise more than six (6) of the total eighteen (18) continuing education hours needed for biannual renewal and cannot be repeated for renewal or upgrade purposes.

(1) During a statewide state of disaster emergency related to public health, as declared by the Governor in accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-75-107, the MTTAC may, upon motion and vote, temporarily suspend the requirement that no more than six (6) of the total eighteen (18) continuing education hours needed for biannual renewal be home study or online courses until such time that MTTAC determines the suspension be terminated or the statewide state of emergency has terminated or ended in accordance with Arkansas Code §1275-107.

(a) Each course requesting Department approval must present all required information on the forms prescribed by the Department with appropriate fees.

(b) Courses must be relevant to the field of massage therapy as defined in Section 2 of these rules;

(1) Proposed title;

(2) Schedule of course;

(3) Learning outcomes;

(4) Session description;

(5) Relevance of course;

(6) Program content/time frame;

(7) Teaching strategies; and,

(8) Learning environment.

(d) Courses must be instructed by a person who meets one of the following:

(1) Has completed specialized related training:

(A) For every one hour of CE to be taught the instructor must have 5 hours of specialized related training.

(B) The Department may give credit for extensive experience teaching the course, related courses, or years employed in the field.

(2) Has obtained instructor credentials specific to the practice.

(3) Has discovered and/or developed massage techniques and has a minimum of two (2) years practical experience related to the subject.

(4) Meets at least two (2) of the following criteria:

(A) Holds a current Arkansas massage therapist license;

(B) Graduated from a massage therapy school or postsecondary massage therapy school approved by the Department or a school with a comparable curriculum;

(D) Presents to the Department evidence of a substantial amount of education, training, and knowledge sufficient, in the discretion of the Department, to qualify their expertise in the field.

5. Pre-approved continuing education providers must comply with the following rules:

(a) retain an attendance record of participants with copies of course materials for at least three (3) years following the conclusion of the course;

(b) furnish each participant with a certificate of attendance or transcript verifying the participant's successful program completion;

(1) The certificate shall not be issued until completion of the course.

(2) The certificate must contain the participant's name, instructor's name and signature, title of the course, dates the course was given, Department approval number, and number of credit hours earned.

(1) Course Revisions are defined as changes to the following:

(A) Proposed title;

(B) Schedule of course;

(D) Relevance of course;

(E) Program content/time frame;

(F) Teaching strategies; and,

(G) Learning environment.

(2) Course revisions affecting less than ten (10) percent of the currently approved content may be approved by the Department.

(3) Course revisions exceeding ten (10) percent of the currently approved content may be approved by the Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee.

(d) One (1) hour of continuing education credit is defined as no less than fifty (50) minutes of uninterrupted in-classroom learning, practical demonstration, or practice of the technique in the presence of the instructor.

(e) Presenters/moderators/instructors of courses may not receive credit for the courses they present.

(f) The Department retains the right to review programs given by the provider; and may rescind provider status or reject individual programs given by provider if the provider has:

(1) Disseminated any false or misleading information in connection with the continuing education program; or

(2) Failed to conform to and comply with the written agreement and rules of the Department;

(3) Failed to meet ethical standards; or

(4) Is not providing consistent quality educational benefits to participants.

(g) A written notice to rescind approval for continuing education courses will be sent to the course approval applicant and any person(s) approved to instruct the course.

(1) Instructors may request hearing of a decision to rescind approval for continuing education course(s).

(2) The hearing shall be conducted according to Section 1 -11 of these rules and the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act, § 25-15-201, et seq.

6. Officially transcribed courses from a U.S. Department of Education approved and accredited postsecondary institution completed with a passing grade may be accepted at the rate of three (3) college-credit hours to equal forty (40) clock-hours of education.

7. For the purpose of upgrading a license, classes that repeat any of the applicant's specific entry-level five hundred (500) hour coursework will not be accepted.

8. For the purpose of upgrading a license, duplicated continuing education courses do not apply toward required hours for the upgrade.

9. The Department shall audit five to ten percent of randomly-selected, active license renewals, for compliance with continuing education requirements annually.

(a) Licensees who receive an audit form shall submit all appropriate documentation to substantiate compliance with the Department's continuing education requirements within thirty days of receipt.

(b) Each licensed massage therapist shall maintain records of continuing education for a period of (3) years from the date of attendance.

Section 7

Massage Clinics

1. To operate a massage therapy clinic, it first must be registered with the Department.

2. With the exception of treatments that are given at the location of a client, or treatments given at a temporary location lasting not more than 14 days such as a trade show, sporting event or community festival Massage therapist clinics, spas, or other facilities must: have an adequate workspace:

(a) The work area must be well ventilated, clean, and well equipped.

(b) There must be a sink for hand-washing with hot and cold running water and soap must be accessible.

(c) Sanitize all body surface area(s) that come into contact with a client, prior to such contact, with a disinfecting solution that is bactericidal, capable of destroying bacteria; virucidal, capable of destroying viruses; and fungicidal, capable of destroying fungi. Disinfectants must be used according to manufacture labels to be safe and effective. Contact time listed on the manufacturers label must be adhered to at all times to effectively destroy pathogens.

(d) Have accessible restrooms that are clean and sanitary without offensive odors and in working order at all times.

(e) Keep furniture, equipment, electrical equipment and other fixtures clean and in good repair at all times.

(f) Launder linens after each use.

(g) Have a separate receptacle for soiled and clean linens.

(h) Keep clean linens stored out of public use areas including but not limited to restrooms, reception area, hallways and other public traffic areas.

(i) Keep oils, lotions, or any other products that are used on clients in containers that are labeled and closed.

(j) Be compliant with all applicable city, state and local statutes and regulations.

(k) In-home massage clinics/offices must be located in a separate room or rooms, used only for massage therapy services during ordinary business operations.

(l) There must be no bed in a room used for massage therapy services.

(m) A school or clinic must be equipped with a massage table or tables, a massage chair or chairs and equipped with such standard equipment dictated by the practice of massage therapy.

3. In-home massage clinics/offices must be located in a separate room or rooms, used only for massage therapy services during business operations.

4. Mobile clinics are not considered temporary.

5. Anyone who has an infectious, contagious, or communicable disease which may be spread by airborne, droplet, contact, or indirect methods and who is in contact with the public must not practice until all risk of disease transmission is cleared. Any employee with such a disease must be immediately relieved from duty until all risk of disease transmission is cleared.

Section 8

Massage Therapy Schools and Postsecondary Massage Therapy Schools

General Requirements: School as used throughout this Section includes, unless otherwise indicated, both Massage Therapy Schools and Postsecondary Massage Therapy Schools.

1. Application for Massage Therapy School:

(a) Any person, firm or corporation seeking to open a school of Massage Therapy shall submit an application with required forms to the Massage Therapy Section office and receive pre-approval from the Department.

(b) The application shall include:

(1) Completed application provided by the Department and available on the Department's website at http://www.healthyarkansas.com;

(2) Describe the location of your school, type of structure, and furnish a detailed floor plan in compliance with Section 8 -4;

(3) List of proposed equipment used for instructional purposes in compliance with Section 8 -4;

(4) Submit proposed curriculum including name and addition of textbooks and any other material that will uses for instructional purposes;

(5) List of instructors and their qualifications;

(6) Submit samples of all forms to be used in the School, such as, contract, signin sheets, attendance records, transcripts, guest instructor log, etc.;

(7) Submit a copy of your school's handbook-including refund policy. Postsecondary Schools must also include a disciplinary policy;

(8) Valid background checks for each owner;

(9) The required non-refundable registration fee ($850.00).

(c) A person shall not establish, operate, or maintains a massage therapy school without first having obtained a certificate of massage therapy school licensure issued by the Department.

(d) Any Massage Therapy School wishing to teach both secondary and postsecondary students shall obtain both a license for a Massage Therapy School and a Postsecondary Massage Therapy School. The School shall also provide a procedure by which it will ensure that only students with a high school diploma or the equivalent are enrolled in the postsecondary school and receive Title IV funds.

(e) After satisfactory completion of initial requirements, schools are required to undergo Department inspection before they can be licensed.

(1) A Department staff member will perform an inspection of the school premises with required forms completed, and the results of such inspection will be returned to the Department for approval and/or adjustment recommendations.

(2) Facilities that do not pass the first inspection will be re-inspected within thirty (30) days of notification of corrections.

(f) Postsecondary Massage Therapy Schools must show proof that the school adopts and discloses to the students a complaint process substantially similar to the one outlined in Section 1-10 of these Rules.

2. Purchase of an existing Massage Therapy School:

(a) Any person, firm or corporation seeking to purchase an existing Massage Therapy School or Postsecondary Massage Therapy School shall submit an application with required documents to the Massage Therapy Section office at least thirty (30) days prior to purchase for pre-approval from the Department. Each application shall include:

(1) An application to reflect the change of ownership;

(2) Valid background checks for each new owner;

(3) Copy of the legal change of ownership document;

(4) Copy of each new owner's government issued photo identification;

(5) A signed and notarized statement from each owner selling their interest in the Massage Therapy School or Postsecondary Massage Therapy School transferring the Massage Therapy School or Postsecondary Massage Therapy School license to the new owner(s);

(6) A statement by new owner(s) reflecting any changes that will be made in any of the following:

(A) The location of the Massage Therapy School or Postsecondary Massage Therapy School, type of structure, or the detailed floor plan, in compliance with Section 9, Rule 4;

(B) List of proposed equipment used for instructional purposes, in compliance with Section 9, Rule 4;

(C) Curriculum including name and addition of textbooks and any other material that will be used for instructional purposes;

(D) List of instructors and their qualifications;

(E) Any forms to be used in the Massage Therapy School or Postsecondary Massage Therapy School, such as, contract, sign-in sheets, attendance records, transcripts, guest instructor log, etc.; and,

(F) The Massage Therapy School or Postsecondary Massage Therapy School's handbook-including refund policy. Postsecondary Massage Therapy Schools must also include a disciplinary policy.

(7) The required non-refundable registration fee ($100.00)

(b) After satisfactory completion of requirements for transfer, the Massage Therapy School or Postsecondary Massage Therapy School shall subject to Department inspection before the transfer of ownership can be approved.

(1) A Department staff member will perform an inspection of the Massage Therapy School or Postsecondary Massage Therapy School premises with required forms completed, and the results of such inspection will be returned to the Department for approval and/or adjustment recommendations.

(2) Facilities that do not pass the first inspection will be re-inspected within thirty (30) days of notification of corrections.

3. Relocation of a Massage Therapy School or Postsecondary Massage Therapy School:

(a) Any person, firm or corporation seeking to relocate a Massage Therapy school or Postsecondary Massage Therapy School shall submit an application with required forms to the Massage Therapy Section office and receive pre-approval from the Department.

(b) The application shall include:

(1) Completed application provided by the Department and available on the Department's website at www.healthyarkansas.com.

(2) Describe the location of your school, type of structure, and furnish a detailed floor plan in compliance with Section 8 -4.

(3) List of proposed equipment used for instructional purposes in compliance with Section 9, Rule 4.

(4) List of instructors and their qualifications.

(5) Submit samples of all forms to be used in the School, such as, contract, signin sheets, attendance records, transcripts, guest instructor log, etc.

(6) Submit a copy of your school's handbook-including refund policy. Postsecondary Schools must also include a disciplinary policy.

(7) Valid background checks for each owner.

(8) The required non-refundable registration fee ($425.00)

(c) A person shall not relocate a massage therapy school without first having obtained a certificate of massage therapy school licensure issued by the Department.

(e) After satisfactory completion of initial requirements, schools are required to undergo Department inspection before they can be licensed.

(2) Facilities that do not pass the first inspection will be re-inspected within thirty (30) days of notification of corrections.

4. Facility and Sanitary Requirements

(a) School facilities must:

(1) Be kept clean, sanitary and in good repair at all times.

(2) Clean equipment and tools thoroughly on a routine basis and sanitize them with a disinfecting solution that is bactericidal, capable of destroying bacteria; virucidal, capable of destroying viruses; and fungicidal, capable of destroying fungi. Disinfectants must be used according to manufacture labels to be safe and effective. Contact time listed on the manufacturers label must be adhered to at all times to effectively destroy pathogens. c. Have clinical workspace allowing for unrestricted movement around massage tables.

(3) Have adequately ventilated workspace to keep them free of excessive vapors, odors and fumes.

(4) Be heated and air-conditioned with adjustable temperature control.

(5) Have adequate space to accommodate all students during the theory and clinical instructional hours for which they are enrolled.

(6) Have an instructional classroom that is clean, in good repair and well ventilated.

(7) Have a minimum of one (1) massage table for every three (3) students in class.

(8) Have an accessible hand-washing sink supplied with hot and cold running water, a soap dispenser and a sanitary hand drying method. Common towels are not allowed.

(9) Have accessible restrooms that are clean and sanitary and in working order at all times. Restrooms shall not be used for storage of products used for servicing clients.

(10) Have trash containers that are durable and easily cleanable that do not leak. Trash containers must be emptied daily to prevent an accumulation of garbage and the development of odors.

(11) Dispose of all one time use towels, sheets and protective covering that cannot be disinfected immediately after use.

(12) Have furniture, equipment and other fixtures that are made of washable material and kept clean and in good repair. Electrical equipment shall be kept clean and in good repair at all times.

(13) Launder sheets and towels to disinfect after each use on client.

(14) Have a separate receptacle for soiled linens.

(15) Keep clean linens separate from public and/or covered in public use areas.

(16) Keep oils, lotions or any products that are used on the public in containers that are labeled and sanitary.

(17) Anyone who has an infectious, contagious, or communicable disease which may be spread by airborne, droplet, contact, or indirect methods and who is in contact with the public must not practice until all risk of disease transmission is cleared. Any employee or student with such a disease must be immediately relieved from duty until all risk of disease transmission is cleared.

(b) Schools shall have an identifiable Massage Therapy Instructor who provides oversight and supervision under which other Master Massage Therapist or Massage Therapy Instructors can teach.

(c) Schools must adhere to all state and local ordinance and provide a copy of the fire inspection, occupancy license, and/or business permits where required by law, and furnish copies to the Department upon request.

(d) Schools must inform students regarding emergency evacuation procedures and clearly mark or post all routes and exits.

5. Curriculum

(a) Schools have the discretion to grant CLEP credit for any previously obtained, successfully passed, and officially documented classroom education relevant to massage therapy.

(1) Such credit may be granted at the rate of three (3) college credits to equal no more than forty (40) clock-hours.

(2) Schools will maintain a file copy of all such examinations for Department inspection.

(b) Schools must follow the curriculum outlined in Arkansas Code § 17-86-306(e). The curriculum must be presented to and approved by the Department and will make further applications to the Department for any substantial modifications in the subjects, contents, or instructional methods offered to the students.

(c) Schools must provide no less than three (3) clock-hours of HIV/AIDS and other basic communicable disease education within their twenty-five (25) hours of hygiene and infectious control as required by Arkansas Code § 17-86-306 (e)(4).

(d) Schools that teach massage with students wearing swimsuits or underwear must instruct students at some time during their school on how to work on unclothed clients with a minimum of twenty (20) hours of classroom or student clinic massages on unclothed clients, unless there is a documented religious or medical objection made by the student.

(e) Schools may not include more than five (5) percent of their total school curriculum of instruction with reiki, polarity, or other energy-based modalities.

6. Instruction Methods

(a) Each specified course of study must be outlined with a syllabus that includes written learning objectives. Instructors will follow daily lesson plans and will provide active, organized learning sessions and must be made available for inspection.

(b) Recognized methods of instruction, such as, but not limited to, lecture, demonstration, and supervised hands-on practice will be utilized to ensure reasonable learning objectives and outcomes.

(c) All classes must be instructed and supervised by qualified and approved personnel and consist of no less than fifty (50) minutes of active teaching per credit hour. Inschool independent study time is limited to no more than five (5) percent of the total hours of a program.

(d) Active teaching means qualified school personnel offering organized lecture, activities, demonstration, and/or direct and immediate supervision of students during hands-on practice.

(e) Written and practical evaluations shall be conducted with all grades recorded and available for inspection.

7. Instructor Qualifications

(a) All persons who instruct any portion of a curriculum within an approved massage therapy school must be a licensed master massage therapist or massage therapy instructor.

(1) Each school must have on file such diplomas, transcripts, certifications, resumes, and/or other verifiable documents that attest to the person's qualifications and technical expertise.

(2) Each school must be able to supply the Department with a list of instructors who have taught or who will be teaching at that school along with documentation of their qualifications and the subjects they have instructed or will instruct.

(b) For the purposes of qualifying instructors for subjects required by Arkansas Code § 17-86-306, the following definitions will be used:

(1) Technical subjects are those defined as massage therapy techniques, hydrotherapy, heliotherapy, electrotherapy, and any hands-on training that may occur under various related subjects.

(2) Academic subjects include anatomy, physiology, pathology, and related human sciences; and

(3) Non-technical subjects include massage therapy laws, ethics, and business management.

(4) Persons to instruct technical subjects must be qualified and hold a current license as a master massage therapist or massage therapy instructor, and must have a minimum of two (2) consecutive years of active experience in the practice of massage therapy.

(5) Persons to instruct academic subjects must be qualified and hold a current license as a master massage therapist or massage therapy instructor as defined in Arkansas Code § 17-86-102 (6)(A) or hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree plus two (2) years practical experience in a subjects directly related to that being taught.

(6) Persons to instruct non-technical subjects must be qualified and hold a current license as a master massage therapist or massage therapy instructor as defined in Arkansas Code § 17-86-102 (6)(A) or hold a minimum of a two (2) year associate's degree and two (2) years practical experience in a subject directly relates to that being taught.

(c) Schools may invite guest instructors to teach within their program without Department pre-approval if such guest instructor instructs on no more than sixteen (16) hours per school curriculum. Section 9, Rule 7(a) and (b) show how guest instructors shall be qualified.

(1) Schools may utilize guest instructors to provide no more than a total of twenty-five (25) hours per school curriculum. A Record of all hours of instruction provided in this manner must be maintained by the school and be made available for Department inspection upon request.

(2) Schools must keep a log of guest instructors.

8. Student Enrollment Requirements for Schools and Apprenticeships

(a) Completed Learning permit application;

(b) Furnish to the Department of Health satisfactory proof that the applicant is eighteen (18) years of age or older;

(c) Make oath that the applicant has not been convicted of, found guilty of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any offense that would constitute a felony listed under Arkansas Code § 17-3-102 or constitute the offense of prostitution, either in this state or another state, and submit a signed authorization to investigate and have information released to the department;

(d) Provide a state and federal criminal background check to the department as provided in Arkansas Code § 17-86-104;

(e) Present the following issued in the same name as the applicant or licensee:

(1) A legible copy valid photo identification card or driver's license; and

(2) A legible copy of a Social Security card.

(f) Request the massage therapy school or massage therapy apprenticeship program in which the applicant is seeking to enroll to send a copy of the enrollment contract, or equivalent confirmation of enrollment to the department;

(g) Proof of physical examination by a medical doctor documenting that the student poses no health risk to give and receive massage;

(h) Pay the specified fees as provided in Arkansas Code § 17-86-303, which shall accompany a completed notarized application to the department.

9. Student Clinical

(a) The purpose of any student clinical is to provide advancing students, enrolled in approved schools, an opportunity to gain practical experience working with the public in a supervised setting.

(b) The status of the practitioner must be made clearly evident to the recipient of student massage.

(1) one hundred (100) hours of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and contraindications for massage therapy, and one hundred (100) hours of technical training, and all portions of the school's curriculum pertaining to personal hygiene, sanitation, ethics, and professional standards; and,

(2) provide proof of student liability insurance.

(d) All clinical massages by a student must be documented and performed under the supervision of a qualified technical instructor who has access to the treatment area at all times.

(e) No more than fifty (50) hours of student massage may be attained in this manner and applied to meet the requirements for licensure.

(f) Students may not solicit payment in any form during clinical practice either on school premises, at chosen locations for field trips, or while practicing away from school facilities and direction.

(1) This includes barters, donations and/or trades.

(2) The student may accept gratuities during supervised clinical massage.

(g) No student may leave classroom instruction to perform student-client massages.

10. Student Records

(a) All student records must be maintained for a period of not less than five (5) years to include:

(1) Copy of signed learning permit application;

(2) Written and practical evaluation reports that include subject matter;

(3) Copies of completed examinations;

(4) Daily attendance records of actual theory class time;

(5) Daily attendance records for hands on training should include:

(A) Name and location at which hours were gained;

(B) How many hours per day; and

(6) Proof of CPR training for all students at the time of their graduation.

(b) In the event of school closure or change of school ownership a copy of all current student records and all student records maintained for the previous five (5) years must be submitted to the Department.

11. Misc.

(a) Each school operated within the state shall be inspected during regular operations by the Department at least one (1) time each year.

(b) Any school desiring to move the location of its license must apply for relocation and submit all required documents to the Department at least thirty (30) days prior to any location change. The Department will inspect the school's new location when all requirements for relocating a school have been met.

(c) Schools providing off-site student massages shall be allowed only under the direct supervision of a Massage Therapy Instructor or Master Massage Therapist.

Section 9

Conduct & Ethics

1. It is the responsibility of the licensed massage therapist (therapists) to create and maintain a safe environment during a massage session.

2. It is the therapist's responsibility to inform clients of their rights as recipients of massage therapy including but not limited to the following:

(a) Their right to terminate the treatment at any time; and,

(b) Their right to modify the treatment at any time.

3. Therapists shall ensure and safeguard the following rights of the clients:

(a) Obtain necessary information from the client, to be held in confidence, regarding pertinent health history in order to assure safe treatment at all times;

(b) Stay within the scope of practice of massage therapy, performing only techniques for which they are appropriately and sufficiently trained; and

(c) Refrain, under all circumstances from initiating or engaging in any sexual conversation, sexual conduct, sexual behavior, or sexual activities involving a client, even if the client attempts to sexualize the relationship.

4. The licensed massage therapist adheres to the following practices:

(a) Keeping licensure current;

(b) Conducts all aspects of their massage practice in a legal, ethical, and responsible way; and,

(c) Pursuant to Act 531 of 2023, a licensed massage therapist is a mandated reporter under Ark. Code Ann. § 12-18-402, and, if the licensed massage therapist has reasonable cause to suspect child maltreatment, shall notify the Child Abuse Hotline.

(d) Reports to the Department in writing and under oath any knowledge of violations of the Massage Therapy Act or the adopted Rules.

5. Providing false or misleading statements or documentation to the Department as part of application for registration or licensure, or any investigation, may result in disciplinary action, including rejection of the application or suspension or revocation of licensure.

6. Violations of any provision under this Section may result in disciplinary action by the Board of Health, up to and including revocation of licensure in accordance with the procedures adopted in Section 1 of these rules.

Section 10

Miscellaneous Guidelines

1. Massage Therapy must be provided in a way that ensures the safety, comfort, and privacy of the client and therapist.

2. Clients receiving a massage must be draped or dressed to assure that the pubic area and genitals are not exposed.

3. A licensee who engages in the practice of massage therapy of the anus and genitalia shall have his or her license revoked for a period of three (3) years. The licensee will receive a hearing in accordance with the process outlined in Section 4 and the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act, Arkansas Code § 25-15-201 et seq.

4. The breast of a client may be treated under the following circumstances:

(a) The massage of the breasts is for therapeutic and medical purposes including, without limitation, the reduction of scar tissue following a surgery on the breast, release of myofascial binding, or improving lymphatic flow;

(b) The massage therapist has received at least forty-eight (48) hours of continuing education credits in lymphatic massage, myofascial massage, or oncology massage; and

(c) there is a valid request from the client, the valid prescription is presented, or there is a referral from a qualified medical professional.

(d) A client's breast may not be exposed without first having obtained prior written, signed consent.

(e) A written description and explanation is given to the client before the massage begins and permission granted again before uncovering the breast.

(f) Treatments must be noted on the client's assessment form.

5. The MTTAC shall revoke the license for a period of three (3) years of a licensee who engages in the practice of massage therapy of the breast tissue without following the process outlined in Section 10-4 above.

6. Requirements for practicing cupping therapy:

(a) The Massage Therapist must have a minimum of six (6) hours in-class, specialized training in cupping therapy which shall include indications, contraindications, hygiene, and hands on techniques.

(b) When the six (6) hours of specialized training is provided as part of the curriculum in a massage therapy school or postsecondary massage therapy school, the transcript shall indicate course hours in cupping therapy or a certificate of successful completion shall be issued to the student.

CERTIFICATION

This will certify that the foregoing revisions to the Rules for Massage Therapy in Arkansas were adopted by the State Board of Health of Arkansas at a regular session of said Board held in Little Rock, Arkansas, on the 26th day of October, 2023.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Arkansas may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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Arkansas Administrative CodeAgency 007 - Arkansas Department of HealthDivision 35 - Center for Health ProtectionRule 007.35.24-008 - Rules for Massage Therapy in Arkansas

Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 007 - Arkansas Department of Health
Division 35 - Center for Health Protection
Rule 007.35.24-008 - Rules for Massage Therapy in Arkansas