Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 059 - Arkansas Board of Massage Therapy
Overview
The Arkansas Board of Massage Therapy is the state agency responsible for regulating the practice of massage therapy in Arkansas. Its main purpose is to:
License massage therapists.
Set educational and professional standards.
Protect the public from unsafe or unethical practices.
Enforce rules and discipline licensees who violate state regulations.
This agency is codified as Agency 059 in the Arkansas Administrative Code.
1. Purpose and Authority
The Board is authorized by Arkansas state law to regulate massage therapy.
Its main goal is public safety, ensuring that massage therapists are properly trained and follow ethical standards.
The Board can establish rules for:
Licensing requirements
Education and training
Continuing education
Standards of practice
Disciplinary procedures
2. Definitions
The code includes definitions for key terms, such as:
Massage Therapy: The practice of manipulating muscles and soft tissues for health, relaxation, or therapeutic purposes.
Massage Therapist: A person licensed by the Board to practice massage therapy in Arkansas.
Board: The Arkansas Board of Massage Therapy.
License: Official permission to practice as a massage therapist in the state.
School/Program: Educational programs approved by the Board that meet minimum training requirements.
These definitions ensure everyone understands exactly who and what is regulated.
3. Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed massage therapist in Arkansas, the Board requires:
Application: Submission of a formal application to the Board.
Education: Completion of an approved massage therapy program.
Examination: Passing the National Certification Exam (or another Board-approved exam).
Age & Legal Status: Must be at least 18 years old and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
Criminal Background Check: A criminal history review is required.
Fees: Payment of application and licensing fees.
Once licensed, therapists must renew their license periodically, typically every two years, and provide proof of continuing education.
4. Continuing Education
The Board requires licensed massage therapists to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain competency, which typically includes:
A specific number of hours of CE per renewal cycle.
CE must be Board-approved and relevant to massage therapy practice.
Maintaining records of CE hours for inspection by the Board.
This ensures therapists remain knowledgeable about current techniques, safety, and ethical standards.
5. Standards of Practice
The Board sets professional standards that massage therapists must follow, including:
Client safety and hygiene: Clean workspaces, proper sanitation, and safe massage techniques.
Record-keeping: Accurate client records and treatment notes.
Ethical behavior: No sexual misconduct, fraud, or misrepresentation.
Advertising: Truthful and accurate representation of services.
Scope of practice: Therapists must only perform services they are trained and licensed to provide.
These standards protect clients and ensure professional accountability.
6. Disciplinary Actions
The Board has the authority to discipline massage therapists who:
Engage in unprofessional conduct or unethical behavior.
Violate state law or Board rules.
Pose a risk to public safety.
Disciplinary actions may include:
Warning or reprimand
Fines
Probation
Suspension or revocation of license
The Board typically holds formal hearings before taking major disciplinary action, allowing the licensee to respond.
7. Board Organization
The Board is composed of licensed massage therapists and public members appointed by the governor. Responsibilities include:
Reviewing license applications
Setting rules and regulations
Conducting hearings
Approving continuing education programs
Advising on policy
Meetings are generally public, ensuring transparency in regulation.
8. Fees
The Board sets fees for:
Initial license application
Examination
License renewal
Late renewals or reinstatement
Fees are used to cover the administrative costs of regulating the profession.
Summary
The Arkansas Board of Massage Therapy (Agency 059) exists to:
Ensure only qualified individuals practice massage therapy.
Protect the public from unsafe or unethical practices.
Require continuing education and adherence to professional standards.
Handle licensing, complaints, and disciplinary matters in a structured legal process.
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