Code of Massachusetts Regulations 269 CMR - BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Here’s a refined overview of 269 CMR – Board of Registration of Massage Therapy, which governs massage practitioners and establishments in Massachusetts:
1. Definitions (269 CMR 2.00) 🚦
Key terms clarified include:
Massage or Massage Therapy: Manual/mechanical treatment of soft tissues to promote health, excluding diagnoses, prescribing, spinal manipulations, or energy-based modalities (reiki, acupuncture, etc.) (regulations.justia.com)
Massage Therapist/Practitioner: A person licensed to perform massage for compensation. (regulations.justia.com)
Massage Therapy Establishment: Any licensed facility offering massage services.
2. Individual Licensure (269 CMR 3.00)
Application & Renewal (3.01–3.02): Requires Board-approved forms, fees, continuing education, and notifications for address/name changes. (regulations.justia.com)
Good Moral Character (3.04): Applicants must disclose convictions (excluding minor traffic violations), prior disciplinary history, and adhere to professional ethics. The Board reviews these on a case‑by‑case basis. (law.cornell.edu)
Reinstatement (3.03): Licensees whose license was suspended, revoked, or lapsed may petition the Board, potentially requiring personal appearance before reinstatement. (mass.gov)
3. Professional Ethics & Standards (269 CMR 5.00)
Massage therapists must:
Conduct a written or verbal intake to assess contraindications.
Recognize their scope and contraindications.
Provide only services they are qualified for.
Refer clients when care exceeds their scope.
Explain treatment plans, with client consent.
Uphold accepted professional standards.
Maintain sanitary, safe conditions.
Obtain parental consent for clients under 18; require adult chaperone unless waived.
Avoid sexually suggestive/prohibited conduct or advertising.
Properly document sessions per regulatory standards. (law.cornell.edu)
4. Facility Licensure (269 CMR 6.00)
4.1 License Requirement (6.03)
All massage therapy businesses must hold either a Solo (one therapist) or Multiple Therapists license (two or more). (mass.gov)
Operator is responsible for obtaining and maintaining the license.
Exemptions apply for licensed healthcare facilities, accredited massage schools (student clinics), chair massage only settings, and short-term charitable events. Massage therapy in adult-entertainment venues, bars, or streets is prohibited. (mass.gov)
4.2 Standards & Practice (6.07)
Compliance Officer & Plan: Facilities with multiple therapists must designate a licensed therapist to oversee compliance, maintain written policies (safety, training, documentation, equipment checks, record retention, etc.). (mass.gov)
Personnel: All therapists must hold current licenses. Students must be supervised. Aliases are prohibited.
Interior & Sanitation:
Separate 65 ft² massage rooms with ventilation, lighting, cleanliness.
Workspace must have smoke detectors, extinguishers, adequate hand-washing and restroom facilities.
Tables must be cleaned daily; linens single-use or laundered after each session.
Latex use requires signage. (mass.gov)
Record-Keeping (6.06):
Records for clients under 2 must be kept until age 9; others for 7 years post-treatment. Electronic records require backups. (mass.gov)
4.3 Inspections & Discipline
Unannounced Inspections: Board inspectors may visit during business hours anytime without notice. (mass.gov)
Disciplinary Grounds (6.09) include violations of regulations, unlicensed practice, obstruction of inspections, involvement in illicit behavior, or fraud. (mass.gov)
4.4 Ownership & Relocation
Change in ownership or relocation requires new application within 30 days, inspection, and Board approval. Licenses are non-transferable. (mass.gov)
Display Requirements: Facility must display its license, therapists’ licenses, and the most recent inspection report. (mass.gov)
Variances: The Board may grant written variances in specific cases; these can be modified or revoked. (mass.gov)
Summary Table
Area
Highlights
Individual Licensure
Requires testing, moral character, renewals
Ethics & Standards
Intake process, documentation, no sexual behavior
Facility Licensure
Solo vs. multiple therapist licenses, exemptions
Establishment Standards
Compliance officer, sanitation, records
Enforcement
Unannounced inspections, clear disciplinary rules
Final Note
269 CMR 1.00–6.00 comprehensively regulate licensing, ethical practice, facility operations, and enforcement standards for massage therapists and establishments in Massachusetts. This ensures high levels of professionalism, public safety, and consumer protection.
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