Title 5
Businesses and Professions

Chapter 95
Licensing of Massage Therapists

§ 5-95-3. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Approved massage therapy education program” means a school or education program that meets the criteria established in rule by the board, and is both authorized in the jurisdiction in which it is located and that reflects a curriculum acceptable to an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education received outside the United States must be substantially equivalent to the criteria of this chapter and must be recognized by the jurisdiction in which it is located.

(2) “Board” means the Rhode Island state board of licensed massage therapists as established within this chapter.

(3) “Bodyworks” and “bodyworks services” means body rubs, body stimulation, manipulation, or conditioning of any part or parts of the body, spa services, and spa treatments performed by any person not licensed under this title.

(4) “Continuing education” means a course of study subsequent to the completion of, and in addition to, an approved entry-level program of massage therapy education.

(5) “Continuing education units” means an instructional period of at least fifty (50) continuous minutes per hour in a recognized or approved course.

(6) “Department” means the department of health.

(7) “Examination” means a recognized standardized test or examination of entry-level massage therapy knowledge, skills, and abilities and must meet appropriate psychometric standards that is approved by the board.

(8) “Final adverse action” means all actions that require reporting to the state or federal authorities, including, but not limited to, the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB/National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB)).

(9) “Massage” means the systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body accomplished by the use of digits, hands, forearms, elbows, knees, or feet, hand-held tool, or other external apparatus and may include the use of topical applications. Massage is a service performed by a professional operating within the massage therapists authorized scope of practice, who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with the general laws of Rhode Island.

(10) “Massage therapist” means a person engaged in the practice of massage therapy and is licensed in accordance with this chapter.

(11) “Massage therapy” means the use of massage by a massage therapist, licensed under this chapter for therapeutic purposes, including, but not limited to, pain management, stress reduction, promotion of relaxation, and enhancement of general health and well-being. Massage therapy includes, but is not limited to, manipulation of soft tissue and normal anatomical range of movement of the body to develop an appropriate massage therapy session by assessment, evaluation, and/or treatment, and the delivery of self-care and health maintenance information. Massage therapy does not encompass:

(i) Diagnosis;

(ii) The prescribing of drugs or medicines;

(iii) Spinal manipulation; and

(iv) Any service or procedure for which a license or registration is required by law, including, but not limited to, the practice of medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, psychotherapy, behavioral health services, or podiatry.

(12) “Practice of massage therapy” means the exchange of massage therapy services for currency, goods, or services.

(13) “Topical applications” means, but is not limited to, lubricants, emollients, non-prescription analgesics, and the use of heat and cold.