Title 5
Businesses and Professions

Chapter 95
Licensing of Massage Therapists

§ 5-95-5. Special provisions.

Nothing contained in this chapter shall prohibit:

(1) A person who is otherwise licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with the general laws of Rhode Island, from performing services within their authorized scope of practice and who does not hold themself out to be a massage therapist or practicing massage therapy.

(2) A nonresident massage therapist holding a valid license, permit, certificate, or registration issued by another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country when incidentally in this state to provide service as part of an emergency response team working in conjunction with disaster relief officials.

(3) A nonresident massage therapist holding a valid license, permit, certificate, or registration issued by any other state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or by a foreign country and temporarily practicing massage therapy in this state for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days for the purpose of presenting educational or clinical programs, lectures, seminars, or workshops to massage therapists.

(4) A currently enrolled student in an approved massage therapy education program from engaging in the practice of massage therapy, under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist or healthcare provider, provided the practice, conduct, activities, or services constitute a part of a required course of study in the program and that such persons are identified as students.

(5) A graduate from an approved educational program may practice massage therapy only under the supervision of one, assigned, onsite licensed massage therapist. Graduates have ninety (90) days from the date on the application fee receipt to meet licensure requirements of this state in accordance with regulations prescribed by the board.

(6) A massage therapist who provides acceptable evidence of being currently licensed to practice massage therapy by examination or endorsement under the laws of other states or territories of the United States, the District of Columbia, or by a foreign country has a grace period of forty-five (45) days from the date on the application fee receipt to meet licensure requirements of this state in accordance with regulations prescribed by the board. The original privilege to work forty-five (45) days from the date on the application fee receipt shall not be extended or renewed.

(7) A nonresident massage therapist holding a valid license, permit, certificate, or registration issued by any other state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or by a foreign country when in this state as part of a charity/event where massage is appropriate.