PA 07-35—SB 140

General Law Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING MASSAGE THERAPY

SUMMARY: This act (1) replaces the title “Connecticut licensed massage therapist” with “massage therapist” and (2) prohibits anyone other than a licensed massage therapist or a holder of another applicable license from using the titles “massage therapist,” “licensed message therapist,” “massage practitioner,” “massagist,” “masseur,” or “masseuse. ”

The act also prohibits advertising any of the services that comprise massage therapy in any manner using the term “massage,” unless the services are to be provided by a licensed massage therapist. It specifies that “advertising” includes (1) giving a card, sign, or device to anyone; (2) causing or allowing a sign or marking on a vehicle, building, or other structure; (3) advertising in a newspaper or magazine; and (4) placing a listing or advertisement in a directory under a heading or classification that includes the words “massage,” “massage therapist,” “massage therapy,” or “massage therapy establishment. ” It requires licensed massage therapists to include their license numbers in advertisements in newspapers, telephone directories, or other media.

It prohibits people who are not licensed massage therapists from advertising massage therapy services in either a public or private publication or communication by using “massage” or any term that implies a massage service activity.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2008

BACKGROUND

Massage Therapy

The law defines “massage therapy” as the systematic and scientific manipulation and treatment of the soft tissues of the body by use of pressure, friction, stroking, percussion, kneading, vibration by manual or mechanical means, range of motion, and nonspecific stretching. It may include using oil, ice, or hot and cold packs, or tub, shower, steam, dry heat, or cabinet baths. It does not include diagnosis, prescribing drugs or medicines, spinal or joint manipulations, or any service or procedure for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, natureopathy, physical therapy, or podiatry is required.

Related Act

PA 07-252 directs the commissioner of the Department of Public Health, within available appropriations, to enforce the provisions of the massage therapy law, including provisions concerning the use of the titles restricted by this act and the advertising of massage therapy services.

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