Alabama Administrative Code Title 532 - ALABAMA BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Title 532 of the Alabama Administrative Code pertains to the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy. This Board is responsible for the regulation of massage therapists and massage therapy establishments in the state, with the overarching goal of protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare.
The administrative rules under Title 532 establish comprehensive standards for becoming licensed, operating a massage therapy business, and maintaining professional conduct in Alabama.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas typically covered in these regulations:
I. General Provisions and Organization (e.g., Chapter 532-X-1):
Purpose and Authority: States the Board's mission, which is to protect the public by ensuring massage therapists, schools, and instructors meet prescribed standards of education, competency, and practice. It also cites the relevant Alabama Code sections that grant the Board its authority (e.g., Code of Ala. 1975, §§34-43A-1 et seq.).
Definitions: Defines key terms such as "massage therapist," "massage therapy establishment," "on-site/out-call massage," "supervised practice," "unprofessional conduct," etc.
Board Structure and Meetings: Outlines the composition of the Board (including licensed massage therapists and public members), how members are appointed, and procedures for Board meetings.
II. Massage Therapist Licensure (e.g., Chapter 532-X-3):
Initial Licensure Requirements:
Education: Requires a minimum of 650 hours of instruction from a massage therapy school approved by the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy. Specific hour breakdowns are often mandated for subjects like anatomy, physiology, pathology, basic massage therapy (including supervised practice), business, ethics, CPR, first aid, and hydrotherapy.
Examinations: Requires passing a national examination accredited by the National Committee for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), such as the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) or the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork) exam. The Board retains the right to administer its own written, oral, or practical examination.
Professional Liability Insurance: Applicants must provide proof of professional and general liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000.
Age and Background: Must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal history background check (which may involve fingerprinting).
Application Process: Detailed steps for submitting an application, including forms, fees, official transcripts, and photographs.
Licensure by Endorsement/Reciprocity: Procedures for massage therapists licensed in other jurisdictions to obtain an Alabama license, typically requiring that the out-of-state requirements are substantially equivalent to Alabama's.
III. Massage Therapy Establishment Licensure (e.g., Chapter 532-X-4):
Establishment License Required: Mandates that every massage therapy establishment (including physical locations and on-site/out-call businesses) must obtain a license from the Board.
Application Requirements: Details for owners, lessees, or legal possessors to apply, including proof of $1,000,000 in professional and general liability insurance for the establishment.
Physical Requirements: Standards for the physical premises, including:
Compliance with state and local fire and safety requirements.
Sanitation and maintenance of equipment and linens.
Adequate and sanitary restroom facilities.
Proper draping protocols for clients to ensure modesty and prevent exposure of sensitive areas.
Operational Standards:
All massage therapy services must be performed by licensed massage therapists.
Documentation of all appointments (client name, therapist, location, type/duration of service) must be maintained for a minimum of three years.
Requirement for a licensed massage therapist to be designated as responsible for ensuring the establishment's compliance with rules, and their name/license number must be prominently displayed.
Strict prohibitions against engaging in or permitting sexual activity, promoting prostitution, or operating as a sexually oriented business.
Criminal history checks for establishment owners (unless they are already licensed massage therapists who have passed one).
Inspections: The Board has the right to inspect establishments at any time during reasonable business hours to ensure compliance.
IV. Continuing Education (e.g., Chapter 532-X-6):
Renewal Requirements: Specifies the continuing education (CE) hours required for biennial (every two years) license renewal (e.g., 16 hours of CE).
Specific Content: Often includes a minimum number of hours in specific areas like ethics, boundaries, or communication.
Approved Providers: Sets standards for organizations or individuals to be approved as CE providers by the Board.
Record Keeping: Requirements for licensees to maintain records of their completed CE hours.
V. Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Actions (e.g., Chapter 532-X-7 and others):
Unprofessional Conduct: Defines acts that constitute unprofessional conduct and can lead to disciplinary action, such as practicing while impaired, engaging in sexual misconduct, making false statements, violating confidentiality, or engaging in fraudulent activities.
Complaint and Disciplinary Procedures: Outlines the process for the Board to receive and investigate complaints against licensees and establishments, and the procedures for conducting disciplinary hearings.
Penalties: Specifies the range of disciplinary actions the Board can take, including reprimands, fines, license suspension, or license revocation.
VI. Massage Therapy Schools and Instructors (e.g., Chapter 532-X-5):
School Registration: Requirements for massage therapy schools to be registered with and approved by the Board, including curriculum standards, facility requirements, and instructor qualifications.
Instructor Licensing: Specific requirements for individuals to be licensed as massage therapy instructors.
In essence, Title 532 provides the legal framework for the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy to ensure that massage therapy is practiced safely, ethically, and competently within the state, thereby protecting consumers and upholding the integrity of the profession.
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