Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0870 - Board of Massage Licensure
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Tennessee Rules & Regulations – Title 0870: Board of Massage Licensure:
🧾 Title 0870 – Scope & Chapters
Title 0870 establishes the regulatory framework for massage therapists and establishments in Tennessee. It’s divided into two main chapters, effective through March 23, 2025 (regulations.justia.com):
Chapter 0870‑01 – General Rules Governing Licensed Massage Therapists and Establishments
Chapter 0870‑02 – General Rules Governing Massage Therapy Educational Programs (law.cornell.edu)
📘 Chapter 0870‑01 – Therapists & Establishments
This chapter (§ 0870‑01‑.01 to .19) covers:
.01 Definitions – Key terms (e.g., “massage therapy,” “establishment”) (law.cornell.edu)
.02 Draping & Professional Conduct – Rules for modesty, forbidden sexual activity, and banned treatments (law.cornell.edu)
.03 Practice & Inspection Standards –
Proper lighting, ventilation, and cleanliness; waiting area standards
Fire safety and restroom requirements (within 20 ft of treatment area)
Sanitation duties, inspections (announced/unannounced), and reinspection procedures (capitol.tn.gov, regulations.justia.com)
.04 Necessity of Licensure – Massage therapy is classified as a healing art, requiring licensure by any practitioner (casetext.com)
.05‑.11 Licensure Rules – Covers application, exam, renewal, reinstatement, inactivation/reactivation (law.cornell.edu)
.12 Continuing Education – Board-approved CE, typically 24 hours every 2 years (law.cornell.edu)
.13 Disciplinary Actions & Penalties
.14 License Display Requirements
.15 Name & Address Updates
.16 Board Officers & Record Rules
.17 Advertising – Standards governing permissible advertising (law.cornell.edu, casetext.com, tn.gov)
.18 Consumer Right-to-Know
.19 Ethical Standards – Professional conduct expectations
🏫 Chapter 0870‑02 – Educational Programs
Rules (§ 0870‑02‑.01 to .08) for massage schools and training programs, including:
Minimum curriculum and instructor qualifications
Institutional accreditation standards
Student-to-instructor ratios
Program evaluation and reporting requirements (law.cornell.edu, law.cornell.edu, tn.gov)
✅ Summary Table
| Chapter | Focus Area | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 0870‑01 | Licensed Practitioners & Establishments | Licensing rules, facility standards, CE, disciplinary actions |
| 0870‑02 | Massage Therapy Education Programs | Accreditation, curriculum, instructor standards |
📎 Resources & References
Official PDFs via Tennessee SOS Publications (e.g., Chapter 0870‑01 PDF from August 2017) (regulations.justia.com, publications.tnsosfiles.com)
Legislative history and amendments available via Cornell LII (law.cornell.edu)
✔️ Need More Detail?
I can help with deeper dives into any part, such as:
Licensing and application steps
Specific ethical or advertising rules
Inspection standards for your facility
Educational program criteria
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