Massage Therapy means the manipulation of soft tissue and may include, but is not limited to, effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, compression, vibration, friction, nerve stroker, and other Swedish movements, either by hand or with mechanical or electrical apparatus, for the purpose of body massage. Massage therapy may include the use of oil, salt glows, hot and cold packs, and other externally applied materials. Massage therapy is not a health occupation and shall not include diagnosis or any service or procedure for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, podiatry, or any other occupation which requires licensure by the State. Massage Therapist means any individual who practices massage therapy. Massage therapist does not include athletic trainers, technicians, or physical therapists who act under the prescription or supervision of a person who holds a license to practice medicine or surgery.

No person shall engage in, conduct, or practice massage therapy without a valid, nonsuspended license issued by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement pursuant to this Division.

Every person engaging in, conducting, or practicing massage therapy shall pay an annual license fee of Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00), which shall defray the cost of regulation. Every person engaging in, conducting, or practicing massage therapy shall have either: Graduated from a school of massage therapy accredited by the American Massage Therapy Association; or Received a passing grade on the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work administered by the National Certifications Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work. A person who has not received a passing grade on the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work may apply for a provisional license for a period not to exceed one year. A person who desires to engage in, conduct, or practice massage therapy prior to receiving a passing grade on the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work shall have: Completed a course of 500 hours in a school of massage certified by a government agency or by a nationally recognized association of professionals trained in massage; or Obtained a license valid in another state. The Director shall refer the license application to the Chief of Police who shall review criminal justice records and report to the Director the results of the review. The cost of each background criminal records check shall be borne by the applicant.

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct, or practice massage therapy without a valid, nonsuspended license issued pursuant to this Division.

Any person who violates the provisions of this Division shall be punished as provided in Section 1-123 of this Code.

Any person licensed in accordance with this Division shall be exempt from the licensing provisions of Subtitle 5, Division 9A, of this Code.