# Health Occupations (GHO)

## Title 6. Massage Therapy

### Subtitle 5. Prohibited Acts

#### Section 6-501

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice massage therapy, massage, myotherapy, or any synonym or derivation of these terms in the State unless licensed or registered by the Board.

(b) A person may not aid or abet the unauthorized practice of massage therapy in the State.

#### Section 6-502

(a) An individual who is not a licensed massage therapist or registered massage practitioner under this title may not advertise or claim by title, abbreviation, sign, card, or any other representation that the individual practices massage, massage therapy, myotherapy, or any synonym or derivation of these terms.

(b) An individual who is a registered massage practitioner under this title, or a business entity that employs an individual who is a registered massage practitioner under this title, may not advertise to the public that the individual or business entity provides health-related therapeutic massage services.

(c) Unless authorized to practice under this title, a person may not use the title "massage therapist", "MT", "licensed massage therapist", "LMT", "massage practitioner", "MP", "registered massage practitioner", or "RMP", or any other term or title with the intent to represent that the person practices massage therapy.

(d) A law enforcement officer may demand proof of licensure or registration.

#### Section 6-503

A person may not buy, sell, or fraudulently obtain:

(1) A license or registration; or

(2) Any diploma or degree required under Sec. 6-302 of this title.

#### Section 6-504

(a)

  (1) This subsection does not apply to a person who practices or attempts to practice massage therapy without a license or registration if the person's license or registration expired fewer than 6 months before the violation occurred.

  (2) A person who practices or attempts to practice massage therapy without a license or registration in violation of Sec. 6-501(a) of this subtitle or represents to the public in violation of Sec. 6-502 of this subtitle that the person is authorized to practice massage therapy is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:

    (i) For a first offense, a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months; or

    (ii) For a subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $6,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year.

(b) A person who aids or abets the unauthorized practice of massage therapy in violation of Sec. 6-501(b) of this subtitle is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to:

  (1) For a first offense, a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year; or

  (2) For a subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $20,000 per day or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years.

(c) A person who is convicted under subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall reimburse the Board for the direct costs of the Board, including court reporting services and expert witness fees, incurred as a result of a prosecution under subsection (a) or (b) of this section.

(d)

  (1) A person who violates Sec. 6-501 of this subtitle is subject to a civil fine of not more than $10,000 to be assessed by the Board in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board.

  (2) The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners Fund.

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Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)