Massage License Verification Online.
(5) “Massage” means the systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body accomplished by the use of digits, hands, forearms, elbows, knees, or feet, hand-held tool, or other external apparatus. Massage may include the use of topical applications.
(6) “Massage therapist” means a person engaged in the practice of massage and is licensed in accordance with this chapter of the general laws of the state of Rhode Island.
(7) “Massage therapy” means the use of massage for therapeutic purposes, including, but not limited to: pain management, stress reduction, promotion of relaxation, and enhancement of general health and well-being. Massage therapy includes, but is not limited to, manipulation of soft tissue and normal movement of the body to develop an appropriate massage therapy session and the delivery of self-care and health maintenance information. § 23-20.8-1. Definitions.
(b)A person shall hold himself or herself out to others as a massage therapist when the person adopts or uses any title or description, including: “massage therapist,” “masseur,” “masseuse,” “massagist,” “massotherapist,” “myotherapist,” “body therapist,” “massage technician,” “massage practitioner,” or any derivation of those terms that implies this practice.
§ 23-20.8-3. Practice of massage therapy — License required (c)It shall be unlawful to advertise the practice of massage therapy using the term massage therapy, or any other term that implies a massage technique or method, in any public or private publication or communication by a person not licensed by the state of Rhode Island department of health as a massage therapist. Any person who holds a license to practice as a massage therapist in this state may use the title “licensed massage therapist” and the abbreviation “LMT.” No other persons may assume this title or use such abbreviation or any other word, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person using the title is a licensed massage therapist. A massage therapist’s name and license number must conspicuously appear on all of the massage therapist’s print and electronic material. A massage therapist licensed under this chapter must have available his or her license in all places of business practice.
(a)Any person who practices massage therapy or acts in any capacity where a license is required by this chapter, without a license provided for in this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b)Any owner, operator, manager, or licensee in charge of or in control of a massage therapy practice who knowingly employs a person who is not licensed as a massage therapist, or who allows an unlicensed person to perform, operate, or practice massage therapy is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(c)The practice of massage therapy by a person without a license issued under this chapter is declared to be a danger to the public health and welfare. In addition to any other civil, criminal, or disciplinary remedy, the attorney general or prosecuting attorney of any municipality where the person is practicing, or purporting to practice, may maintain an action to enjoin that person from practicing massage therapy until this person secures a valid license.
Dept of Health
Massage Therapy
3 Capitol Hill, Room 105A
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-5960
Email: doh.elicense@health.ri.gov
