Source: https://ecode360.com/10450012
Timestamp: 2018-04-24 00:48:11
Document Index: 395653766

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 501', '§ 412', '§ 412', '§ 412']

Town of Southwick, MA Massage Therapy and Bodywork
§ 412-3 Definitions.
§ 412-4 Exceptions and exclusions.
§ 412-5 Licenses, permits, and fees.
§ 412-6 Application and renewal procedure for license of professional practitioner of massage therapy and/or bodywork.
§ 412-7 Application and renewal requirements for licensing of establishments.
§ 412-8 Application procedure for permit of student/apprentice practitioner of massage therapy and/or bodywork.
§ 412-9 Application procedure for solely off-premises business.
§ 412-10 Application procedure for temporary license of professional or student/apprentice practitioner of massage therapy and/or bodywork.
§ 412-11 Colonic hydrotherapy.
§ 412-12 Advisory Board.
§ 412-13 License or permit revocation, suspension or modification and appeals.
§ 412-14 Penalties.
§ 412-15 Enforcement.
§ 412-16 Noncriminal disposition.
§ 412-17 Severability.
§ 412-18 Variances.
§ 412-19 Reciprocity.
§ 412-20 Effective date.
Chapter 412: Massage Therapy and Bodywork
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Health 4-28-2004. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Body art — See Ch. 402.
Chapter 412 : Massage Therapy and Bodywork
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter III, Section 31 and Chapter 140, Sections 51 and 53, of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended, and by virtue of the authority granted to the Board of Health in the Town of Southwick, the following are the rules and regulations of massage therapy and/or bodywork.
The Southwick Board of Health finds it necessary to license the practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork in order to protect the public health and safety. It is the Board's intent that only individuals who meet and maintain minimum standards of competence and conduct may provide services to the public. Those individuals who do not meet and maintain the minimum standards of competence and conduct will not be licensed by the Board of Health and may not operate any business, operation, or any form of massage therapy and/or bodywork in the Town of Southwick.
The group of professional and consumer representatives whose function shall be to assist Boards of Health of Massachusetts cities and towns in their evaluation of the credentials of applicants for licensure and in their evaluation of grievances against practitioners. The Advisory Board shall also evaluate and approve additional state and national professional associations and institutes for inclusion on the Advisory Board. See § 412-12 where the Advisory Board is further defined. The Advisory Board is a state agency and is not an individual board in the Town of Southwick nor subdivision of the Town of Southwick Board of Health.
A practicum conducted in the context of a 500-hour course of study with an instructor present to observe.
The room or group of rooms, offices, building, place of business, or premises where massage therapy and/or bodywork is practiced.
The document issued by the Board of Health for the Town of Southwick to an establishment duly authorized by the Board of Health as an establishment for the purposes of providing massage therapy and/or bodywork within the Town of Southwick.
A practicum conducted by a student/apprentice practitioner on his/her own without an instructor present to observe. Fieldwork hours may be required as part of a massage therapy and/or bodywork curriculum, and shall be over and above the 500-hour course of study. Fieldwork requirements may be met during or after the 500-hour course of study and shall be indirectly supervised by a licensed professional practitioner.
500-HOUR COURSE OF STUDY
A study in massage therapy and/or bodywork taking place in one or any combination of the following: a class setting, a one-on-one student/instructor setting, or a direct supervision setting with a supervisor present for observation of work. A 500-hour course of study shall include, but not be limited to, the subjects of technique, anatomy and physiology, practicum, communication skills, business practices, and ethics.
A published compilation, prepared by the Advisory Board, of descriptions, standards for practice, codes of ethics, and required documentation for licenses and permits related to each massage therapy and/or bodywork in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or national professional association and institute herein named.
A professional practitioner who has obtained a license by the Board of Health for the Town of Southwick.
The document issued by the Board of Health for the Town of Southwick to an individual duly authorized by the Board of Health to perform massage therapy and/or bodywork within the Town of Southwick.
The act or technique of moving or manipulating superficial or deep tissues, muscles, joints, or bones by rubbing, kneading, guiding, or the like by manual or mechanical means, or as directed by the practitioner, for the purpose of invigoration, relaxation, education, or an increase in physical and/or emotional health and well-being.
The practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork at locations other than an establishment, including but not limited to private homes, businesses, and sports events.
Any person who has completed a minimum 500-hour course of study in massage therapy and/or bodywork which meets the standards of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or national professional association or institute; or who has passed the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork; or who has been recommended by the Advisory Board and who for compensation, hire or reward engages in the practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork.
STATE OR NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OR INSTITUTE
An organization providing standards for practice; code of ethics and grievance procedure; and providing or approving a 500-hour course of study.
STUDENT/APPRENTICE PRACTITIONER
Any person having accumulated fewer than 500 hours in his/her course of study, engaged in a fieldwork practicum in massage therapy and/or bodywork outside of a training facility or school for the purpose of meeting curriculum requirements and/or for compensation, hire, or reward. A student/apprentice practitioner shall maintain contact with a licensed professional practitioner responsible for overseeing his/her fieldwork.
A license issued by the Board of Health for the Town of Southwick to an individual conducting massage therapy and/or bodywork within the Town of Southwick on a temporary basis, which is defined more fully herein in § 412-5D.
TRAINING FACILITY OR SCHOOL
Any premises, facility, structure, or building used to train individuals to become professional practitioners of massage therapy and/or bodywork.
Practitioner: These regulations shall not apply to the following individuals while engaged in the regular performance of the duties of their respective professions:
Physicians, chiropractors, osteopaths, occupational therapists, or physical therapists who are duly licensed to practice their respective professions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Athletic trainers duly licensed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Barbers and beauticians who are duly registered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, except that this exemption shall apply solely to the massage of the neck, face, scalp, and hair of the customer or client for cosmetic or beautifying purposes.
An acupuncturist duly licensed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Upon promulgation of these regulations, currently established practitioners of massage therapy and/or bodywork that do not meet all the requirements of these regulations may apply to the Board of Health for a practitioner's license and be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Establishment: These regulations shall not apply to the following:
Hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent homes, home health agencies or other institutions similarly licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. massage therapy and/or bodywork practitioners working in such institutions within the Town of Southwick are required to obtain a license or permit as provided herein unless excluded under § 412-4A.
Locations where massage therapy and/or bodywork is offered infrequently; that is, on 10 or fewer occasions over a six-month period.
Student/apprentice: A student or apprentice of massage therapy and/or bodywork who is gaining practical experience at a training facility or school for the purpose of meeting curriculum requirements and who is under the instruction of a licensed professional practitioner present in the training facility or school shall not be required to obtain a student/apprentice practitioner permit.
Charitable work: When a person is engaged in the practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork within the Town of Southwick, and the primary purpose of the practice is for charity as defined by IRC Section § 501(c) and the practice is temporary, which is defined as not more than seven days in a thirty-day period, there shall be an exception to obtaining a license or permit from the Southwick Board of Health.
Minors: No massage therapy and/or bodywork shall be performed on a minor without written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Animals: These regulations shall pertain to the practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork on human beings only, and shall not be construed to apply to the practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork on animals.
No person shall practice as a professional practitioner of massage therapy and/or bodywork for hire or reward or advertise or hold him/herself as being engaged in the business of massage therapy and/or bodywork in the Town of Southwick unless first having been issued a license required pursuant to these regulations. The fee for the initial license and for a renewal license shall be determined by the Southwick Board of Health.
No person shall operate an establishment for the practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork unless first having been issued an establishment license required pursuant to these regulations. The fee for the initial establishment license and for the renewal of the establishment license shall be determined by the Southwick Board of Health.
A license issued to the operator of an establishment, or to conduct off-premises business or a permit or license issued to a professional or student/apprentice practitioner of massage therapy and/or bodywork, is not transferable to another location or person. All licenses shall expire on December 31 of each year.
No practitioner or instructor of massage therapy and/or bodywork shall engage in the practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork in the Town of Southwick on a temporary basis unless first having been issued a temporary license required pursuant to these regulations. A temporary license shall be required for practitioners participating at events including, but not limited to, sports events and massage therapy and/or bodywork training events. The temporary license fee shall be determined by the Southwick Board of Health per practitioner for an event of one to seven days' duration and per practitioner for an event of eight days' to four weeks' duration. No establishment license shall be required for the setting of said event.
Such temporary licenses shall be obtained by the individual practitioner or on his/her behalf by a training facility or school or an institution (e.g. Boston Marathon).
No person shall be licensed to practice as a professional practitioner of massage therapy and/or bodywork in the Town of Southwick unless he/she meets the following requirements:
Submit to the Southwick Board of Health a completed application form as supplied by the Board of Health. False statements in said application shall be grounds for denial or revocation of a license.
Provide satisfactory evidence that the applicant is 18 years of age or older, by presenting two forms of positive identification or a valid passport.
Submit a demonstration of competency in one of the following three ways:
Submit satisfactory evidence of education as outlined on the documentation of the Information Packet.
Submit evidence of having passed the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Submit evidence of having received a recommendation from the Advisory Board confirming completion of a course of study and/or training experience evaluated as equivalent to a 500-hour course of study in massage therapy and/or bodywork.
Submit one face-front photograph at least two inches by two inches in size taken within 90 days prior to the submission of the application.
Agree to follow all the rules and regulations specified herein and conduct him/herself in accordance with the standards for practice and ethical guidelines of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or national professional association or institute named herein or in accordance with the ethical code outlined by the Advisory Board. Professional practitioners shall not misrepresent their training, experience, credentials, or title.
Submit proof of a skin test for tuberculosis done within the last two years. A new skin test for tuberculosis shall be required every three years thereafter.
Submit proof of immunity to infection with Hepatitis B virus.
File an application for renewal not less than 30 days prior to the expiration of his/her license, whereupon his/her existing license shall not expire until Southwick Board of Health has determined the application's renewal status. At the time of filing a renewal application, the applicant shall submit satisfactory evidence, as outlined on the documentation page of the Information Packet, of his/her current professional status.
Every operator of an establishment for massage therapy and/or bodywork shall meet the following requirements:
Submit to the Southwick Board of Health a completed application form containing all information therein requested. False statements in said application shall be grounds for revocation or denial of a license.
Notify the Southwick Board of Health at least 14 days prior to any change of name, address, or ownership of the premises.
Operate only under the name or designation specified on the license or a change thereto as pursuant to paragraph B of this Subsection A(2).
Employ or cause to be employed as a massage therapy and/or bodywork practitioner(s) only a person(s) who has(have) a license(s) or permit(s) for the practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork from the Town of Southwick Board of Health.
Perform or allow to be performed no illegal act on the premises. A violation of this section may be grounds for revocation, suspension or modification of the massage therapy and/or bodywork license.
Serve no alcoholic beverages in the portion of a building that the Board of Health determines is being used for the purpose of giving massage therapy and/or bodywork.
Operate no x-ray, fluoroscope, diathermy, or other similar equipment unless licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to practice a profession requiring the use of such equipment.
Provide that all rooms used for massage therapy and/or bodywork be clean and easily cleanable, well lighted, adequately ventilated, and properly heated in accordance with local and/or state regulations.
Post conspicuously, at the reception area of an establishment where shower facilities are not provided, a sign which shall read:
NOTICE TO MASSAGE CLIENTS
THIS ESTABLISHMENT DOES NOT PROVIDE A SHOWER FOR USE AFTER MASSAGE. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO LOTIONS, OILS, OR POWDERS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE MASSAGE THERAPIST PRIOR TO THE MASSAGE. THEY WILL NOT BE USED. IF REQUESTED, THE MASSAGE THERAPIST WILL USE RUBBING ALCOHOL OR SOAP AND WARM WATER TO REMOVE OILS, LOTIONS, OR POWDER USED DURING MASSAGE.
Hypoallergenic soap, water, and rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) shall be available in the establishment at all times when a shower is not provided. The sign shall not be required in establishments where techniques are performed on clients fully clothed or where techniques are performed that do not use oil.
Maintain all areas of the establishment, including the furniture and equipment therein, in sanitary condition at all times. All massage therapy and/or bodywork tables, mattresses, etc., shall be easily cleanable, All surfaces used for massage therapy and/or bodywork shall be properly cleaned and sanitized after each massage therapy and/or bodywork session.
Clean and sanitize after each use all robes, sheets, towels, etc., supplied by the establishment which may come in direct contact with the body. Single-service items are acceptable, and shall only be used once.
Display in a conspicuous place the current license of the establishment and current licenses or permits of all massage therapy and/or bodywork practitioners conducting massage therapy and/or bodywork therein.
File an application for renewal not less than 30 days prior to the expiration of the establishment license, whereupon the existing license shall not expire until the Southwick Board of Health has finally determined the renewal application's status. Said Southwick Board of Health shall notify the renewal applicant of the Board's decision within 30 days upon receipt of the renewal application.
Every operator of an establishment for the giving of massage therapy and/or bodywork shall require all practitioners conducting massage therapy and/or bodywork on the premises to meet the following requirements:
Touch or work with a client, when either the client or practitioner is afflicted with a communicable disease that could be spread through the massage therapy and/or bodywork process or through close contact ordinarily associated with massage therapy and/or bodywork process, only when precautions are taken to prevent transmission. Should precautions be insufficient to prevent transmission, the practitioner shall be required to refrain from conducting massage therapy and/or bodywork until the condition no longer is communicable.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and hot water immediately before and after performing a massage therapy and/or bodywork session.
Maintain a sufficient level of personal cleanliness and be clothed in clean and appropriate attire.
Take all precautions for proper hygiene within the facilities.
A practitioner who has been issued an establishment license shall be allowed to conduct off premises business according to the requirements specified for conduct of an establishment in § 412-7A(5), (6) (7) and (11) and B(1), (2), (3) and (4). The practitioner shall carry his/her practitioner license or permit conducting off-premises business.
No person shall be granted a student/apprentice practitioner permit to practice massage therapy and/or bodywork in the Town of Southwick unless he/she meets the following requirements:
Submit to the Southwick Board of Health a completed application form as supplied by the Board of Health, that shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the applicant's fieldwork instructor (a licensed professional practitioner). False statements in said application shall be grounds for denial or revocation of a license.
Submit satisfactory evidence, as outlined on the documentation page of the Information Packet, that he/she is engaged in the pursuit of a 500-hour course of study in massage therapy and/or bodywork.
Agree to follow all the rules and regulations specified herein and conduct him/herself in accordance with the standards for practice and ethical guidelines of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or national professional association or institute named herein, or in accordance with the ethical code outlined by the Advisory Board. Student/apprentice practitioners shall not misrepresent their training, experience, credentials, or title.
File an application for renewal not less than 30 days prior to the expiration of his/her permit, whereupon the existing permit shall not expire until the Southwick Board of Health has finally determined the renewal application's status. At the time of the filing for a renewal application, the applicant shall submit satisfactory evidence as outlined on the documentation page of the Information Packet of current enrollment in a training program in massage therapy and/or bodywork.
Every operator of a solely off-premises business shall meet the following requirements:
Submit to the Southwick Board of Health a completed application form as supplied by the Board of Health, that shall contain all information therein requested. False statements in sad application shall be grounds for denial or revocation of a license.
Agree to meet all the requirements set forth in § 412-6B, C(1) through (3), D, E, F, G and H, and § 412-7A(5), (6), (7) and (11) and B(1), (2), (3) and (4).
Carry his/her practitioner license when conducting off-premises business.
File an application for renewal not less than 30 days prior to the expiration of the permit, whereupon the existing permit shall not expire until the Southwick Board of Health has finally determined the renewal application's status. Said Southwick Board of Health shall notify the renewal applicant of the Board's decision within 30 days upon receipt of the renewal application.
No person shall practice massage therapy and/or bodywork on a temporary basis in the Town of Southwick unless he/she meets the following requirements:
Submit to the Southwick Board of Health a completed application form supplying all information therein requested. This form shall be completed by the individual practitioner on his/her own behalf or by an agent of the temporary event on behalf of the participating practitioner(s). False statements in said application shall be grounds for denial or revocation of a license.
Perform or allow to be performed no illegal act on the premises of the temporary event.
Maintain hygienic practices to the greatest degree allowed by the conditions of the temporary event.
Agree to follow all the rules and regulations specified herein and conduct him/herself in accordance with the standards for practice and ethical guidelines of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or national professional association or institute named herein, or in accordance with the ethical code outlined by the Advisory Board.
Student/apprentice practitioners who practice in a Massachusetts city or town that does not require a permit or student/apprentice practitioners from out of state shall not qualify for a temporary license.
A massage therapy and/or bodywork license does not qualify the practitioner to practice colonic hydrotherapy.
The statewide Advisory Board shall be established to serve the Boards of Health of the Commonwealth to better carry out these Rules and Regulations. The Advisory Board shall meet at least twice a year, with additional meetings as needed. The Advisory Board shall consist of individuals representing massage therapy and/or bodywork professions, Boards of Health, Health Officers, and consumers as specified in the Advisory Board Bylaws.
Members of the Advisory Board shall be appointed by the association(s) they represent as specified in the Advisory Board Bylaws. A member may be removed for neglect of duty or incompetency as specified in the Advisory Board Bylaws.
The list of state and national professional associations and institutes may be updated periodically by the Advisory Board to include other massage therapy and/or bodywork professions, provided that each association or institute has a published code of ethics, grievance procedure, standards for practice, and defines a minimum 500-hour course of study.
Functions of the Advisory Board: The Advisory Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Southwick Board of Health in matters pertaining to the granting of licenses to professional practitioners and permits to student/apprentice practitioners of massage therapy and/or bodywork. The Advisory Board shall advise the Southwick Board of Health on such mailers as policies affecting examination, qualifications, issuance and renewal, denial, suspension, or revocation of permits and licenses and the development of rules and regulations. The Advisory Board shall also serve in an advisory capacity in matters pertaining to the evaluation of complaints against practitioners. The Advisory Board shall provide a code of ethics for those practitioners who have not been provided a code through their training.
Procedure to evaluate candidates for professional practitioner or student/apprentice practitioner of massage therapy and/or bodywork shall be as follows:
The Southwick Board of Health, using these rules and regulations and the Information Packet provided by the Advisory Board, shall decide the eligibility of an applicant for a license or permit.
When the Southwick Board of Health, for any reason, cannot determine an applicant's eligibility for a license or permit, the Board of Health shall contact the Advisory Board for direction and assistance in the following manner:
The Board of Health shall ask the applicant to indicate which massage therapy and/or bodywork member most closely represents the applicant's work, The Board of Health shall then contact that member with the specific problem or question regarding the applicant's qualifications.
If neither applicant nor the Board of Health can determine the appropriate massage therapy and/or bodywork member to contact, the Board of Health shall contact the Advisory Board chairperson.
After reviewing the applicants qualifications, the appropriate member shall make a recommendation to the Board of Health regarding the applicant's eligibility for a license or permit in a timely fashion.
Procedures to evaluate complaints against professional or student/apprentice practitioners of massage therapy and/or bodywork shall be as follows:
The Southwick Board of Health, using these rules and regulations and the Information Packet provided by the Advisory Board, shall decide the validity of the complaint and determine if said complaint warrants suspension, revocation, or modification of the license or permit.
When the Southwick Board of Health, for any reason, cannot determine the status or validity of a complaint, the Board of Health shall contact the Advisory Board for direction and assistance in the following manner:
The Board of Health shall refer the complaint to the member of the Advisory Board most closely representing the work of the practitioner against whom the complaint has been made.
After reviewing the complaint, the appropriate member of the Advisory Board shall make a recommendation regarding the validity of the complaint to the Board of Health in a timely fashion.
All recommendations made by a member of the Advisory Board, according to procedures in Subsection E or F, shall be reported for review to the full Advisory Board at the next scheduled meeting.
The Board of Health may suspend, revoke, or modify a professional practitioner, or establishment, or temporary license, or a student/apprentice practitioner permit for any violation of the rules and regulations or for the performance of any illegal act on the premises by serving an order in writing to the person(s) responsible for the violation.
The person(s) to whom an order has been served may request a hearing before the Board of Health within seven days after the day the order was served. Upon receipt of such petition, the Board of health shall set a time and place for such hearing and shall inform the petitioner thereof in writing. The hearing shall be commenced not later than 30 days after the day on which the order was served. The thirty-day period may be extended if in the opinion of the Board of Health the petitioner has submitted a good and sufficient reason for such postponement
At the hearing, the petitioner shall be given an opportunity to be heard and to show why the order should be modified or withdrawn. After the hearing the Board of Health shall sustain, modify, or withdraw the order and shall inform the petitioner in writing of this decision.
Whoever violates any provision of the rules and regulations as stated herein, under the authority of, and as pertaining to Section 31 of Chapter 111 and Sections 51 and 53, Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100 or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
Enforcement of these regulations shall be implemented by the Southwick Board of Health, its designated agent(s), or by police officers of the Town of Southwick.
Every licensee shall permit the Southwick Board of Health, its designated agent(s), or police officers of the Town of Southwick to inspect his/her place of business and his/her work at any reasonable time.
Whoever violates any provision of these rules and regulations, the violation of which is subject to a specific penalty, may be penalized by the noncriminal method of disposition as provided in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 210, or by filing a criminal complaint at the appropriate venue.
If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of the Rules and Regulations shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, that decision shall not affect any other portion of the rules and regulations, which shall remain in full force and effect; and to this end so shall the provisions of these rules and regulations.
Any person(s) may submit a written request to the Board of Health for a variance in the application of any provision of these rules and regulations when the enforcement thereof would do manifest injustice. The Board of Health shall respond in writing within 14 days.
Any person(s) who has been refused a granting of a variance may request a hearing before the Southwick Board of Health within seven days after the day the refusal was served, Upon receipt of such petition, the Board of Health shall set a time and place for such hearing and shall inform the petitioner thereof in writing. The hearing shall be commenced not later than 30 days after the day on which the refusal was served. The thirty-day period may be extended if in the opinion of the Southwick Board of Health the petitioner has submitted a good and sufficient reason for such postponement.
At the hearing, the petitioner shall be given an opportunity to be heard and to show why the variance should be granted. After the hearing, the Board of Health, shall sustain, modify, or withdraw the order and shall inform the petitioner in writing of this decision.
The Southwick Board of Health shall recognize an establishment license issued to a professional practitioner or student/apprentice practitioner by another city/town with comparable regulations and shall allow the practitioner to conduct infrequent massage therapy and/or bodywork business (i.e., 10 Sessions or fewer over a six-month period) without obtaining an additional establishment license.
Any practitioner issued a license or permit to practice massage therapy and/or bodywork by any city or town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may qualify for a license in the Town of Southwick without additional evaluation of qualifications, provided that the city/town of original licensing has a comparable regulatory standard.
These rules and regulations shall be in effect upon passage.