reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 22A - LACTATION CONSULTANTS (§§ 43-22A-1 — 43-22A-13) › Section 43-22A-12 - Licensing authority of Secretary; investigations; fines

(a)
The Secretary may revoke, suspend, deny, or refuse to issue or renew a license; place a licensee on probation; or issue a letter of admonition upon proof that the licensee or applicant:
(1)
Has procured or attempted to procure a license by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, misleading omission, or material misstatement of fact;
(2)
Has been convicted of a felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude as provided under state law;
(3)
Has willfully or negligently acted in a manner inconsistent with the health or safety of persons under such licensee's care;
(4)
Has had a license to practice a business or profession suspended or revoked or has otherwise been subject to discipline related to such licensee's practice of a business or profession in any other jurisdiction;
(5)
Has committed a fraudulent act that materially affects the fitness of the licensee or applicant to practice a business or profession;
(6)
Excessively or habitually uses alcohol or drugs, provided that the Secretary shall not discipline a licensee under this paragraph if such licensee is enrolled in a substance abuse program approved by the office; or
(7)
Has a physical or mental disability that renders such licensee incapable of safely administering lactation care and services.
(b)
The Secretary is authorized to conduct investigations into allegations of conduct described in subsection (a) of this Code section.
(c)
In addition to revoking, suspending, denying, or refusing to renew a license, the Secretary may fine a licensee found to have violated any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted by the Secretary under this chapter not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 for each violation.
(d)
The provisions of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," shall be applicable to the Secretary and the provisions of this chapter.
Added by 2016 Ga. Laws 429,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-1 - Definitions

As used in this chapter the term:
(1)
"Board" means the Georgia Board of Landscape Architects.
(2)
"Landscape architect" means a person who is licensed pursuant to this chapter to practice or teach landscape architecture.
(3)
"Landscape architecture" means the performance of professional services, including, but not limited to, consultation, investigation, planning, design, preparation of drawings and specifications, and responsible supervision, all in connection with the preservation or determination of proper land uses, natural land features, esthetics, planting plans, the shaping of land to produce the best functional and esthetic effect, and grading plans with determination of drainage. This term shall also include the consideration of environmental problems involving land areas, as such problems relate to the public health, safety, and welfare.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-2 - Georgia Board of Landscape Architects; members

(a)
The Georgia Board of Landscape Architects is created and shall be under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State and the division director. The board shall be composed of five members, each of whom shall be appointed by the Governor. Four of the five members shall be licensed landscape architects who shall be residents of this state and actively engaged in the practice of landscape architecture. The fifth member of the board shall be a resident of this state and shall have no connection whatsoever with the practice of landscape architecture. The four members of the board in office on July 1, 1993, shall serve the remainder of their terms of office, as provided by the law under which each was appointed. The additional member to be added to the board in 1993 shall be appointed for an initial term of four years. Upon the expiration of each member's term of office, a successor shall be appointed for a term of four years, and all succeeding appointments made under this subsection shall be for four-year terms.
(b)
Members of the board shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Vacancies on the board shall be filled by appointment of the Governor and, in the same manner as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section, for the unexpired term of the member creating such vacancy.
(c)
The board shall select from its members a chairman.
(d)
The board may do all things necessary and convenient for its own government and for carrying into effect the provisions of this chapter and may promulgate necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter, not otherwise inconsistent with this chapter, including regulations governing the professional conduct of persons licensed by the board. The board shall be authorized to meet as often as necessary in order to conduct its business, but in no event shall the board meet less than twice during every calendar year.
(e)
Each member of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code Section
43-1-2
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-3 - Seal

The board shall adopt a seal, which may be either an engraved or an ink stamped seal, with the words "Board of Landscape Architects, State of Georgia" or such other device as the board may desire included thereon, by which it shall authenticate the acts of the board.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 52,§; 69, eff. 1/1/2013.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-4 - Power of board to regulate issuance of licenses, to revoke or suspend licenses, and to censure licensees

The board shall have the full power to regulate the issuance of licenses, to revoke or suspend licenses issued under this chapter, and to censure licensees.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-5 - License requirement for persons engaged in landscape architecture; enjoining unauthorized use of title or term "landscape architect."

(a)
No person shall perform or offer, attempt, or agree to perform any act which would constitute the practice of landscape architecture, as defined in paragraph (3) of Code Section
43-23-1
, whether as a part of a transaction or as an entire transaction, unless such person has received a license as a landscape architect pursuant to this chapter.
(b)
The commission of a single act by a person required to be licensed under this chapter and who is not licensed shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
(c)
Notwithstanding any provisions for criminal liability, any person who, without possessing a valid unsuspended, unrevoked license as provided in this chapter, uses the title or term "landscape architect" in any sign, card, listing, advertisement, or in any other manner that would imply or indicate that he is a landscape architect as defined in this chapter may be enjoined from using such title or term in such manner.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-6 - Application for licenses

Any person desiring to act as a landscape architect must file an application for a license with the board. The application shall be in such form and detail as the board shall prescribe.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-7 - Qualifications of applicants; examinations

(a)
Each applicant for initial licensure as a landscape architect shall:
(1)
Be at least 18 years of age;
(2)
Hold a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree or a Bachelor of Science degree in landscape architecture from a college or school of landscape architecture, environmental design, or its equivalent approved by the board; and
(3)
(A)
Have at least 18 months of training in the actual practice of landscape architecture as may be approved by the board, provided that at least one year of such actual practice shall be subsequent to receiving such undergraduate degree; or
(B)
Have earned a postgraduate degree in landscape architecture from a college or school of landscape architecture or environmental design approved by the board.
(b)
Persons who, on July 1, 1993, held licenses as landscape architects issued under the laws of this state shall not be required to obtain additional licenses under this chapter but shall otherwise be subject to all applicable provisions of this chapter, including those pertaining to renewal of such license; and such licensee shall be considered licensed for all purposes under this chapter and subject to the provisions hereof.
(c)
The applicant for initial licensure must have passed a written examination generally covering the matters confronting landscape architects, provided that persons holding a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree or a Bachelor of Science of Landscape Architecture degree in landscape architecture from approved colleges or schools of landscape architecture, environmental design, or their equivalent shall be permitted to take such examination upon furnishing proof of completion of the 18 months' experience requirement or the educational equivalent and proof of their graduation to the board. The examination shall cover such matters as are reasonably calculated to test the knowledge and skill of the applicant in the field of landscape architecture. Failure to pass the examination shall be grounds for denial of a license without a further hearing.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-7.1 - Continuing education requirement

(a)
The board shall be authorized to require persons holding a license under this chapter to complete board approved continuing education of six hours per year. The board shall be authorized to approve courses offered by institutions of higher learning, specialty societies, or professional organizations.
(b)
The board shall be authorized to waive the continuing education requirement in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate.
(c)
The board shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement and ensure compliance with the requirements of this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-8 - License fee; renewal

(a)
Every applicant for licensure as a landscape architect shall submit with his or her application for such licensure a fee in an amount established by the board. If the applicant successfully passes the examination and is otherwise qualified for licensure as a landscape architect, the board shall thereafter, upon payment of a license fee to be determined by the board, issue a license to the applicant, which shall be valid for up to two years and shall be renewable biennially. All licenses shall expire on the renewal date established by the division director. The biennial license renewal fees shall be an amount established by the board.
(b)
Any check presented to the board as a fee for either an original or renewal license which is returned unpaid shall be cause for revocation or denial of the license.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 417,§ 30, eff. 5/20/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-9 - Reciprocity

The board may certify an applicant for registration without examination if such applicant is legally registered as a landscape architect in any state, country, or political entity whose requirements for registration are substantially equivalent to the requirements provided in this chapter and which state, country, or political entity extends the same privilege of reciprocity to landscape architects registered in this state. Such application shall be accompanied by the same licensing fee as required of other landscape architects, provided that such fee shall be returned if the license is not granted.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-10 - Temporary licenses

Any landscape architect who is duly registered in any other state or country may be issued a temporary license as a landscape architect for a stipulated site and project within this state, provided that such person:
(1)
Requests a temporary license on a form provided by the board;
(2)
Presents evidence satisfactory to the board that he is competent to practice landscape architecture as the term is defined in this state;
(3)
Has attained the age of 18 years; and
(4)
Pays a fee to be determined by the board for such temporary license.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-11 - Form of licenses and certificates; seal on certificates; delivery of license to licensee; display of certificate

(a)
The board shall prescribe the form of licenses issued under this chapter. The license of each landscape architect shall be delivered or mailed to the landscape architect.
(b)
The board shall provide certificates to each licensed landscape architect. The board shall prescribe the form of certificates issued. The certificate shall have placed thereon the seal of the board. The certificate of each landscape architect shall be delivered or mailed to the landscape architect. It shall be the duty of the landscape architect to display his certificate conspicuously in his place of business.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-12 - Investigations; censure of licensees; revocation or suspension of licenses

The board may, upon its own motion, and shall, upon the complaint in writing of any person, initiate investigations into the actions of any licensed landscape architect and shall have the power to censure the licensee or to revoke or suspend any license issued under this chapter whenever the board concludes that the licensee has violated any provision of this chapter or whenever the board has determined that the licensee:
(1)
Has obtained a license by false or fraudulent representations;
(2)
Has impersonated another landscape architect or former landscape architect with the same or similar name, or is practicing under an assumed or misleading name, to include practicing under a partnership, limited liability company, or corporate name in which any person who is not a landscape architect is named;
(3)
Has aided or abetted an unlicensed person in the practice of landscape architecture;
(4)
Has been convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude;
(5)
Has, in the practice of landscape architecture, been guilty of fraud, deceit, negligence, or incompetence;
(6)
Has affixed his or her signature to plans, drawings, specifications, or other instruments of service which have not been prepared by him or her or under his or her immediate and responsible direction or has permitted his or her name to be used for the purpose of assisting any person who is not a landscape architect to evade the provisions of this chapter; or
(7)
Has violated the provisions of subsection (a) of Code Section
43-1-19
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-13 - Applicability of the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."

Any action taken by the board with respect to any license issued under this chapter shall be in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-14 - Practice of landscape architecture by partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations; restricted use of term; advertising

Any partnership, firm, limited liability company, or corporation may engage in the practice of landscape architecture, as defined in this chapter, provided that any service which constitutes the practice of landscape architecture shall be supervised by a duly licensed landscape architect who shall be responsible for the services furnished by the partnership, firm, limited liability company, or corporation which would otherwise fall within the purview of this chapter. In no event shall the other members of the partnership, limited liability company, firm, or corporation be designated or described as landscape architects if they are not so licensed; and the term landscape architect or any abbreviation thereof or any other designation which conveys the meaning of landscape architect shall not appear in any partnership, firm, limited liability company, or corporate name in which any person is identified who is in fact not a licensed landscape architect. Upon approval of the board, any partnership, limited liability company, firm, or corporation may operate branch offices in this state to provide landscape architectural services, provided that each branch office has a resident landscape architect licensed under this chapter. All classified directory listings, advertisements, signs, and broadcast commercials, except letterheads and business cards, of corporations, firms, limited liability companies, or partnerships offering landscape architectural services shall include the name and license number of a duly licensed landscape architect providing such services.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-15 - Injunctions

Whenever, in the judgment of the board, any person has engaged in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a violation of this chapter, the Attorney General may bring an action in the name of the state to abate and temporarily and permanently enjoin such acts and practices and to enforce compliance with this chapter. The board shall not be required to give bond in any such action.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-16 - Applicability of chapter to qualified registered architects and professional engineers

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as excluding a qualified registered architect or professional engineer from such landscape architectural practice as may be incidental to the practice of his profession or as excluding a landscape architect registered under this chapter from such architectural or engineering practice as may be incidental to the practice of landscape architecture.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-17 - Exceptions to operation of chapter; restricted use of term

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, this chapter shall not apply to:
(1)
A contractor engaging in the business of or acting in the capacity of a contractor or landscape contractor in this state, provided that he or she is the prime contractor for the installation of his or her design. A contractor or landscape contractor may not perform design services without also performing the installation of said design;
(2)
Any person whose services are offered solely as a gardener or nurseryman;
(3)
Any person qualified by training or experience or by both training and experience whose services are offered solely as a municipal, regional, or urban planner; or
(4)
Any person employed by a state agency, county, or municipality who engages in the business of or acts in the capacity of a landscape architect, insofar as such acts are performed in the course of employment with the respective governmental entity on lands owned by the jurisdiction by which employed.
(b)
None of the persons mentioned in subsection (a) of this Code section shall use the title "landscape architect" without complying with this chapter.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 23 - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS (§§ 43-23-1 — 43-23-20) › Section 43-23-18 - Practicing without a license

Any person who shall practice the profession of landscape architecture or represent himself as a landscape architect or act as such, as defined in this chapter, without first obtaining a license to do so as provided in this chapter, or when such license is revoked, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24 - LIBRARIANS (§§ 43-24-1 — 43-24-7) › Section 43-24-1 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Board" means the State Board for the Certification of Librarians.
(2)
"Librarian" means a person with specialized training as identified in this chapter and in the administrative rules and regulations applicable to this chapter and possessing the necessary training and qualifications to plan, organize, communicate, and administer successfully the use of the library's materials and services.
(3)
"Library" means an organization providing services and informational materials in a variety of formatting, including, but not limited to, books, films, tapes, microforms, and periodicals and having no fewer than 3,000 items which have been selected, acquired, and organized for dissemination.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24 - LIBRARIANS (§§ 43-24-1 — 43-24-7) › Section 43-24-2 - State Board for the Certification of Librarians; members

(a)
The State Board for the Certification of Librarians is created, to consist of six persons as follows:
(1)
Three librarians certified under this chapter, including one public librarian, one special librarian, and one other currently practicing librarian, and one person who shall be a trustee of a public library;
(2)
A member to be appointed from the public at large who shall have no connection whatsoever with the library profession; and
(3)
The director of public library services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
(b)
The members referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be appointed by the Governor and shall be confirmed by the Senate.
(c)
The terms of the five members appointed pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be five years. The term of the director of public library services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia shall be coextensive with the term of office of this position.
(d)
Members of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code Section
43-1-2
.
(e)
If there is a vacancy on the board, the Governor shall appoint a member to serve the unexpired term.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24 - LIBRARIANS (§§ 43-24-1 — 43-24-7) › Section 43-24-3 - Division director as secretary of board

The same jurisdiction, duties, powers, and authority which the division director has with reference to other professional licensing boards is conferred upon that director with respect to the board.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24 - LIBRARIANS (§§ 43-24-1 — 43-24-7) › Section 43-24-4 - Employment of certified librarians by state operated libraries; withholding public funds from noncomplying libraries

Any public library serving a political subdivision or subdivisions having a population of over 5,000 according to the United States decennial census of 1970 or any future such census and every library operated by the state or its authority, including libraries of institutions of higher learning, shall not employ in the position of librarian a person who does not hold a librarian's certificate issued by the board. No public funds shall be paid to any library failing to comply with this chapter, provided that nothing in this chapter shall apply to law libraries of counties and municipalities, to libraries of public elementary and high schools, or to libraries of the University System of Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24 - LIBRARIANS (§§ 43-24-1 — 43-24-7) › Section 43-24-5 - Certification of librarians by board

The board shall have authority to establish grades of certificates for librarians, to prescribe and hold examinations, to require submission of credentials to establish the qualifications of those seeking certificates as librarians, and to issue certificates of librarianship to qualified persons in accordance with such rules and regulations as it may prescribe.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24 - LIBRARIANS (§§ 43-24-1 — 43-24-7) › Section 43-24-6 - Application for certificate; fees; biennial renewal; duplicate certificate

(a)
All applicants for a librarian's certificate shall file an application with the division director, accompanied by a fee which shall be set by the board.
(b)
Each certificate issued shall be renewable biennially.
(c)
Any certified librarian requesting a duplicate certificate shall be charged a fee as shall be set by the board.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24 - LIBRARIANS (§§ 43-24-1 — 43-24-7) › Section 43-24-7 - Continuing education requirements

(a)
The board shall be authorized to require persons holding a certificate under this chapter to complete board approved continuing education of not less than ten hours biennially as a condition of certificate renewal. The board shall be authorized to approve programs offered by professional associations, educational institutions, government agencies, and bibliographic utilities, and others as it deems appropriate.
(b)
The board shall be authorized to waive the continuing education requirement in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the board deems appropriate.
(c)
The board shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement and ensure compliance with the requirements of this Code section.
(d)
The board shall have the authority to appoint a committee or committees composed of certified librarians, as it deems appropriate, to administer, implement, and otherwise carry out the provisions of this chapter relating to continuing education.
Added by 2001 Ga. Laws 272, § 1, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-1 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act."
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-2 - Legislative findings and intent

The General Assembly acknowledges that the practice of massage therapy is a therapeutic health care service delivered by health care professionals that affects the public health, safety, and welfare of Georgians. Massage therapists must have a knowledge of anatomy and physiology and an understanding of the relationship between the structure and function of the tissue being treated and the total function of the body. Massage is therapeutic, and regulations are necessary to protect the public from unqualified practitioners. It is in the interest of the public to set standards of qualifications, education, training, and experience for those who seek to practice massage therapy; to promote high standards of professional performance for those licensed to practice massage therapy; and to protect the public from unprofessional conduct by persons and entities licensed to practice or teach massage therapy.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-4 - Georgia Board of Massage Therapy; creation; members; terms; reimbursement

(a)
There is created the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy which shall consist of five members. The board shall be assigned to the Office of the Secretary of State for administrative purposes and shall be under the jurisdiction of the division director and shall operate in accordance with and pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1 of this title, as applicable.
(b)
The Governor shall appoint, subject to confirmation by the Senate, all members of the board for initial terms of office beginning July 1, 2005. The Governor shall appoint two initial members of the board to serve for terms of two years and three initial members of the board, including the public member, to serve for terms of four years. After the initial terms specified in this subsection, members of the board shall take office on the first day of July immediately following the expired term of that office and shall serve for a term of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. Any person appointed to the board when the Senate is not in session may serve on the board without Senate confirmation until the Senate acts on that appointment. No member shall serve on the board for more than two full consecutive terms. Any vacancy due to death, resignation, removal, or otherwise shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as regular appointments.
(c)
All members of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code Section
43-1-2
.
(d)
An appointee to the board shall qualify by taking an oath of office within 15 days from the date of his or her appointment. On presentation of the oath, the Secretary of State shall issue a commission to each appointee as evidence of his or her authority to act as a member of the board.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-5 - Qualifications of board members; removal

(a)
(1)
There shall be four professional members of the board who shall:
(A)
Be citizens of the United States and residents of this state for at least three years prior to the date of appointment;
(B)
Have been engaged in massage therapy practice for compensation for at least five years immediately preceding their appointment; and
(C)
Be licensed under this chapter.
(2)
No more than one professional member of the board may be an owner of or affiliated with any massage therapy school.
(b)
There shall be one consumer member of the board who shall be appointed by the Governor from the public at large, shall be a citizen of the United States and resident of this state, and shall be a person to whom neither this state nor any other state or jurisdiction or organization has ever issued a certificate, registration, license, or permit to engage in the practice of massage therapy nor be an owner of or affiliated with any massage therapy school or massage therapy business.
(c)
The Governor, after notice and opportunity for hearing, may remove any member of the board for incompetence, neglect of duty, unprofessional conduct, conviction of a felony, failure to meet the qualifications of this chapter, or committing any act prohibited by this chapter.
(d)
Each board member shall annually complete at least one-half hour of training in human trafficking awareness and prevention and shall provide documentation of such training to the chairperson of the board.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 489,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-6 - Meetings of the board; officers and committees

The board shall meet at least once each year at a time fixed by the board. At its annual meeting, the board shall elect from its members a chairperson, vice chairperson, and any other officers as deemed necessary who shall hold office for a term of one year. Additionally, the board may appoint such committees as it considers necessary to fulfill its duties. In addition to its annual meeting, the board may hold additional meetings at the call of the chairperson or at the request of any two members of the board or as approved by the division director.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-8 - Licensure of massage therapists; application and requirements

(a)
No person may practice massage therapy in this state who is not a licensed massage therapist or the holder of a valid provisional permit issued by the division director pursuant to this chapter.
(b)
Any applicant for a license as a massage therapist must submit a completed application upon a form and in such manner as the board prescribes, accompanied by applicable fees, and evidence satisfactory to the board that:
(1)
The applicant is at least 18 years of age;
(2)
The applicant has a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent;
(3)
The applicant is a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident of the United States;
(4)
The applicant is of good moral character. For purposes of this paragraph, "good moral character" means professional integrity and a lack of any conviction for acts involving moral turpitude where the underlying conduct relates to the applicant's fitness to practice massage therapy;
(5)
The applicant has satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check report conducted by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the board. Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board or its representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the board for licensure by examination agrees to provide the board with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. Such applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check;
(6)
The applicant has completed successfully a board recognized massage therapy educational program consisting of a minimum of 500 hours of course and clinical work;
(7)
The applicant has passed satisfactorily the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, an equivalent test approved by the board, or an examination administered by another state, territory, or jurisdiction whose license requirements meet or exceed those of this state; and
(8)
The applicant has and agrees to maintain continuously during the term of licensure liability insurance coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and professional liability in coverages and amounts of not less than $1 million per occurrence, with not less than a minimum annual aggregate of $3 million for all occurrences, as determined by the board.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 724,§ 1, eff. 5/2/2012.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-9 - Provisional permits

(a)
A provisional permit to practice as a provisionally permitted massage therapist shall, upon proper application, be issued for a six-month period to an applicant who meets the following criteria:
(1)
Holds and maintains a valid license as a massage therapist in another state;
(2)
Is not a resident of this state as confirmed in a secure and verifiable document, as defined in Code Section
50-36-2
;
(3)
Has not had a license or permit to practice as a massage therapist voided, revoked, suspended, denied, or annulled by this state or another state, territory, or jurisdiction; and
(4)
Has not been convicted of a felony in the courts of this state, any other state, territory, or country, or in the courts of the United States, including, but not limited to, a plea of nolo contendere entered to such charge or the affording of first offender treatment to any such charge in the same manner as provided in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Code Section
43-1-19
.
(b)
A provisional permit shall require the applicant to work under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist in good standing with the board. If an applicant has met the requirements of subsection (a) of this Code section and submits the applicable license fee, the applicant shall be granted a provisional permit to practice massage therapy in this state. Upon receipt of such application and fee, a provisional permit shall be administratively issued.
(c)
A provisional permit may be voided if the board determines that the person holding such permit no longer meets one or more of the criteria set forth in subsection (a) of this Code section.
(d)
A provisional permit issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall have the same force and effect as a permanent license until the time of its expiration.
(e)
A provisional permit issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall expire on the same date as a license issued under this chapter to a holder of a provisional permit who has passed the examination pursuant to Code Section
43-24A-8
.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 266,§ 4A, eff. 7/1/2013.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 724,§ 2, eff. 5/2/2012.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-10 - Applications under oath

The board may require that all applications be made under oath.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-11 - Licensing examinations

(a)
Examinations shall be administered to qualified applicants for massage therapy licensure at least twice each calendar year.
(b)
Applicants may obtain their examination scores in accordance with such rules and regulations as the board may establish.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-12 - [Repealed and Reserved] License by reciprocity

Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Repealed and Reserved by 2008 Ga. Laws 775,§ 16, eff. 7/1/2008.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-13 - License by endorsement

(a)
Any applicant for a license by endorsement as a massage therapist must submit a completed application upon a form and in such manner as the board prescribes, accompanied by applicable fees, and evidence satisfactory to the board that:
(1)
The applicant is at least 18 years of age;
(2)
The applicant is of good moral character. For purposes of this paragraph, "good moral character" means professional integrity and a lack of any conviction for acts involving moral turpitude where the underlying conduct relates to the applicant's fitness to practice massage therapy;
(3)
The applicant has satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check report conducted by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the board. Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board or its representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the board for licensure by endorsement agrees to provide the board with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check; and
(4)
The applicant is currently licensed as a massage therapist in another jurisdiction, state, or territory of the United States or foreign country which requires standards for licensure considered by the board to be equivalent to the requirements for licensure under this chapter.
(b)
The board may establish by rule procedures for an applicant for licensure by endorsement to supplement his or her application to satisfy any standards for licensure pursuant to this chapter that are greater than those of another state, territory, or jurisdiction.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 724,§ 3, eff. 5/2/2012.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 775,§ 17, eff. 7/1/2008.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-14 - Display of the license certificate; expiration and renewal of licenses; liability insurance coverage; change of address; inactive status

(a)
The licensee shall display the license certificate or a photocopy thereof in an appropriate and public manner at each location at which he or she practices, with a two-inch by two-inch photograph of the licensee taken within the last two years affixed thereto.
(b)
All licenses shall expire biennially unless renewed. All applications for renewal of a license shall be filed with the division director prior to the expiration date, accompanied by the biennial renewal fee prescribed by the board and certifying that all current requirements of continuing education as determined by the board have been fulfilled. The board shall provide for penalty fees for late registration. The failure to renew a license by the end of an established penalty period shall have the same effect as a revocation of said license, subject to reinstatement only after application and payment of the prescribed reinstatement fee within the time period established by the division director, provided that the applicant meets such requirements as the board may establish by rule.
(c)
A licensee shall provide evidence of current liability insurance coverage as required in Code Section
43-24A-8
upon request by the board at any time during such licensee's term of licensure.
(d)
The licensee shall inform the board of any change of address within 30 days.
(e)
Each person licensed under this chapter is responsible for renewing his or her license before the expiration date.
(f)
Under procedures and conditions established by the board, a licensee may request that his or her license be declared inactive. The licensee may apply for active status at any time and upon meeting the conditions set forth by the board shall be declared active.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 489,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 24A - MASSAGE THERAPY (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-33) › Article 1 - GEORGIA MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE ACT (§§ 43-24A-1 — 43-24A-24) › Section 43-24A-15 - Unlawful acts

(a)
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person, entity, or board recognized massage therapy educational program to advertise:
(1)
Massage therapy services or to advertise the offering of massage therapy services unless such services are provided by a person who holds a valid license under this chapter; or
(2)
Massage therapy services through any form of media or representation through the use of pictorial representations unless the persons depicted in such representations are attired and posed in a manner so as to avoid appealing to the prurient interest.
(b)
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person to advertise:
(1)
As a massage therapist unless the person holds a valid license under this chapter in the classification so advertised; or
(2)
Massage therapy services combined with escort or dating services or adult entertainment.
(c)
It shall be a violation of this chapter for a person or entity, or the employees, agents, or representatives of such person or entity, to practice massage therapy or to use in connection with such person's or entity's name or business activity the terms "massage," "massage therapy," "massage therapist," "massage practitioner," or the letters "M.T.," "L.M.T.," or any other words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying directly or indirectly that massage therapy is provided or supplied unless such massage therapy is provided by a massage therapist licensed and practicing in accordance with this chapter.
(d)
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any entity to:
(1)
Advertise the offering of massage therapy services combined with escort or dating services, adult entertainment, or illegal acts relating to sex related crimes; or
(2)
Employ unlicensed massage therapists to perform massage therapy.
(e)
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person to practice massage therapy without holding a current or provisional license as a massage therapist in accordance with subsection (a) of Code Section
43-24A-8
.
(f)
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person or entity, or the employees, agents, or representatives of such person or entity, to render or offer massage therapy services for compensation unless such massage therapy is provided by a licensed massage therapist.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 213,§ 1, eff. 5/6/2019.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 444,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2010.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 391,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.