37-33-404. Exemptions -- rules. (1) The provisions of this chapter do not limit or regulate the scope of practice of any other profession licensed under the laws of this state, including but not limited to medicine, dentistry, osteopathy, podiatry, nursing, physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, veterinary medicine, occupational therapy, naturopathic medicine, cosmetology, manicuring, barbering, barbering nonchemical, esthetics, electrology, professional counseling, social work, psychology, or athletic training.

(2) A continuing education course instructor is not required to be licensed as a massage therapist.

(3) A massage therapy student, when enrolled in a board-approved program and while practicing the skills of massage therapy designated as a school-sanctioned activity and under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist, is not required to be licensed.

(4) The provisions of this chapter do not limit or regulate the practice of Native American traditional healing or faith healing.

(5) (a) The provisions of this chapter do not limit or regulate the practice of any person who uses:

(i) touch, words, and directed movement to deepen awareness of existing patterns of movement in the body, as well as to suggest new possibilities of movement. Exempt practices under this subsection (5)(a)(i) include but are not limited to the Feldenkrais method of somatic education, the Trager approach to movement education, and body-mind centering.

(ii) touch to affect the human energy systems, energy meridians, or energy fields. Exempted practices under this subsection (5)(a)(ii) include but are not limited to polarity bodywork therapy, Asian bodywork therapy, acupressure, jin shin do, qigong, reiki, shiatsu, and tui na.

(iii) touch to effect change on the integration of the structure of the physical body. Exempt practices under this subsection (5)(a)(iii) include but are not limited to the Rolf method of structural integration, Rolfing, and Hellerwork.

(iv) touch to affect the reflex areas located in the hands, feet, and outer ears. Exempt practices under this subsection (5)(a)(iv) include but are not limited to reflexology.

(b) The exemptions in subsection (5)(a) apply only if:

(i) the person is recognized by or meets the established requirements of either a professional organization or credentialing agency that represents or certifies the respective practice based on a minimum level of training, demonstration of competence, and adherence to ethical standards; and

(ii) the person's services are not designated as or implied to be massage therapy.

History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 451, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 15, Ch. 15, L. 2015.