Several years ago, it was common for licensed professionals, such as chiropractors, massage therapists, and other non-dietician professionals to offer nutritional supplements and diet programs to their clients. This raises conflict of interest and ethical concerns. The article linked below offers a legal insight into these practices.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in a July newsletter. This newsletter is focused on licensing information, especially for those in Texas. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in a July newsletter. This newsletter is focused on licensing information, especially for those in Texas. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
“You must go through the process of application, background check (fingerprint), and license issued by the Arizona Massage Board which takes anywhere from five to eight weeks,” he said. “Any person practicing without a license can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and also be subject for review in front of the Arizona massage board, which has the authority to issue or not issue the license if the applicant has failed to meet the standards or violate the law, which can endanger the public.”
The ability to move to Arizona and practice in a licensed occupation will be available only to people from states that require them to hold a license.
The applicant has to have been licensed in another state or U.S. territory for at least two years of the last five years immediately preceding their application, or the applicant has to hold a current certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) “or another agency that meets the standards of the national organization.”
All massage applicants must submit to a fingerprint background check. If an applicant has worked as a massage therapist for less than two of the past five years immediately preceding their Arizona application, they must also submit educational transcripts.
To further align with healthcare professions and embrace similar competency-based criteria, NCBTMB announced the following new Board Certification requirements as of August 3, 2018:
Graduate from a NCBTMB Assigned School
Passing score on the NCBTMB Board Certification Exam
Pass a criminal background check (performed by NCBTMB)
Verification of current massage therapy state licensure
Agree to uphold NCBTMB’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
NCBTMB removed its previously mandated 750 hours of education and 250 hours of professional, hands-on work experience.
Board Certification renewal requirements remain mainly unaffected. However, 100 hours of hands-on work experience is no longer required.
1. HB 1865 removes the five-year license ineligibility provision for persons who have been convicted of, entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilt to, or received deferred adjudication for an offense under Chapter 20A or Subchapter A, Chapter 43 of the Penal Code. This part of the bill takes effect on September 1, 2019 and allows TDLR to assess each applicant’s fitness for licensure on a case-by-case basis.
2. HB 1865 requires persons who apply for an initial license on or after September 1, 2019 to submit fingerprints for the purposes of obtaining criminal history information. All licensees must comply with the fingerprint requirement no later than September 1, 2021.
3. HB 1865 requires students who are enrolled in a massage school on or after June 1, 2020 to hold a student permit.
4. HB 1865 also requires massage schools to maintain a monthly progress report regarding attendance for students and to notify TDLR when a student is eligible to take the examination. Massage school reporting requirements go into effect on July 1, 2020
5. HB 2747 prohibits any individual, including a student, license holder, or employee, from residing on the premises of a massage establishment after September 1, 2019.
6. HB 2747 requires licensed massage therapists to attach their photograph to the front of their posted license no later than January 1, 2020.
7. HB 2747 also requires massage establishments and schools to display a sign concerning the services and assistance available to victims of human trafficking no later than April 1, 2020.
1. Senate Bill (SB) 37 removes authority for a licensing agency to take disciplinary action against an applicant or licensee, including refusal to issue or renew an occupational license, based on the person’s default on a student loan or breach of a student loan repayment contract or scholarship contract. The bill went into effect on June 7, 2019.
2. HB 2452 also allows TDLR to accept anonymous complaints. The bill went into effect on May 29, 2019.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in my September newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This month is focused on business and ethics information. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
Tidbits, Updates and Resources:
1.“The key to a successful interview is preparation. Review your research about the company, such as its history, mission and organizational structure. Be prepared to share how you feel that your education, experience, personality and ancillary skills will be an asset to the company. Several people with equally good qualifications could be interviewing for this position, and your knowledge of the employer’s mission, goals and business philosophy can go a long way to demonstrate your interest and work ethic. Details about interviews and preparations can be found in an article published in Massage Magazine titled HOW TO ACE YOUR MASSAGE INTERVIEW
2. "Shane Evans had a back injury that was helped by frequent massages. Problem was, she couldn’t always afford to pay spa prices. Frustrated, and inspired, she and her husband, Wayne, cashed in their investments and savings to start Massage Heights, a massage membership business that offers an upscale environment at affordable prices. Today the company has 147 franchisees in the U.S. and Canada and generated revenues of $110 million in 2017. “ Read her inspiring story "How I Built a Massage Empire” in Fortune Magazine.
3. 18 Massage Therapist resumé templates are available for free through Outra Radio.
4. Player FM, a podcast site, offers a series of Massage Business focused podcasts with Tim Cooper, including “How to Build an 8 Figure Medical Massage Business”, How to Get the Most Out of your Continuing Education” and “Social Media Marketing Strategies.” More titles can be found at Player FM.
5. Massage Magazine provided a list of helpful software apps for massage businesses:
6. Massage Magazine has an article, “She Used to Barter Massage for CDs-Then Austin City Limits Said Yes”. featuring our very own Austin Massage Therapist, Michelle Hittner. The article focuses on how she built her practice (Austin Massage Company) working with musicians and athletes. Congratulations to Michelle!
7. Healthinomics—ready-made social media content for massage therapists. “Healthinomics was created to help health and wellness business owners market themselves better and more professionally on social media with little to no effort. We do that by providing beautiful bundles of ready-made social media images that save you tones of time.”
8. Massage Business Blueprint offers a podcast by Michael Reynolds, titled “Quick Tips on Logo Design for Your Massage Business.”
I receive a weekly update on anything published anywhere on the internet that includes information about massage business and tips or hacks. If you have any problems with the links, please let me know, or if you come across any information that you think would be good to share, please also feel free to pass that information along: info@holistichealingarts.net
Regarding Licensing
For Continuing Education Providers: The renewal and application form has been changed. The form now includes the following instructions:
Provide a brief description of your capability in development and instruction of continuing education courses along with a business plan with clearly defined purposes such as policies on inclement weather, cancellations, etc.
Ethics Situation for your consideration
Nikki’s clientele are athletes who have sports-related injuries. In most cases, she massages the targeted area while seated. Today is a busy day for Nikki. In addition to 5 half-hour sessions, Nikki’s sister hired her to provide relaxation massage to her three bridesmaids. Fifteen minutes into the first massage, Nikki noticed that she was having a difficult time controlling her pressure. This was causing discomfort in her upper back and neck. By the middle of the second session, Nikki’s lower back was hurting too.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in my February newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This month is focused on business and ethics information. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
Tidbits, Updates and Resources:
1.Gael Wood is offering a “Done-for-You Social Media Marketing Content” opportunity through Massage Marketing Content Club. You can sign up for a free massage marketing content sample package.
2. SEO: what it is and how to do it effectively. For many of us, taking time to create and maintain a website is about all we have and SEO can seem so confusing. Yoast.com offers guidance in this guide: SEO copywriting: The ultimate guide.
3. “Is this you? You know what you need to accomplish to make your massage business success. You know the steps to make it all happen. But when it comes to executing those steps..oh look! a squirrel…I should reorganize my closet today…another squirrel. Solution: a group of colleagues, holding you accountable, helping with obstacles, cheering you on." Massage Business Blueprint accountability group
4. Are you doing Facebook ads? There are eight common advertising mistakes that can get your ad suspended. This video by Matthew Loop lists and discusses those 8 mistakes.
5. HubSpot offers a blog post: 20 SEO Myths You Should Leave Behind in 2018, a free download.
6. Matt Coffman offers free training session for practice owners: 3-step process for generating 5, 7 even 10 new therapy clients every single month with predictability.
7. Massage Magazine offers a free ebook: Build a Successful Massage Practice which includes wonderful information about using technology.
8. For those looking to create a new webpage or upgrade a current webpage, currently one of the most recommended themes in the business is the Cherry Multipurpose WordPress Theme. It has great functionality for spas and massage practices.
9. Söhnen-Moe Associates, a leader in massage business education, offers three practice-building ebooks: Build Your Business Plan, Marketing Communications for Massage Therapists, and Present Yourself Powerfully.
PRACTICE TIPS, LICENSING UPDATES, AND ETHICS DISCUSSION
I receive a weekly update on anything published anywhere on the internet that includes information about massage business and tips or hacks. If you have any problems with the links, please let me know, or if you come across any information that you think would be good to share, please also feel free to pass that information along: info@holistichealingarts.net
Regarding Licensing
You can download the new Massage complaint sign on the TDLR website.
Want to keep up with the latest rules, laws and procedures? Sign up for email updates from TDLR.
The Massage Therapy Advisory Board met on December 7, 2017. The meeting is archived and valuable on TDLR”s YouTube channel.
Ethics Situation for your consideration
Margaret, a recent graduate from massage school, was working for a well-established chiropractic clinic. Mark was Margaret’s next client. It was Mark’s first massage at the clinic. He was a car sales associate and recently involved in a minor car accident. When Margaret entered the massage room, Mark was lying prone with the sheet draped across his back and legs. Margaret lowered the sheet and observed a large portion of his back covered with red circles. The edges of the circles were slightly elevated, and she noticed a slight odor to his skin.
What massage modifications should Margaret make?
Should Margaret ask the chiropractor about the rash? If yes, when should she make the inquiry?
Here is some of the information I recently shared in my August newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This month is focused on business and ethics information. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
Tidbits, Updates and Resources:
1. “There are many things you can’t control about the job-seeking process…But there is one thing you can control: the amount of work you put in.” Some great tips for standing out when applying for a job can be found in the article Your Resume is a Waste of time: 8 Better Ways to Get Hired for the job You Want by Jeff Haden at Inc.com
2. Massage Magazine provides a free e-book, 10 Tips for Success You Won’t Learn in Massage School. “No matter what specialty you choose, many people await your skilled touch—and those potential clients need to know who you are, where you are, and what you offer. That’s why you need to have inside strategies for promoting and maintaining a successful massage practice.” You can download a copy on the Massage Magazine website.
3. For those interested in working in a spa, there is a great article by a former spa director, Barry Eichner, found on Spa Standard: 10 Tips to Landing a Spa Job: Confessions From a Former Spa Director. “These are my inside tips to landing the spa job of your dreams. After a decade of working in spas, I’ve seen so many professionals launch successful careers. These 10 tips are what contributed to my selecting applicants to join my team!
10. Be flexible
4. Elite Continuing Education offers 9 Tips to Get New Massage Therapy Clients.
5. Because finances can feel overwhelming and, for many, confusing, the following article offers ways to make finances work for you. 10 Simple Money Moves You Should Make this Week at The Penny Hoarder.
PRACTICE TIPS, LICENSING UPDATES, AND ETHICS DISCUSSION
I receive a weekly update on anything published anywhere on the internet that includes information about massage business and tips or hacks. If you have any problems with the links, please let me know, or if you come across any information that you think would be good to share, please also feel free to pass that information along: info@holistichealingarts.net
Regarding Licensing
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards is asking for massage therapists to participate in the 2017 Job Task Analysis and Career Patterns Surveys. According to the Federation, “This snapshot of the practice will be used for ongoing development of a fair and appropriate national examination to ensure the ENTRY-LEVEL massage/bodywork practitioner is competent to safely practice.”
The survey takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete and can be completed over several session. The survey is found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FSMTB_2017
Ethics Situation for your consideration
All people no matter their beliefs need healing.
Be there for them so they can "change" evolve.
Not saying something about it to him makes us complicit.
Assuming that you can change him or help him evolve by continuing to work with him is arrogant.
If you find you can't touch this guy with care and concern it would be best not to work on him.
How do we know that he isn't coming to her because of her race and that he now assumes she must be okay with, if not share in, his bigotry because she hasn't said anything about the hateful statement tattooed on his body?
Opened a dialogue by saying something similar: "As a person who strives to keep an open heart and mind to everyone, I need to tell you that your tattoo makes me feel uncomfortable and it's important to me that you know I care about people of all races and ethnicities."
How do you handle this situation? What are your thoughts?
Practice Tip: