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March 10, 2008

Massage In California

The state of massage licensure in California makes me grateful that I'm not a massage therapist in California. Issues surrounding the proposed city ordinance in Benicia, CA has massage therapists and city police negotiating language and requirements out of the legislation that is offensive to legally practicing massage therapists.

One therapist said parts of the ordinance were "insulting" -- such as requiring medical exams to ensure the therapists are free of communicable diseases. The proposed ordinance would require massage therapists to submit to a background check and fingerprinting. Additionally, any non-board certified therapist would have to pass a written exam and a hands-on test.

If there was ever a justification for state licensure, this would be it. Not only would statewide practice standards cut down on illegal activity, it would also add credibility to the industry as a whole. Not only that, massage therapists would not be required to be fingerprinted as though they are criminals. Also, state laws would give law enforcement guidelines to assess if illegal activity is occurring and teeth to prosecute and shut down businesses in violation.

Spagnoli said cities with enforced ordinances have seen a decrease in prostitution, and that illegal operations gravitate toward cities without massage laws. The new rules would ideally allow police to identify illegal operations when they apply for a permit.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health

Posted by linda at March 10, 2008 9:58 AM