Reflexology Is Exempt from Massage Therapy Law
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Reflexology is exempt from the Massage Therapy Law (SB 1103) that went into effect on July 1, 2004 and requires all massage therapists to be licensed by December 31, 2004. Reflexology is exempt through scope of practice. Reference: SB 1103, Chapter 42, Massage Therapy, Article I. General Provisions, 32-4201, Definitions, paragraph 5a: “The manual application of compression, stretch, vibration or mobilization of the organs and tissues beneath the dermis, including the components of the musculoskeletal system, peripheral vessels of the circulatory system and fascia, when applied primarily to parts of the body other than the hands, feet, and head.”
The key words for Reflexology exemption are: “hands, feet and head.” With the passage and enactment of SB 1103, we, who practice only Reflexology, do not need to obtain a state massage license. Therefore, as a Reflexologist, we cannot claim to be a massage therapist, bodywork therapist, or a provider of massage or bodywork therapy services. We can only use those titles if we meet state requirements and licensing standards as a massage therapist.
On August 12, AZRA President Julie Sherman, Vice President Deb Kortyna, Legislative Committee Chairperson Virginia Farwell, and Legislative Committee member Joyce LaMance, met with State Representative Linda Lopez and Helen Whitney, Research Analyst for the Democratic Caucus, at the State Capitol in Phoenix and discussed the massage law and how it impacts Reflexology. Findings from that meeting revealed that Reflexology is clearly exempt and once the law goes into effect, the city ordinances will be repealed, and we are free to practice Reflexology as a separate modality without a massage license.
Please contact Virginia Farwell if you have been requested to get a massage license to practicing Reflexology. It is vital at this early stage that we educate the public and our city leaders of this exemption. 520.722.1649 or solewell@earthlink.net
We are required by law (IRS, state, city, and county), and our own AZRA Code of Ethics to obtain proper business licenses to maintain offices and businesses the same as any other professional businessperson is required to do. For example if your city or county requires you to have a business license for home-based businesses, then you must obtain that license. |
