Section 34-43-3

Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) ADVERTISE. Distributing a card, flier, sign, or device to any person or organization, or allowing any sign or marking on any building, radio, television, or by advertising by any other means designed to attract public attention.

(2) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Massage Therapy created pursuant to this chapter.

(3) BOARD-APPROVED MASSAGE THERAPY SCHOOL. A school where massage therapy is taught which is one of the following:

a. If located in Alabama is accredited by the Department of Education and approved by the board as meeting the minimum established standards of training and curriculum as determined by the board.

b. If located outside of Alabama is recognized by the board and by a regionally recognized professional accrediting body.

c. Is a postgraduate training institute accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Massage Therapy.

(4) ESTABLISHMENT. A site, premises, or business where massage therapy is practiced by a licensed massage therapist.

(5) EXAMINATION. A National Certification For Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examination administered by an independent agency or another nationally or internationally accredited exam administered by an independent agency per approval of the board. The examination will be accredited by the National Committee for Certifying Agencies. The board retains the right to administer a written, oral, or practical examination.

(6) LICENSE. The credential issued by the board which allows the licensee to engage in the safe and ethical practice of massage therapy.

(7) MASSAGE THERAPIST. A person licensed pursuant to this chapter who practices or administers massage therapy or touch therapy modalities to a patron for compensation.

(8) MASSAGE THERAPY INSTRUCTOR. A licensed massage therapist approved by the board to teach the practice of massage therapy.

(9) PERSON. Any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, organization, association, or other legal entity.

(10) SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS. A sex parlor, massage parlor, nude studio, modeling studio, love parlor, adult bookstore, adult movie theater, adult video arcade, adult motel, or other commercial enterprise which has as its primary business the offering for sale, rent, or exhibit, or the exhibit of, items or services intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to the customer.

(11) STUDENT OF MASSAGE THERAPY. Any person currently enrolled in an Alabama massage therapy school program approved by the board.

(12) TEMPORARY PERMIT. A temporary permit issued at the request of a massage therapist who is qualified according to the Alabama massage therapy law prior to approval by the board and not to exceed six months.

(13) THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND RELATED TOUCH THERAPY MODALITIES. The mobilization of the soft tissue which may include skin, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining good physical condition. The term shall include effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, compression, vibration, stretching, heliotherapy, superficial hot and cold applications, topical applications, or other therapy which involves movement either by hand, forearm, elbow, or foot, for the purpose of therapeutic massage. Massage therapy may include the external application and use of herbal or chemical preparations and lubricants such as salts, powders, liquids, nonprescription creams, mechanical devises such as T-bars, thumpers, body support systems, heat lamps, hot and cold packs, salt glow, steam cabinet baths or hydrotherapy. The term includes any massage, movement therapy, massage technology, myotherapy, massotherapy, oriental massage techniques, structural integration, or polarity therapy. The term shall not include laser therapy, microwave, injection therapy, manipulation of the joints, or any diagnosis or treatment of an illness that normally involves the practice of medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, podiatry, nursing, occupational therapy, veterinary, acupuncture, osteopathy, orthopedics, hypnosis, or naturopathics.

(Acts 1996, No. 96-661, p. 1060, §3; Act 2000-704, p. 1430, §1.)