Board of Massage Licensure
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Featured Links
- Notice of May 13, 2019 Massage Board Rule Making Hearing - Fee Increase
- Notice of New Rules Effective August 17, 2017
Please take special note of the following rule changes:
Massage therapists are now only required to complete twenty four (24) hours of continuing education every two year period. 0870-01-.12(1).
Massage establishment owners who are not licensed massage therapists are now required to complete a 2-hour continuing education course on massage laws and rules every two year period. 0870-01-.12(3).
Massage establishments wishing to change their address are now required to apply for an establishment license for the new address. However, the only fee that shall be collected is the re-inspection fee. 0870-01-.06(16).
Massage establishments renewing their licenses must submit an updated list to the Board of the massage therapists currently working at that location. 0870-01-.10(1)(c)3.
This is not a complete list of the changes to the rules. Please review the new rules in their entirety.
- Board Approved Tennessee Massage Law Task Force Recommendations for Massage Schools and Tennessee Law Providers
- Continuing Education (CE) Hours Obtained Via Multi-Media Format
- Background Checks Required for Those Providing Patient Care
- Criminal Background Check Required for New Applications
About the Board of Massage Licensure
The Massage Licensure Board was created in 1995 by an act of the State Legislature. Its mission is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring those who practice the profession of massage therapy within this state be qualified. The Board interprets the laws, rules, and regulations to determine the appropriate standards of practice in an effort to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct. The Board is authorized to issue licenses to qualified candidates who have completed appropriate education and successfully completed required examinations. The Board is responsible for the investigation of alleged violations of the Practice Act and rules and is responsible for the discipline of licensees who are found guilty of such violations.
The administrative staff of the Division of Health Related Boards supports the Board by issuing licenses to those who meet the requirements of the law and rules. Massage therapists may be licensed by (1) successfully completing and passing the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam or the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination, and (2) education (successful completion of a course of study of not less than five hundred (500) hours from a massage school approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission or the Tennessee Board of Regents.) Effective July 1, 2003 all applicants must meet both education and examination requirements. - See more at: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/ml-board/ml-board/about.html
Renewal notices are mailed from Board’s administrative office forty-five (45) days prior to the expiration of the license to the current address on record. Licensees are responsible for renewing their license on time and keeping the Board apprised of current information. Licenses can be renewed on-line forty-five (45) days prior to expiration. The licensure renewal link can be found on the Massage Board Licensure page. It is a violation of the law and of the board’s rules to practice on an expired license.
The Board has scheduled meetings throughout the year to conduct administrative business concerning ratifying licenses, promulgating rules, disciplinary matters, etc. The seven (7) Board members are appointed by the Governor and serve two five (5) year terms. A quorum of four (4) members is required to conduct business. The meetings are open to the public.
Contact the Board of Massage Licensure
Call (615) 253-2111 local or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide
Unit2HRB.Health@tn.gov or Massage.Health@tn.gov
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243