MD Massage Law cheat sheet

Massage therapy is defined as the manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes, including stroking, kneading, friction, vibration, percussion, and compression, with or without oil or other lubricant.

Scope covers assessment of soft tissue condition plus treatment by manual means; it does not include diagnosis of disease, prescription of drugs, or any act reserved to physicians, chiropractors, or physical therapists.

A massage therapist may not perform spinal manipulation or adjustment, electrical stimulation, or any invasive procedure; those acts fall outside the statutory definition.

Prohibited acts include practicing on a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license, and practicing beyond the scope defined in the Act even when a client requests it.

Advertising or holding oneself out as a massage therapist without a license is a prohibited act, as is using titles such as LMT or RMT without licensure.

Practicing while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a communicable disease in a manner that endangers clients, is prohibited and is separately disciplinable.

A licensed massage therapist may not delegate treatment to an unlicensed person; aides may perform only non-treatment tasks such as reception, laundry, and room turnover.

Referral obligations: conditions outside scope, such as suspected fracture, infection, or unexplained swelling, must be referred to an appropriate licensed health care provider.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and hold a high school diploma or equivalent before licensure.

Applicants must complete an approved massage therapy education program of at least 500 hours, including specified clinical and hands-on training hours.

Applicants must pass a Board-approved competency examination, typically the MBLEx, and submit an official score report directly to the Board.

The application requires a completed form, official transcripts documenting education hours, exam scores, fee, and criminal history information including fingerprints if required.

The Board may deny licensure for prior criminal convictions, fraud in the application, or disciplinary action against a license held in another state.

Out-of-state applicants may qualify by licensure in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements, subject to Board review and verification of standing.

Licenses are not transferable between individuals; a licensee must notify the Board of any change of name or address within the time set by regulation.

Applicants must report all jurisdictions in which they have ever held or applied for a health occupation license, and failure to disclose is grounds for denial or later discipline.

The Board regulates massage therapy practice, sets standards, approves education programs, and administers licensing and discipline under the Practice Act.

The Board is composed of members appointed by the Governor, including licensed massage therapists and consumer members, with at least one physician or health professional member as provided by statute.

Members serve staggered terms and have a duty to avoid conflicts of interest, including recusal from matters involving a competitor or business associate.

The Board may issue subpoenas for records and testimony, administer oaths, and compel attendance of witnesses in disciplinary investigations.

The Board may conduct hearings, take evidence, and impose sanctions including reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation, and civil penalties.

The Board may seek injunctive relief against unlicensed practice and may refer cases to the appropriate State's Attorney for criminal prosecution.

Board actions are subject to the State administrative procedure framework, including contested case hearings and judicial review of final decisions.

The Board publishes licensing standards and disciplinary actions and may require licensees to report certain arrests, convictions, or disciplinary actions against them.

Grounds for discipline include fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license, practicing beyond scope, and unprofessional or unethical conduct.

Additional grounds include incompetence, negligence, practicing while impaired, and violating a Board order or a condition of probation.

A conviction, nolo contendere plea, or probation before judgment for a crime involving moral turpitude or a controlled dangerous substance is a ground for discipline.

Failure to report a change of address, practicing on a lapsed license, or aiding unlicensed practice are disciplinable violations.

Sanctions range from a letter of reprimand and civil penalty to probation with conditions, suspension, and permanent revocation of the license.

The Board may impose emergency suspension of a license when the public health, safety, or welfare requires immediate action, pending a hearing.

Due process requires notice of charges, a hearing before an impartial decision-maker, the right to counsel, the right to present and cross-examine witnesses, and a written decision.

A licensee may appeal a final Board decision to the circuit court under the State administrative procedure provisions, generally within 30 days of the final order.

Informed consent must be obtained before treatment, covering the nature of the technique, expected benefits, risks, and alternatives, and must be documented.

Client records must be accurate, legible, dated, and retained for the period required by regulation; records document assessment, treatment given, client response, and referrals.

Records are confidential and may be released only with written client authorization or as required by law, subpoena, or a public health reporting duty.

Draping is required, with only the area being treated exposed, and clients must be given privacy to dress and undress.

Boundaries: any sexual conduct, sexual contact, or sexualized communication with a client is prohibited and is grounds for discipline and possible criminal liability.

A therapist must terminate or modify treatment when a client's condition deteriorates or when treatment is contraindicated, and must document the reason.

The setting must meet hygiene standards: clean linens per client, hand hygiene, sanitized equipment, and safe storage of oils and supplies.

Advertising and fee representations must be truthful; guaranteeing cures or misrepresenting credentials violates standards of practice.

Licenses renew on a fixed cycle set by the Board, commonly every two years, with a renewal application and fee due before the expiration date.

Renewal requires completion of continuing education in the number of hours set by regulation, including specified hours in ethics, professionalism, or safety topics.

CE credit is granted only for Board-approved courses; providers must document attendance and licensees must retain certificates for audit.

A licensee who fails to renew on time may practice only after reinstatement; continuing to practice on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice.

Late renewal typically requires payment of a late fee plus completion of the required CE for the expired period.

Reinstatement after lapse or disciplinary suspension may require additional CE, a refresher course, an examination, or a fitness-to-practice evaluation.

A revoked license may be reinstated only by Board order after a waiting period, with a showing of rehabilitation and compliance with any conditions imposed.

Licensees must notify the Board of address changes and any name change supported by legal documentation, so renewal notices reach the correct address.

Health occupation boards must report certain disciplinary actions and license denials to a central data repository, and licensees must self-report adverse actions taken against them.

Mandatory reporting duties apply to suspected child abuse and neglect and to certain communicable disease diagnoses, as defined in State health law.

A licensee with a communicable disease that poses a risk to clients must follow public health guidance, may be restricted from certain practice, and must not practice in a manner that endangers others.

Establishments offering massage must comply with local licensing and zoning rules, and a business license does not substitute for individual practitioner licensure.

Sole proprietors and businesses must register as required, maintain sanitary premises, and display licenses where the public can see them.

Maryland consumer protection law prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices, including false advertising of credentials or guaranteed outcomes.

Employers may not require a licensee to perform acts outside the Practice Act, and a licensee remains individually responsible for compliance.

Records requests and subpoenas must be handled consistent with State privacy law; unauthorized disclosure may lead to discipline and civil liability.

Massage therapy means manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes, including stroking, kneading, friction, vibration, percussion, and compression, with or without lubricant.

Scope includes soft tissue assessment and manual treatment; it excludes diagnosis of disease, prescribing drugs, and acts reserved to physicians or physical therapists.

Prohibited: spinal manipulation or adjustment, electrical stimulation, and invasive procedures, all outside the statutory definition of massage therapy.

Prohibited: practicing on a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license, or practicing beyond scope even at a client's request.

Prohibited: holding out as a massage therapist or using titles such as LMT without a license.

Prohibited: practicing while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a communicable disease in a manner that endangers clients.

A licensee may not delegate treatment to an unlicensed person; aides perform only non-treatment tasks such as reception and room turnover.

Conditions outside scope, such as suspected fracture, infection, or unexplained swelling, must be referred to an appropriate licensed health care provider.

Applicants must be at least 18, of good moral character, and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

Applicants must complete an approved program of at least 500 hours, including required clinical and hands-on training.

Applicants must pass a Board-approved competency examination, typically the MBLEx, with scores sent directly to the Board.

The application requires the form, official transcripts documenting education hours, exam scores, fee, and criminal history information including fingerprints if required.

The Board may deny licensure for prior criminal convictions, application fraud, or discipline imposed by another state.

Out-of-state applicants may qualify through licensure in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements, subject to Board verification of standing.

Licenses are not transferable between individuals; licensees must report name and address changes within the time set by regulation.

Applicants must disclose every jurisdiction where they have held or applied for a health occupation license; omission is grounds for denial or later discipline.

The Board regulates massage therapy, sets standards, approves education programs, and administers licensing and discipline under the Practice Act.

Members are appointed by the Governor and include licensed massage therapists, consumer members, and at least one physician or health professional member as statute provides.

Members serve staggered terms and must recuse from matters involving a competitor or business associate to avoid conflicts of interest.

The Board may subpoena records and testimony, administer oaths, and compel witness attendance in investigations.

The Board may hold hearings, take evidence, and impose reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation, and civil penalties.

The Board may seek injunctive relief against unlicensed practice and refer cases to the State's Attorney for prosecution.

Board actions follow the State administrative procedure framework, including contested case hearings and judicial review of final decisions.

The Board publishes licensing standards and disciplinary actions and may require licensees to report arrests, convictions, or disciplinary actions against them.

Grounds include fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license, practicing beyond scope, and unprofessional or unethical conduct.

Additional grounds include incompetence, negligence, practicing while impaired, and violating a Board order or condition of probation.

A conviction, nolo contendere plea, or probation before judgment for a crime involving moral turpitude or a controlled dangerous substance is a ground for discipline.

Failure to report an address change, practicing on a lapsed license, and aiding unlicensed practice are disciplinable violations.

Sanctions range from reprimand and civil penalty to probation with conditions, suspension, and permanent revocation.

The Board may impose emergency suspension when public health, safety, or welfare requires immediate action, pending a hearing.

Due process requires notice of charges, an impartial decision-maker, right to counsel, right to present and cross-examine witnesses, and a written decision.

A licensee may appeal a final Board decision to the circuit court under State administrative procedure provisions, generally within 30 days of the final order.

Informed consent must be obtained before treatment, covering technique, expected benefits, risks, and alternatives, and must be documented.

Client records must be accurate, legible, dated, and retained for the regulatory period; they document assessment, treatment, response, and referrals.

Records are confidential and released only with written authorization or as required by law, subpoena, or public health reporting duty.

Draping is required, exposing only the area being treated, and clients must be given privacy to dress and undress.

Any sexual conduct, sexual contact, or sexualized communication with a client is prohibited and is grounds for discipline and possible criminal liability.

Treatment must be terminated or modified when a client's condition deteriorates or treatment is contraindicated, with the reason documented.

Hygiene standards require clean linens per client, hand hygiene, sanitized equipment, and safe storage of oils and supplies.

Advertising and fee representations must be truthful; guaranteeing cures or misrepresenting credentials violates standards of practice.

Licenses renew on a fixed cycle set by the Board, commonly every two years, with application and fee due before expiration.

Renewal requires continuing education hours set by regulation, including specified hours in ethics, professionalism, or safety.

CE credit is granted only for Board-approved courses; providers document attendance and licensees retain certificates for audit.

A licensee who fails to renew may practice only after reinstatement; practicing on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice.

Late renewal typically requires a late fee plus completion of the required CE for the expired period.

Reinstatement after lapse or disciplinary suspension may require additional CE, a refresher course, an examination, or a fitness-to-practice evaluation.

A revoked license may be reinstated only by Board order after a waiting period, with a showing of rehabilitation and compliance with conditions.

Licensees must report address and name changes with legal documentation so renewal notices reach the correct address.

Health occupation boards must report certain disciplinary actions and license denials to a central data repository, and licensees must self-report adverse actions taken against them.

Mandatory reporting duties apply to suspected child abuse and neglect and to certain communicable disease diagnoses defined in State health law.

A licensee with a communicable disease that poses a risk to clients must follow public health guidance, may face practice restrictions, and must not endanger others.

Establishments offering massage must comply with local licensing and zoning rules; a business license does not substitute for individual practitioner licensure.

Businesses must register as required, maintain sanitary premises, and display licenses where the public can see them.

Maryland consumer protection law prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices, including false advertising of credentials or guaranteed outcomes.

Employers may not require a licensee to perform acts outside the Practice Act, and the licensee remains individually responsible for compliance.

Records requests and subpoenas must be handled consistent with State privacy law; unauthorized disclosure may lead to discipline and civil liability.

Massage therapy is the therapeutic manipulation of soft tissue by stroking, kneading, friction, vibration, percussion, and compression, with or without lubricant.

Scope covers soft tissue assessment and manual treatment; it excludes disease diagnosis, drug prescription, and acts reserved to physicians or physical therapists.

Prohibited acts include spinal manipulation or adjustment, electrical stimulation, and invasive procedures, which fall outside the statutory definition.

Practicing on a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license, or beyond scope at a client's request, is a prohibited act.

Holding out as a massage therapist or using titles such as LMT or RMT without a license is prohibited.

Practicing while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a communicable disease in a manner that endangers clients, is prohibited and disciplinable.

A licensee may not delegate treatment to an unlicensed person; aides perform only non-treatment tasks such as reception, laundry, and room turnover.

Conditions outside scope, such as suspected fracture, infection, or unexplained swelling, must be referred to an appropriate licensed health care provider.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

Applicants must complete an approved massage therapy program of at least 500 hours, including specified clinical and hands-on training.

Applicants must pass a Board-approved competency examination, typically the MBLEx, with official scores sent directly to the Board.

The application requires the completed form, official transcripts documenting education hours, exam scores, fee, and criminal history information including fingerprints if required.

The Board may deny licensure for prior criminal convictions, fraud in the application, or disciplinary action against a license held in another state.

Out-of-state applicants may qualify by licensure in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements, subject to Board review and verification of standing.

Licenses are not transferable between individuals; a licensee must notify the Board of name or address changes within the time set by regulation.

Applicants must report all jurisdictions in which they have ever held or applied for a health occupation license; failure to disclose is grounds for denial or later discipline.

The Board regulates massage therapy practice, sets standards, approves education programs, and administers licensing and discipline under the Practice Act.

Members are appointed by the Governor and include licensed massage therapists and consumer members, with at least one physician or health professional member as statute provides.

Members serve staggered terms and must avoid conflicts of interest, recusing from matters involving a competitor or business associate.

The Board may issue subpoenas for records and testimony, administer oaths, and compel attendance of witnesses in disciplinary investigations.

The Board may conduct hearings, take evidence, and impose sanctions including reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation, and civil penalties.

The Board may seek injunctive relief against unlicensed practice and may refer cases to the appropriate State's Attorney for criminal prosecution.

Board actions are subject to the State administrative procedure framework, including contested case hearings and judicial review of final decisions.

The Board publishes licensing standards and disciplinary actions and may require licensees to report certain arrests, convictions, or disciplinary actions against them.

Grounds for discipline include fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license, practicing beyond scope, and unprofessional or unethical conduct.

Additional grounds include incompetence, negligence, practicing while impaired, and violating a Board order or a condition of probation.

A conviction, nolo contendere plea, or probation before judgment for a crime involving moral turpitude or a controlled dangerous substance is a ground for discipline.

Failure to report a change of address, practicing on a lapsed license, or aiding unlicensed practice are disciplinable violations.

Sanctions range from a letter of reprimand and civil penalty to probation with conditions, suspension, and permanent revocation of the license.

The Board may impose emergency suspension of a license when the public health, safety, or welfare requires immediate action, pending a hearing.

Due process requires notice of charges, a hearing before an impartial decision-maker, the right to counsel, the right to present and cross-examine witnesses, and a written decision.

A licensee may appeal a final Board decision to the circuit court under the State administrative procedure provisions, generally within 30 days of the final order.

Informed consent must be obtained before treatment, covering the nature of the technique, expected benefits, risks, and alternatives, and must be documented.

Client records must be accurate, legible, dated, and retained for the period required by regulation; records document assessment, treatment given, client response, and referrals.

Records are confidential and may be released only with written client authorization or as required by law, subpoena, or a public health reporting duty.

Draping is required, with only the area being treated exposed, and clients must be given privacy to dress and undress.

Boundaries: any sexual conduct, sexual contact, or sexualized communication with a client is prohibited and is grounds for discipline and possible criminal liability.

A therapist must terminate or modify treatment when a client's condition deteriorates or when treatment is contraindicated, and must document the reason.

The setting must meet hygiene standards: clean linens per client, hand hygiene, sanitized equipment, and safe storage of oils and supplies.

Advertising and fee representations must be truthful; guaranteeing cures or misrepresenting credentials violates standards of practice.

Licenses renew on a fixed cycle set by the Board, commonly every two years, with a renewal application and fee due before the expiration date.

Renewal requires completion of continuing education in the number of hours set by regulation, including specified hours in ethics, professionalism, or safety topics.

CE credit is granted only for Board-approved courses; providers must document attendance and licensees must retain certificates for audit.

A licensee who fails to renew on time may practice only after reinstatement; continuing to practice on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice.

Late renewal typically requires payment of a late fee plus completion of the required CE for the expired period.

Reinstatement after lapse or disciplinary suspension may require additional CE, a refresher course, an examination, or a fitness-to-practice evaluation.

A revoked license may be reinstated only by Board order after a waiting period, with a showing of rehabilitation and compliance with any conditions imposed.

Licensees must notify the Board of address changes and any name change supported by legal documentation, so renewal notices reach the correct address.

Health occupation boards must report certain disciplinary actions and license denials to a central data repository, and licensees must self-report adverse actions taken against them.

Mandatory reporting duties apply to suspected child abuse and neglect and to certain communicable disease diagnoses, as defined in State health law.

A licensee with a communicable disease that poses a risk to clients must follow public health guidance, may be restricted from certain practice, and must not practice in a manner that endangers others.

Establishments offering massage must comply with local licensing and zoning rules, and a business license does not substitute for individual practitioner licensure.

Sole proprietors and businesses must register as required, maintain sanitary premises, and display licenses where the public can see them.

Maryland consumer protection law prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices, including false advertising of credentials or guaranteed outcomes.

Employers may not require a licensee to perform acts outside the Practice Act, and a licensee remains individually responsible for compliance.

Records requests and subpoenas must be handled consistent with State privacy law; unauthorized disclosure may lead to discipline and civil liability.