Business Practice, Advertising, Fees, and Unlicensed Practice
This domain tests the business side of the license: how you market, what you charge, whom you employ, and how the Act reaches business owners as well as therapists.
Advertising
Advertising must be truthful and not misleading. Use your credential accurately, do not use 'Dr.,' 'physical therapist,' or medical titles you do not hold, do not promise cures or guaranteed outcomes, and do not advertise services outside the scope of massage. Discount offers and deal-site vouchers must disclose real terms - expiration, restrictions, and the total price the client will pay.
Fees and billing
Disclose fees before service, honor quoted prices, provide receipts, and bill insurance only for services actually performed and documented. Fee splitting with unlicensed referral sources is a red flag. Bartering for massage is not exempt from the license requirement or from recordkeeping.
Unlicensed practice
It is a violation to practice without a license, to employ or aid an unlicensed person in practicing, or to let someone use your license or premises for unlicensed massage. A spa owner who hires unlicensed 'bodyworkers' for services labeled 'relaxation' commits the same violation as the workers - the label does not change what the hands are doing. Report suspected unlicensed practice to the Board.
Consumer protection
The Unlawful Trade Practices Act (ORS 646.605 to 646.656) reaches deceptive claims, fake reviews, and fabricated credentials; the Department of Justice can act independently of the Board. Oregon's gift certificate statute (ORS 646A.276) restricts expiration terms and fees.
Worked example
A studio advertises 'Certified Medical Massage by Dr. Lee,' whose staff are unlicensed and whose owner holds no Oregon license. That is misleading advertising, unlicensed practice, and aiding unlicensed practice.
Traps
Treating a business license as a license to practice; assuming barter escapes the Act; assuming only the worker, never the owner, is exposed.