(1) Prior to performing breast massage, a massage therapist must:

(a) Acquire a prior signed written consent. The written consent for breast massage may be included within an overall general consent to massage document, if clearly delineated and either specifically initialed or signed. The written consent must:

(i) Be maintained with the client or patient's records;

(ii) Include a statement that the client or patient may discontinue the treatment at any time for any reason;

(iii) If the client or patient is under eighteen years of age, prior written consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian; and

(iv) Include a statement that the client or patient has the option to have a witness present, and that the witness must be provided by the client or patient.

(b) Use appropriate draping techniques as identified in WAC 246-830-560.

(2) In addition to the requirements identified in subsection (1) of this section, a massage therapist must maintain evidence of the completion of at least sixteen hours of specialized in-person education and training in breast massage beyond the minimum competencies. Education and training in breast massage includes, but is not limited to: Breast anatomy and physiology, pathology, indications, contraindications, therapeutic treatment techniques, draping, appropriate therapist-client or patient boundaries, expected outcomes, and client or patient safety related to breast massage.

(3) In addition to the requirements in subsections (1) and (2), prior to performing a massage of the nipples and areolas, a massage therapist must obtain additional documentation as follows:

(a) A written prescription or referral from a licensed medical health care provider for this specific treatment; or

(b) An additional prior written and verbal informed consent from the client or patient for massage of the nipple and areolas. This written consent may be included within an overall general consent to massage document, if clearly delineated and either specifically initialed or signed.