AN
ACT Relating to exempting reflexologists from regulation as massage
practitioners; amending RCW 18.108.010 and 18.108.050; and adding a new section
to chapter 18.108 RCW.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Sec.
1. RCW
18.108.010 and 2001 c 297 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
In
this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the following meanings shall
apply:
(1)
"Board" means the Washington state board of massage.
(2)
"Massage" and "massage therapy" mean a health care service
involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic
purposes. Massage therapy includes techniques such as tapping, compressions,
friction, Swedish gymnastics or movements, gliding, kneading, shaking, and ((facial))
fascial or connective tissue stretching, with or without the aids of
superficial heat, cold, water, lubricants, or salts. Massage therapy does not
include diagnosis or attempts to adjust or manipulate any articulations of the
body or spine or mobilization of these articulations by the use of a thrusting
force, nor does it include genital manipulation.
(3)
"Massage practitioner" means an individual licensed under this
chapter.
(4)
"Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's
designee.
(5)
"Massage business" means the operation of a business where massages
are given.
(6)
"Animal massage practitioner" means an individual with a license to
practice massage therapy in this state with additional training in animal
therapy.
Sec.
2. RCW
18.108.050 and 1997 c 297 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
This
chapter does not apply to:
(1)
An individual giving massage to members of his or her immediate family;
(2)
The practice of a profession by individuals who are licensed, certified, or
registered under other laws of this state and who are performing services
within their authorized scope of practice;
(3)
Massage practiced at the athletic department of any institution maintained by
the public funds of the state, or any of its political subdivisions;
(4)
Massage practiced at the athletic department of any school or college approved
by the department by rule using recognized national professional standards;
(5)
Students enrolled in an approved massage school, approved program, or approved
apprenticeship program, practicing massage techniques, incidental to the
massage school or program and supervised by the approved school or program.
Students must identify themselves as a student when performing massage services
on members of the public. Students may not be compensated for the massage
services they provide;
(6)
Individuals who have completed a somatic education training program approved by
the secretary;
(7)
Persons who limit their practice to reflexology. For purposes of this chapter,
the practice of reflexology is limited to the hands, feet, and outer ears. The
services provided by those who limit their practice to reflexology are not
designated or implied to be massage or massage therapy.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 3. A
new section is added to chapter 18.108 RCW to read as follows:
The
department of health shall review the implementation of this act and make
recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2005, regarding regulatory
changes to this act.
