BILL REQ. #:  H-0849.1 

Read first time 01/18/2007.   Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

     AN ACT Relating to the definition of massage therapy; and amending RCW 18.108.010.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 18.108.010 and 2002 c 277 s 1 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 or manipulation or pressure inside the mouth or oral cavity, for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy includes techniques such as tapping, compressions, friction, Swedish gymnastics or movements, gliding, kneading, shaking, and 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.