2017 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 23 - Health and Safety
Chapter 23-20.8 - Licensing of Massage Therapists
Section 23-20.8-1 - Definitions.
§ 23-20.8-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Board" means the Rhode Island State Board of Licensed Massage Therapists as established within this chapter.
(2) "Body works" and "body-works services" means body rubs, body stimulation, manipulation, or conditioning of any part or parts of the body, spa services, and spa treatments performed by any person not licensed under title 23.
(3) "Massage therapist" means a person engaged in the practice of massage and is licensed in accordance with this chapter of the general laws of the state of Rhode Island.
(4) "Practice of massage" means the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body through the systematic application of massage techniques including: effleurage, petrissage, compression, friction, vibration, percussion, pressure, positional holding, movement, range of motion for purposes of demonstrating muscle excursion or muscle flexibility, and nonspecific stretching. The term massage includes the external application of lubricants or other topical preparations, such as water, heat, and cold, via the use of the hand, foot, arm, or elbow, with or without the aid of massage devices, for the purpose of aiding muscle relaxation, reducing stress, improving circulation, increasing range of motion, relieving muscular pain, and the overall enhancement of health. Massage shall not include: the touch of genitalia; diagnosis of illness or disease; the prescribing of drugs, medicines, or exercise; high-velocity thrust applied to the joints or spine; electrical stimulation; application of ultrasound or any services or procedures for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or podiatry is required by law.
History of Section.
(P.L. 1978, ch. 230, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-58-1; P.L. 1979, ch. 39, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-20.8-1; P.L. 1982, ch. 407, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 273, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 213, § 1.)
