S.C. Code Regs. Chapter 77 — Massage Therapy Board

S.C. Code Regs. 77-100 Repealed

History

• Former Regulation, titled Qualification for Licensure, had the following history: Added by State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 7, eff July 24, 1998. Repealed by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-101 Minimum Massage Therapy Education Curriculum

1. A massage therapy education program must provide at least 650 hours of instruction in the following subjects:

(a) Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology - 250 hours. This content shall include anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and palpation techniques, as well as related pathology and medical terminology, and cautions and contraindications, with a minimum of 40 hours of instruction in pathologies.

(b) Massage Theory and Practice - 200 hours. This content shall include massage theory and principles, practical massage and bodywork applications, special populations and accommodations, allied modalities, and hands on practice in a classroom setting.

(c) Business and Ethics - 85 hours. This content shall include professional ethics, communications, boundaries, business practices and development, interpersonal skills, and career planning, with a minimum of 45 hours of instruction in professional ethics.

(d) Laws - 15 hours. This content shall include both State and Federal laws and regulations, HIPAA and privacy issues, with a minimum of 5 hours of instruction in State-specific laws and regulations.

(e) Student Clinics - 100 hours. A minimum of 75 hours of student clinical time must be spent on actual full-body massage for the public that takes place on-site and under the supervision of a licensed massage therapy supervisor. Student clinics must include instruction in massage, assessment and intake, documentation, room preparation, and clerical work relevant to the session.

(1) Students are not eligible to participate in Student Clinics until they have completed a minimum of at least 250 hours of coursework distributed across the subjects of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, practical massage and bodywork applications, professional ethics, and boundaries.

Schools shall have up to one year from the effective date of this regulation to implement the hours and curriculum content changes. Students graduated from or enrolled in a massage therapy program prior to that date may qualify for licensure by meeting either the education licensing requirements in this regulation, or the education licensing requirements in effect prior to the regulation’s effective date.

2. Documentation of Completion of a Massage Therapy Education Program School.

A license applicant must provide to the Board an affidavit from the school, on a Board-approved form, documenting the successful completion of the required subjects and hours of instruction in the Board-prescribed course of study in massage therapy. The Board may also request that an official transcript from the school be submitted to the Board, if necessary to determine whether the applicant has successfully completed a course of study in massage therapy which meets these minimum standards for training and curriculum.

History

• Added by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-103 Temporary Massage Therapy License for a Professional Event

1. An applicant may obtain a temporary license to practice massage therapy in this State on a temporary basis during a professional event. To obtain this temporary license, the applicant must:

(a) have a current license in good standing to practice massage therapy in another state, District of Columbia, or any other United States territory; and

(b) submit a completed application on a Board-approved form at least two weeks prior to the professional event; and

(c) submit a copy of their current, out-of-state license.

2. A professional event is an engagement where a massage therapist who is licensed in another state, District of Columbia, or any other United States territory to provide massage therapy services, is employed to accompany and provide massage therapy services for a client who is in South Carolina on a temporary, short-term basis for a specific athletic, performing arts, or other similar event.

History

• Added by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-104 Authority to Practice Massage Therapy in an Emergency

A massage therapist licensed in good standing in another state, District of Columbia, or any other United States territory may practice massage therapy in this State in response to a declaration of a disaster or of a state of emergency made by the Governor of this State, or other delegated federal or state official, provided that the licensed massage therapist submits the following to the Board prior to providing these services:

1. a completed Board-approved form providing notice of their intent to provide these services in this State; and

2. a copy of the individual’s current out-of-state license.

History

• Added by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-105 Repealed

History

• Former Regulation, titled Reciprocity, had the following history: Added by State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 7, eff July 24, 1998. Repealed by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-106 Endorsement

1. An applicant for an endorsement license must:

(a) submit proof of having a current, active and unrestricted massage therapy license in good standing issued by another state, District of Columbia, or any other United States territory, that had requirements, as of the date of initial licensure, at least substantially equivalent to the requirements in effect in South Carolina; and

(b) submit a completed application on a Board-approved form along with the required fees; and

(c) provide a state criminal history records check, supported by fingerprints, by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and a national criminal records check, supported by fingerprints, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The results of the records checks shall be handled in accordance with the requirements for initial application criminal history records checks.

2. Substantially equivalent education may be shown by providing proof of having taken and passed a Board-approved national examination.

History

• Added by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-107 Reactivation of an Inactive License

A licensee seeking to reactivate an inactive license must:

1. submit a complete application on a Board-approved form; and

2. submit proof of having completed six hours of continuing education for each year the license is inactive; and

3. provide an updated state criminal history records checks, supported by fingerprints, by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and an updated national criminal record check, supported by fingerprints, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The results of the records checks shall be handled in accordance with the requirements for initial application criminal history records checks.

History

• Added by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-115 Return of Licenses

Any license issued by the Board and subsequently suspended or revoked, in addition to the wall certificate, shall be promptly returned to the Board’s Administrative offices within ten (10) working days of its imposition by order of the Board.

History

• Added by State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 7, eff July 24, 1998. Amended by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-120 Continuing Education

1. For the purpose of renewing or reactivating a license, credit will be approved for continuing education programs which are offered by providers approved by the Board. In order to receive Department approval as a continuing education provider, an entity shall:

(a) Apply for approval on forms provided by the Board.

(b) Provide a contact person to ensure that each program provider meets the requirements as established by the Board.

(c) Provide each participant with a certificate of attendance verifying the program has been completed.

(d) The certificate shall not be issued until completion of the program and shall contain the providers name and number, title of program, instructor, date, number of credit hours, the licensee’s name and license number.

(e) Any changes to the program must be submitted and approved by the Board.

2. Each program presented by an approved provider shall:

(a) Meet the Board approved standards.

(b) Have a Board approved course outline with stated learning objectives.

(c) Be instructed by a person who meets at least one of the following criteria:

(1) Holds a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a college or university which is accredited by a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or a substantially equivalent accrediting body of a foreign sovereign state, with a major in a subject directly related to the content of the program to be offered, or

(2) Has graduated from a school of massage or an apprenticeship program which has a curriculum equivalent to requirements in this state and was approved by a state licensing authority, a nationally recognized massage therapy association, or a substantially equivalent accrediting body, or the Department and has completed three years of professional experience in the practice of massage.

(3) Is licensed as a massage therapist in another state or foreign sovereign state having standards of education or apprenticeship training substantially similar to or more stringent than those required for licensure in South Carolina, and

(4) Has taught at a school of massage which has a curriculum equivalent to requirements in this state and was approved by a state licensing authority, a nationally recognized massage therapy association, or a substantially equivalent accrediting body, or the Board for a minimum of two years.

3. Approved courses in areas other than massage theory, history, and techniques may be instructed by a person who holds a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a college or university which is accredited by a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or a substantially equivalent accrediting body of a foreign sovereign state, with a major in a subject directly related to the content of the program to be offered.

4. The Board may grant blanket approval to a provider although the provider must submit dates, times and locations of the program to the Board.

5. The Board retains the right to monitor programs given by any provider. The Department may suspend or revoke the status of a provider who fails to comply with this chapter.

6. One hour of continuing education is defined as 50 minutes of instruction.

7. Instructors of courses shall not receive CE credit for courses they instruct.

8. All Board approved providers shall renew their approved status on or before July 1 of each biennial year.

9. A Continuing Education program may be offered by the Board and shall be available through a self-study video program.

History

• Added by State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 7, eff July 24, 1998. Amended by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-125 Change in Massage Therapist’s Address or Name

1. The massage therapist shall immediately notify the Board in writing, of any change in his mailing address.

2. Upon changing his name the massage therapist shall submit a written request for a new license, with proof of the name change such as a certified copy of a court document or marriage certificate.

3. Upon receipt of the notification, the Board shall issue a new license reflecting the new name. The license number and expiration date shall remain the same.

4. The license with the old name shall be returned within ten (10) working days upon receipt of the new license.

History

• Added by State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 7, eff July 24, 1998. Amended by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-130 Transfer of License

1. Any license issued shall be for the sole use and benefit of the licensee to whom it was issued.

2. Any license issued shall not be transferable.

History

• Added by State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 7, eff July 24, 1998. Amended by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-135 Lost, Destroyed or Damaged License

1. When a massage therapist or establishment license becomes lost, destroyed or damaged the licensee shall immediately notify the Board in writing that the license has been lost, destroyed or damaged.

2. Upon receipt of the information required, the Board shall issue a duplicate license.

3. The duplicate license number and expiration date shall remain the same.

4. The duplicate license shall be marked “duplicate.”

5. A duplicate license may be obtained for a fee of five dollars ($5.00).

History

• Added by State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 7, eff July 24, 1998. Amended by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-140 Repealed

History

• Former Regulation, titled Communicable Disease Control, had the following history: Added by State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 7, eff July 24, 1998. Repealed by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-141 Massage Therapy Establishment and Sole Practitioner Establishment Operations

1. Licensed massage therapy and sole practitioner establishments shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) The establishment license, and the licenses of all licensed massage therapists practicing in the establishment, shall be conspicuously displayed in public view.

(b) The establishment must comply with all applicable state and local building code requirements and fire safety codes.

(c) Each establishment shall have adequately-equipped restroom facilities accessible for use by the licensees, employees, and clients.

(d) The establishment shall have available either a sink with running water, soap, and sanitary towels for hand drying, or hand sanitizer or other sanitizing hand cleaning solution designed to clean without the use of running water.

(e) The establishment and equipment shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(f) Clean linens, such as gowns, towels, sheets, or drapes, shall be used on each client.

(g) Sheets towels, or other materials used as table coverings shall be changed after each client, and the massage table surfaces shall be disinfected after each use.

(h) Linens must be laundered before re-use.

(i) Massage oils, lubricants, and lotions shall be stored in enclosed containers and shall be dispensed from clean containers in such a manner as to prevent contamination. The outside of the containers shall be cleaned after each use to prevent cross-contamination.

(j) If client treatment records are kept, they shall be maintained in a manner to safeguard the confidentiality of the records, in accordance with applicable laws.

2. Regarding known infections or communicable diseases or conditions of either the client or the massage therapist, the therapist must employ appropriate Standard Universal Precautions.

History

• Added by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-150 Sole Practitioner Establishment Licenses

A sole practitioner establishment license is required for the fixed place of business, including but not limited to, a rental space or residence, that is controlled by a licensed massage therapist, who is not an employee or contractor of the sole practitioner establishment, for providing massage therapy services to clients who come to that specific location to receive those services. A sole practitioner establishment must comply with the Board’s establishment licensing, operation, and inspection requirements.

History

• Added by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.

S.C. Code Regs. 77-151 Residential Licensed Establishments

A licensed establishment may be operated in the residence of a licensed massage therapist, if the massage therapy services are provided in an area of the residence that is not used for sleeping purposes, and that provides for the privacy of the client.

History

• Added by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5132, eff May 26, 2023.