§ 90-622.  Definitions.

The following definitions apply in this Article:

(1) Accreditation. - Status granted to a postsecondary institution of higher learning that has met standards set by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education. The accreditation for massage and bodywork schools may be institutional or programmatic in nature.

(1a) Board. - The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.

(2) Board-approved school. - Any massage and bodywork therapy school or training program in this State or another state that is not otherwise exempt from Board approval, that has met the standards set forth in this Article, and been granted approval by the Board.

(2a) Business name. - The name under which the owner applies for the establishment license to provide massage therapy, if different from the name of the owner.

(2b) Criminal history record check. - A report resulting from a request made by the Board to the State Bureau of Investigation for a history of conviction of a crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony, that bears on an applicant's fitness for licensure to practice massage and bodywork therapy.

(3) Massage and bodywork therapy. - Systems of activity applied to the soft tissues of the human body for therapeutic, educational, or relaxation purposes. The application may include:

a. Pressure, friction, stroking, rocking, kneading, percussion, or passive or active stretching within the normal anatomical range of movement.

b. Complementary methods, including the external application of water, heat, cold, lubricants, and other topical preparations.

c. The use of mechanical devices that mimic or enhance actions that may possibly be done by the hands.

(3a) Massage and bodywork therapy establishment. - Any duly licensed site or premises in which massage and bodywork therapy is practiced. This term does not include any of the following:

a. On-site massage performed at the location of the customer.

b. Stand-alone devices, such as chairs, that are operated by the customer.

c. Establishments located within the confines of a hospital, nursing home, or other similar establishment or facility licensed or otherwise regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services.

d. Massage and bodywork therapy provided by a sole practitioner.

e. A student clinic operated by a Board-approved school or a massage and bodywork therapy program offered by community colleges in North Carolina that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or massage and bodywork therapy programs offered by a degree or diploma granting college or university accredited by any accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education and licensed by the North Carolina Community College System or The University of North Carolina Board of Governors or exempt from such licensure pursuant to G.S. 116-15(c).

f. Chiropractic physician offices that provide massage and bodywork therapy only by massage and bodywork therapists currently licensed in North Carolina.

(3b) Massage and bodywork therapy school. - Any educational institution that conducts a training program or curriculum for a tuition charge, which is intended to teach adults the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the safe, effective, and ethical practice of massage and bodywork therapy.

(4) Massage and bodywork therapist. - A person licensed under this Article.

(4a) Owner. - The person, sole proprietor, partnership, limited partnership, or corporation that operates the massage and bodywork therapy establishment.

(5) Practice of massage and bodywork therapy. - The application of massage and bodywork therapy to any person for a fee or other consideration.

(6) Sole practitioner. - A single licensed massage and bodywork therapist offering massage or bodywork therapy services from a space the licensed massage and bodywork therapist controls and from which only the licensed massage and bodywork therapist offers and provides the services. (1998-230, s. 10; 2008-224, s. 2; 2014-100, s. 17.1(o); 2017-151, s. 3(b); 2023-134, s. 19F.4(fff).)