But this case has raised questions about national loopholes for massage therapists, and those loopholes could put clients at risk. Other local towns have said massage companies can be used as cover for illegal activities, including prostitution. Franklin Police Chief Adam Colon said after the arrests that it had been proposed to allow massage therapy services in the city, adding that it had also helped prevent human trafficking. “Many facilities opened by unauthorized persons are used for human trafficking and prostitution,” Manchester said. “Eradicating bad actors will preserve the integrity of the massage therapy profession and protect potential victims of human trafficking. The regulation also includes an appeal procedure and a provision on the inspection of massage therapy businesses. Hospitals, medical facilities and public health centers are exempt from these requirements, as are licensed beauticians, licensed hairdressers or nail salon technicians who administer massages only for the scalp, face, neck, shoulders, feet or hands, the legislation says. Companies providing massage services in Franklin must obtain approval and prove that as of July 20, only licensed massage therapists provide legitimate services. Research conducted by ABMP in 2016 estimated that there were about 11,000 massage therapists in Ohio. City ordinances did not previously include specific provisions on the issue, and city officials have said it is in the public interest to ensure that only legitimate services are provided by licensed massage therapists. This comes after two masseurs were arrested last December for crossing the border. Both women were accused of customer misconduct, but most of what they could be accused of was disorderly behavior because there was no city law governing this type of behavior. Ohio massage therapists must be licensed before practicing.
The Ohio massage license is issued by the State Medical Board of Ohio. The practice of massage therapy in Ohio has been regulated since 1915. “There seems to be a kind of separation between licensed massage therapy and relaxation massage,” said Jennifer Call-Phibbs, an instructor at Dayton Medical Massage Schools. According to H.B. 81, the state health authority has the authority to investigate massage therapy facilities for illegal activities and refer such individuals to local law enforcement. Applicants for an Ohio massage license can create an account and apply online. A legitimate massage usually involves a comfortable massage table, essential oils, aromatherapy, and perhaps therapeutic hot stones (see above). Sounds good, right? Now, what if I told you that dozens of much more dubious massage parlors were operating in central Ohio at any given time, with a much more apparent (if not illegal) offer of “services”? What if I also told you that such “services” could cause you big trouble, even if you are lured under false pretenses? The measure, House Bill 81, fills a loophole in Ohio`s law that allows unauthorized persons to perform massages unless they specifically call it “massage therapy” or promote their practices as “medical massage” or “therapeutic massage.” An Ohio massage therapy license must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal date depends on the first letter of the Licensee`s last name.
As of May 2018, there are no training requirements, but that could change soon. Here`s what needs to be done to complete your renewal application: More recently, a massage parlor that popped up in Reynoldsburg with the more innocent name Cai Spa caught the attention of local police. The salon, which opened in January, was already under surveillance by undercover police officers in February (a month later). While prostitution was strongly suspected, the authorities could not prove the case – so they closed the establishment for alleged violation of the area. This means you could get a massage from someone without formal training or license, but still run a business. But before she graduates, she must overcome one of the most confusing parts, legal loopholes. COLUMBUS — Legislation to overhaul the Ohio massage therapy bill was approved yesterday by the Ohio House of Representatives, Reps. Susan Manchester, R-Waynesfield, and Phil Plummer, R-Dayton, said.
Visit the Ohio Board`s website for a list of approved massage schools. In addition, the bill aims to support the prevention of human trafficking and prostitution throughout Ohio. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, illegal massage and spa businesses are the most important place for sex trafficking in America. Police officers keep a close eye on the massage workshops. The salons in question are usually indescribable, often located in shopping malls, and tend to appear in wealthier suburbs. That`s right. Just because you`re not in a “bad neighborhood” doesn`t mean you`re not at risk. RELATED: Brunswick City Council cracks down on massage parlors City Manager Jonathan Westendorf said the problem comes as Franklin continues to develop a plan to revitalize the downtown core.
He said officials became aware of an unlicensed massage company operating in the city. Westendorf said complaints had been filed with police, who eventually arrested two women this month on suspicion of solicitation at the 1100 block on South Main Street. Under the revised Ohio Code, it is illegal to solicit a person for sexual or sexual purposes. So if you`re caught frequenting such an establishment, even accidentally, it`s very likely you`ll be charged with solicitation, usually a third-degree offense under Ohio law, which carries a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail (there`s no mandatory minimum). However, if you are charged under the Columbus Code, you can face a first-degree offense — and up to 180 days in jail. Some high-profile cases over the past year are evidence that local law enforcement agencies have been (and will continue to monitor) massage facilities for illegal activities. Last year, authorities raided businesses in Powell, Delaware and Franklin counties as part of an alleged human trafficking and prostitution ring. The salon`s owner, a woman from northwest Columbus, pleaded guilty after an investigation that crossed several branches of law enforcement, including the Department of Homeland Security, noticed her act.
Companies with names like “Happy Fingers Spa” are sure to attract the attention of the authorities. The Ohio State Medical Board recently redefined the scope of practice for massage therapists. State Medical Board Massage Licensing Division 30 East Broad Street, 3rd Floor Columbus, OH 43215-6127 Telephone: 614-466-3934 Fax: 614-728-5946 Email: contact@med.ohio.gov > Website title: Registered Massage Therapist Requirement: After April 7, 2021: 600 hours with a minimum program of 9 months and MBLEx Applicants for a massage license in Ohio must complete a massage training program of at least 750 hours of instruction from an accredited school.
