General Consumer Information
The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy
(Board) is committed to providing the public with information, resources
and, when necessary, assistance in filing a grievance against a licensed
massage and bodywork therapist. An informative PowerPoint
presentation is available for viewing on the Board’s Consumer Resources
page.
In this section, the public may access the Board’s “Online
Verification” section, which allows the public to
search the Board’s database by licensee name or license number.
You may also view disciplinary reports associated with licensees who
have been sanctioned by the Board.
The Public Frequently Asked Questions section will assist the
public with questions concerning the licensure process, how to determine
if a massage and bodywork therapist is licensed, how to file a
complaint, what a license looks like and other important information.
Public Service Videos
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- How to file a complaint with the Board
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Public Service Ads
Public Service Announcement from the North Carolina Board of
Massage and Bodywork Therapy
노스캐로니이나 마사지, 바디웍 요법위원회의 공공 서비스 발표
Объявление службы общественной информации от Комиссии
по массажу и бодиворк штата Северная Каролина (вторая
редакция)
До того как начать предоставление услуг
массажа и бодиворк в штате Северная Каролина, необходимо получить
лицензию массажиста и бодиворк-массажиста (LMBT) от Комиссии по массажу
и бодиворк штата Северная Каролина.
Для получения лицензии необходимо успешно пройти
учебную программу по массажу и бодиворк в объеме как минимум 500 часов в
утвержденном Комиссией учебном заведении. Необходимо также сдать
утвержденный Комиссией экзамен на лицензию массажиста и
бодиворк-массажиста, подать заявление на получение лицензии, к которому
приложены 4 характеристики от лицензированных специалистов
здравоохранения, пройти проверку на наличие правонарушений и сдать
экзамен на знание законов штата Северная Каролина в отношении массажа и
бодиворк. Для получения лицензии LMBT необходимо знание
английского языка.
Лицо, предоставляющее услуги массажа и бодиворк в
штате Северная Каролина без действующей непросроченной лицензии LMBT,
может быть привлечено к уголовной ответственности и может быть
подвергнуто административным санкциям.
Если вы не уверены, что учебное заведение, в котором
вы проходили или планируете проходить обучение, утверждено Комиссией по
массажу и бодиворк штата Северная Каролина, вы можете обратиться в
Комиссию по адресу admin@bmbt.org или
по телефону (919)546-0500. Подробная информация о том, как
стать лицензированным массажистом и бодиворк-массажистом в
штате Северная Каролина, предоставлена на сайте www.bmbt.org.
來自北卡羅來納按摩與推拿委員會的公益廣告（第二稿）：
欲在北卡羅來納州從事按摩與推拿的個人必須首先成為經北卡羅來納按摩與推拿委員會特許的按摩與推拿師（LMBT）。
若想獲得特許執照，該個人必須在由該委員會認可的學校順利完成至少500小時的按摩與推拿課程。該個人還需通過由該委員會認可的按摩與推拿執照考試，向該委員會提交執照申請及4份來自特許醫療保健專業人士的品德聲明，接受犯罪背景調查，并通過北卡羅來納按摩與推拿法律的考試。欲獲得執照成為LMBT的個人還必須能熟練使用英文。
若無有效的、未過期的LMBT執照而在北卡羅來納州從事按摩與推拿的個人可能會受到刑事起訴，並可能接受民事處罰。
欲了解您曾就讀或計劃就讀的學校是否受北卡羅來納按摩與推拿委員會認可，請發電郵至 admin@bmbt.org或致電(919)546-0500以聯繫該委員會。您亦可登陸該委員會網站www.bmbt.org以了解關於成為北卡羅來納特許按摩與推拿師的詳細信息。
Frequently Asked Questions
The Board licenses massage and bodywork therapists in the State
of North Carolina. Anyone offering massage or bodywork therapy to the
public or describing their services as massage or bodywork therapy must
be licensed by the Board. The following list of Frequently Asked
Questions may help you understand massage and bodywork therapy and why
and how massage therapists and bodywork therapists are licensed in the
State of North Carolina.
What is the difference between "massage therapy" and "bodywork
therapy"?
Both are therapeutic methods for working with the human body to
maintain or improve health.
Massage therapy is the use of hands and application of pressure
to the soft tissue, known as "manual" therapy. Massage therapy is one
form of bodywork therapy. There are a variety of other therapeutic
techniques that involve manipulation of the body
Massage therapy can take many forms, or "modalities." These
forms include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Eastern, or medical
massage, just to name a few. Often a therapist will combine several
modalities to create an "integrated" massage, using a bit of several
techniques to address a client's individual needs.
Even a term like "deep tissue" may encompass several more
specific massage techniques. That's why one deep tissue massage may not
be the same as another. Deep tissue massage can include approaches such
as the St. John Method of Neuromuscular Therapy™ or John Barnes
Myofascial Release™ - two of many specialized programs of study that
licensed therapists may choose to master as they enhance their skills.
Bodywork therapy involves manipulation of the soft tissues of
the body as a way to maintain or improve health. Bodywork therapy
modalities use a fully designed systematic approach to treatment that
follows certain principles and protocols. These therapies are used to
meet specific needs for relaxation, pain relief, or improved health. A
qualified therapist will determine the type of therapy that best matches
your needs and recommend a treatment plan to achieve the desired
results. Never hesitate to ask questions and communicate expectations to
your licensed therapist.
Why are massage and bodywork therapists required to be licensed
in North Carolina?
Licensure sets and enforces standards for the safe and
competent practice of massage and bodywork therapy. Licensure
enables the public to have confidence in the level of training and
education of the Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapists (LMBT) should
they choose to engage the services of a massage therapist or bodywork
therapist.
When did the requirement for licensing begin in North Carolina?
In 1998 a law was passed called the Practice
Act, in which licensure became mandatory for all
practicing massage and bodywork therapists. It is a crime to practice
massage or bodywork therapy in North Carolina without a current license.
How can I tell if a therapist has a license?
All LMBTs are required by law to display their licenses in
their offices or workplaces (click here to see a picture of a license).
The only exception would be an outdoor location, such as a sports
marathon, in which case therapists must have a copy of their license to
show, if asked.
You may also look up license status on the Board’s website.
This database gives information on the licensure status of the person in
question and also lists any disciplinary actions that may have been
taken against the therapist by the Board.
If I am looking for a LMBT how will I know they are licensed?
All North Carolina licensed massage and bodywork therapists use
the letters LMBT after their name and are required to list their license
# and display their license.
Does the license expire or does it last forever?
A license must be renewed every two years and all continuing
education requirements must be completed. An expired license is like
having no license. A therapist MAY NOT practice using an expired
license.
My therapist is certified. Is that the same as licensed?
No. Certifications show skills, competencies, and
professional achievements that your therapist has earned.
Certifications do not substitute for a North Carolina license.
Membership in a massage or bodywork association does not
replace the requirement for licensure in North Carolina.
My therapist has a license in another state- can he/she
practice in North Carolina?
No. Your therapist must have a North Carolina license in order
to practice massage or bodywork therapy in North Carolina. There is a
legal process, implemented by the Board, which allows persons licensed
in another state and moving to North Carolina to obtain a license to
practice here.
What kinds of techniques are and are not considered massage
therapy or bodywork therapy (and thus require a license)?
Manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body, including
use of machines /tools that mimic that manipulation, is considered
massage and bodywork therapy. Use of modalities in which the client is
not touched is not considered massage and bodywork therapy.
The practices of movement educators such as dance therapists or
teachers, yoga teachers, personal trainers, martial arts instructors, or
movement re-patterning practitioners are not considered massage or
bodywork therapy.
Certain other licensed healthcare professionals may be
permitted to give a massage; however, they are not permitted to
represent themselves as Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapists.
If there is a question of whether a specific modality falls
under the massage and bodywork therapy laws, the Board investigates and
decides if licensure is required for the practice of that modality.
Is there a difference in licensing if I get a massage in a spa,
in a private office, a chiropractor’s office, or even in the mall?
No. In each case the person giving the massage must have a
current North Carolina massage and bodywork therapy license and the
license must be displayed.
Is Acupuncture the same thing as massage therapy?
No. Separate licenses are needed for each.
Acupuncturists may offer some massage based on their training and
licensure, but may not hold themselves out as Licensed Massage and
Bodywork Therapists.
I received some Reiki but that person did not have a massage
and bodywork therapy license - is that allowed?
Yes. Energy work techniques that do not include soft tissue
manipulation are exempt from licensure.
What training must LMBTs have in order to be licensed?
To apply for a license to practice massage or bodywork therapy
in North Carolina, the applicant must graduate from an approved training
program of at least 500 hours. There are specific guidelines for
school programs defining hours required in the study of anatomy and
physiology, pathology, hands-on massage skills, ethics, and
professionalism. The successful graduate must pass a comprehensive
national exam and provide documented references and proof of good moral
character. The Board reviews a criminal background report of each
applicant before a license is issued.
What standards are in place for LMBTs?
LMBTs must obey all the laws and rules set forth in the North
Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act and the Rules and
Regulations of the Board. LMBTs who fail to do so are subject to
discipline by the Board. Discipline ranges from a letter of reprimand to
the revocation of the LMBT’s license, depending on the seriousness of
the infraction.
Why do I have to sign a form to get a massage?
Health history and your informed consent are required before a
LMBT is allowed to work with you. Your therapist is also required to
take notes about your treatment and retain those notes for at least four
years.
What are the rules about how much clothing I take off for a
massage or bodywork therapy session?
A client may undress to their comfort level. Clean
drapes, towels, sheets or gowns should be provided and draping should be
used to ensure the safety, comfort and privacy of the client. The
therapist should explain the draping procedures before the treatment.
The genitals of both men and women must be covered at all times
during a session either through proper draping or by the person keeping
on sufficient clothing. For women, the breasts must be kept
covered unless specific treatment for a medical reason is indicated and
the therapist has specific training to provide competent treatment. In
that case the breasts may, with your permission, be uncovered for the
duration of treatment in the breast area. An example of when this might
be appropriate is lymphatic massage following a mastectomy.
The “glutes”, the muscular area of your buttocks, may also be
temporarily uncovered, with your permission, for the duration of
treatment in this area. Many people have muscular tightness in this area
and massage is often indicated.
What should I do if my therapist makes sexual advances toward
me?
You should end the massage immediately and file a complaint
with both the therapist’s employer and the Board. Refer to the “Filing a
Complaint” question below. If you are sexually assaulted, you may also
consider filing a complaint with your local law enforcement agency.
My therapist refused to give me a massage because I was
drinking alcohol- is that allowed?
Yes. Licensees have the right to refuse or terminate a
treatment in progress to protect their own safety and well-being,
including situations such as:
(1) A client who is abusive; under the influence of alcohol,
drugs, or any illegal substance; or otherwise impaired; or
(2) A client who has violated the boundaries of the
professional relationship by initiating or asking the licensee to engage
in sexual activity; or
(3) A client who intentionally removes the draping during the
massage session that exposes the male or female client's gluteal or
genital areas or the breast area for female clients; or
(4) A client who does not disclose all health issues and
information.
I was injured by my therapist- what should I do?
Conduct that results in harm to a client or that endangers the
health or safety of a client should be reported to the Board by filing a
complaint. Of course, you may have other legal rights which you
may discuss with your attorney.
How do I file a complaint about a therapist who has behaved in
an unprofessional manner?
Click here to
download a complaint form to your computer. Print out the form and fill
it out. Sign it. (Unsigned complaints or anonymous complaints cannot be
investigated by the Board.) Mail the form and any accompanying papers to
the Board. The Board and/or Board attorney will contact you within ten
days.
What do I do if my therapist or a therapist I know is not
licensed?
File a complaint with the Board as outlined above.
How do I stop the massage if I change my mind and don’t want to
continue?
You have the right to ask the therapist to stop the massage at
any time.