1. Do I need an Establishment License?

If a LMBT is practicing in a space that has more than one room where massage and bodywork therapy services are provided or in a space where more than one LMBT is providing services, someone in control of that space will usually need an establishment license. There are a few, specific exemptions.

2. Who is exempt from Establishment Licensure?

Establishments or LMBTS who offer massage and bodywork therapy services are only exempt if they:

1. Provide services at the location of the customer.

2. Use stand-alone devices, such as chairs, that are operated by the customer.

3. Provide services within the confines of a hospital, nursing home, or similar establishment that is licensed or regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services.

4. Provide services as a student at a student clinic operated by a Board-approved school or a massage and bodywork therapy program offered by a community college.

5. Provide services as a sole practitioner, meaning, a single LMBT offering services from a space controlled by that practitioner, and from which only that LMBT offers and provides the services.

6. Provide services at a chiropractic physician office that provides massage and bodywork therapy only by massage and bodywork therapists currently licensed in North Carolina.

3. When is the Deadline to obtain a license?

All businesses subject to Establishment Licensure must have their License by January 1, 2022.

4. What is the penalty for not having an Establishment License?

You can read more about the requirements for an Establishment License, as well as the Rules and Regulations and specific penalties for violation of the Practice Act or Rules by going to the links below. See NCGS 90-634.1.

5. How often do I have to renew my establishment license?

After the initial license period, it is a 2 year renewal. The deadline for a renewal application is November 1. Renewal applications received after that date are considered late and subject to a $75 late fee.

6. Are their CE requirement for establishment license renewal?

No.

7. What is the correct format to advertise an establishment?

Establishment Name

NC BMBT Establishment #

8. What are the fees for massage and bodywork therapy establishments?

See Rule .1014 in the Board’s Rules and Regulations on the Board’s website www.bmbt.org .

9. If my establishment moves to another location, do I have to apply for a new establishment license?

Yes, see Rule .1008 in the Board’s Rules and Regulations on the Board’s website www.bmbt.org .

10. If there is a transfer in majority ownership of the business, do I have to apply for a new establishment license?

Yes, see Rule .1009 in the Board’s Rules and Regulations on the Board’s website www.bmbt.org .

11. I own a Salon or Day Spa, and I’m already licensed by the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Do I still need an Establishment License from the NC Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy?

If you have more than 1 room used for massage and bodywork therapy, or more than 1 LMBT, the answer is yes

12. My therapists are all Independent Contractors, do I still need an Establishment License?

Yes.

13. I still have questions, who do I contact?

Please reach out to the Board at admin@bmbt.org. If you have a unique situation, it may require special consideration by the Policy Committee and possibly the full Board.

Answers to scenario based questions:

1. If 2 or more LMBTs share a room, an establishment license is required by someone who is in control of the room.

2. If a LMBT uses a space during the week and rents it to another LMBT for the weekend or on days off, the LMBT who controls the space would need an establishment license.

3. If a LMBT rents a room in a clinic, spa or salon and is the only LMBT using the room, the LMBT controls the room and an establishment license is not required.

4. If an establishment has 3 rooms being used by more than 3 LMBTs, an establishment license is required by someone who controls the 3 rooms.

5. If a LMBT leases a building and has a room the LMBT shares with two other LMBTs who work with the LMBT and also subleases other rooms to another LMBT who also has one or more LMBT working in the rooms, both LMBTs are businesses that require separate establishment licenses.

6. If a LMBT has multiple treatment rooms with multiple therapists and some therapists occasionally renting space full to part-time for specific days of the week for the month, an establishment license is required.

7. If a LMBT leases an office building with 4 treatment rooms and is responsible for the rent and expenses and uses 1 room but subleases 3 rooms to other LMBTs that share treatment rooms, an establishment license is required.