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mobile massage into other states

Does anyone know the regulations for in home (mobile) massage if I spend a weekend in another state?

Throughout the year I travel to other states to train Capoeira (a brazilian martial art), multiple times at these events I have been asked to massage my friends, other students as well as the teachers. I know that each state is different on regulations, but my question is if I am in town, in someone's home, for just that weekend (once or twice a year) do I still need to apply for a license?

This would be a great business opportunity for me, but I am unsure if it is even legally possible. One of my friends said that there is an exemption for teachers (and sometimes others) that travel, but I have yet to find any solid information. Or would it be similar to traveling with a sports team or band?

Any information that you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you. Blessings

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Permalink Reply by Abram Herman on September 25, 2012 at 2:08pm

I know that some states do allow you to practice for a short period while visiting, but you should definitely check with the state board before making any assumptions in that regard. ABMP has a handy resource at http://www.massagetherapy.com/careers/stateboards.php with contact information for all of the state boards, so you can just give them a call before your trip and find out the details. Best of luck, I hope it works out for you!

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Permalink Reply by Relax & Rejuvenate on September 27, 2012 at 9:50am

All depends on the states, but generally you have to be licensed in the state in which you are selling your services.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Tognazzi on November 2, 2012 at 9:07am

I'm not 100% sure about this but it will probably be different for every state. You'll have to check the regulations in the state your traveling to. It may be a gray area because not all states have in-depth regulations on MT and it may not say specifically. You'd be safe if you have a NCBTMB licence and the other state accepts the national license.

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Permalink Reply by Jed Heneberry on November 2, 2012 at 10:06am

Brooks—

Definitely contact the state boards.

Chris—

There is no such thing as a "national license." This is from the most recent Different Strokes ABMP member newsletter:

Certification is Voluntary, Licensing is Mandatory

Another frequently asked question relates to confusion surrounding national certification. We've had some members tell us they thought that if they are "nationally certified" by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) they don't have to obtain a state license. This is absolutely not true. National certification is completely voluntary—a state license to practice is mandatory. There is no such thing as a "national license."

Don't let anyone convince you that it is OK to practice massage in a state that requires a license to practice massage with only a National Certification Certificate. It is not OK.

Hope this helps!

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Permalink Reply by Gordon J. Wallis on November 2, 2012 at 10:39am

Well it use to be, not sure if it still is...But if you lived in the Tri State area of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho...You could use any one of their licenses to do your massage work withing a certain set of miles...There are a lot of smaller communities in that Tri State area.