Georgia Massage Therapists are regulated by the Georgia Board of Massage. You can use this handy tool on their website to look up massage licenses – License Verification Tool They are able to use the words massage, massage therapy, massage therapist, massage practitioner, or the letters M.T. or L.M.T. and must have the words “Georgia Licensed Massage Therapists” on their website and marketing materials.
Your massage therapist will display their license on the wall of their office and also have their license number on any and all advertisements so you can verify that with the State Board. (Rule 345-10-.02 Display of License , Rule 345-10-.03 Advertising). Your massage therapist will ask you to sign a written statement of informed and voluntary consent about your massage session.
In GA, the law GA. Code 43-24A-3 Definitions defines massage as (9) “Massage therapy” or “massage” means the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissue of the body in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore health and well-being. Such term includes complementary methods, including without limitation cupping therapy, taping techniques, the external application of water, superficial heat, superficial cold, lubricants, salt scrubs, or other topical preparations and the use of commercially available electromechanical devices which do not require the use of transcutaneous electrodes and which mimic or enhance the actions possible by the hands; the term also includes determining whether massage therapy is appropriate or contraindicated, or whether referral to another health care provider is appropriate. Such term shall not include the use of ultrasound, fluidotherapy, laser, and other methods of deep thermal modalities.
Massage therapists in GA are required to carry liability insurance no less than $1 million per occurrence, with not less than a minimum annual aggregate of $3 million for all occurrences, as determined by the Board [O.C.G.A. § 43‐24A‐8(b)(8) & 43-24A-14(c)].
Georgia specifically calls out massage parlors and says they are a sexually oriented business where other states have not specifically made that distinction. (That is causing a big problem as people just think it is a massage business when it is not…it is a brothel disguised as a massage business.) Department 345. RULES OF GEORGIA BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPY
GA R&R» Department 345» Chapter 345-1 Sexually Oriented Business – For the purposes of these rules, sexually oriented business shall mean, by not be limited to, a sex parlor, massage parlor, adult bookstore, adult movie theater, adult video store, adult motel, spa alluding to sexual content or services, or other commercial business which offer items or services to provide sexual stimulation or gratification
Georgia Board of Massage
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217
Phone (404) 424-9966 * sos.ga.gov/georgia-board-massage-therapy
