Massage therapists in Idaho must be licensed by the Idaho board of massage in order to practice massage for compensation. 54-4005. LICENSE REQUIRED. They may use the titles “massage therapist,” “massagist,” “massotherapist,” “myotherapist,” “body therapist,” “massage technician,” “massage practitioner” or any derivation of those terms that implies this practice. You can check to see if your massage therapist is properly trained and licensed on the state website.
Idaho massage therapists have gone through a background check and hav certified that they have not been found guilty, convicted, received a withheld judgment, or suspended sentence for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, or if the applicant has been found guilty, convicted, received a withheld judgment, or suspended sentence for such a crime, the applicant must submit a written statement of suitability for licensure as set forth in Section 306 of these rules. (3-31-22)T c. An applicant must certify that he/she has not been convicted of a crime under any municipal, state, or federal narcotic or controlled substance law, or if the applicant has been convicted of such a crime, the applicant must submit a written statement of suitability for licensure as set forth in Section 306 of these rules. IDAPA 24.27.01
It shall be unlawful for any person who is not a licensed massage therapist under this chapter to advertise using the term “massage therapist.” Any person who holds a license to practice as a massage therapist in this state may use the title “licensed massage therapist.” No other person shall assume this title or use an abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs or figures to indicate that the person using the title is a licensed massage therapist. 54-4005. LICENSE REQUIRED.
Idaho defines massage therapy as: the care and services provided by a massage therapist. The “Practice of massage therapy” means the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement and holding of the soft tissues of the human body. The application may include:
(a) Pressure, friction, stroking, rocking, kneading, percussion, or passive or active stretching within the normal anatomical range of movement;
(b) Complementary methods, including the external application of water, heat, cold, lubricants and other topical preparations; or
(c) The use of mechanical devices that mimic or enhance actions that may be done by the hands
When you get a massage from a licensed massage therapist in Idaho, you have the right to refuse, modify or terminate the session regardless of prior consent. Your massage therapist will provide adequate draping and massage that will ensure your safety, comfort and privacy. While your massage therapist may be amazing, they are not allowed to accept gifts or benefits from you as it may influence the professional realationship. Unlicensed practice is not allowed.
IDAHO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE IDAPA 24.27.01
Div. of Occupational & Professional Licenses Idaho State Board of Massage Therapy
Exempt from Massage Licensing
Some practitioners are exempt from massage licensing such as people who practice The Feldenkrais method®, The Trager Approach®, BodyMind Centering®, Ortho-Bionomy® and Craniosacral Therapy. These methods require other training to be proficient in these methods and to be able to use the trademarked terms. Reflexologists who work on the hands, feet or ears do not need to be licensed as massage therapists.
Other practices exempt from licensing are people who uses touch to affect the energy systems, acupoints or qi meridians, or channels of energy of the human body while engaged within the scope of practice of a profession, provided that their services are not designated or implied to be massage or massage therapy. Such practices include, but are not limited to, polarity, polarity therapy, polarity bodywork therapy, Asian bodywork therapy, acupressure, jin shin do®, qi gong, reiki and shiatsu.
(h) The practice of persons engaged in the profession of structural integration, restoring postural balance and functional ease by integrating the body in gravity based on a system of fascial manipulation, awareness, and education developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, provided their services are not designated or implied to be massage or massage therapy. Such practices include, but are not limited to: Rolfing® structural integration, the guild for structural integration, Hellerwork®. TITLE 54 PROFESSIONS, VOCATIONS, AND BUSINESSES CHAPTER 40 MASSAGE THERAPIST
Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses
Idaho Board of Massage
11341 W Chinden Blvd. Building 4
Boise, ID 83714
