Massage Therapists in New Hampsire must attend and graduate from a massage school that has a 750 hour curriculum, must pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam, and must maintain Adult CPR and First Aid Certifications. They also must pass a background check and provide
Massage” means the application of a system of structured touch which includes holding, pressure, positioning, or causing movement, by manual means, for the purpose of promoting, maintaining, and restoring the health and well-being of the client. Massage is designed to promote general relaxation, improve movement, relieve somatic and muscular pain or dysfunction, stress and muscle tension, and provide for general health enhancement, personal growth, and the organization, balance, and integration of the body. 328-B:2 Definitions
“Massage therapist” means a licensed individual who performs massage for compensation. Titles used may include: massage therapist, massage practitioner, bodywork practitioner, bodyworker, muscle therapist, massotherapist, or somatic therapist practitioner. A massage therapist uses visual, kinesthetic, and palpatory skills to assess the body, and may evaluate the client’s condition to the extent of determining whether massage is indicated or contraindicated.
328-B:3 Prohibited Acts. –
No person shall:
I. Act or advertise as a massage therapist for compensation without holding a license issued pursuant to this chapter.
II. [Repealed.]
III. Fail to comply with an order of the executive director issued pursuant to this chapter.
IV. Fail to comply with a rule adopted by the executive director pursuant to this chapter.
V. Violate any other provision of this chapter.
VI. Hire as an employee massage therapist any person not holding a license issued pursuant to this chapter.
328-B:10 Exemptions; Application of Chapter. People who practice movement awareness methods such as Feldenkrais, Trager Aproach, Alexander Method are exempt from licensing as are people who practice energy work such as Reiki.
Anyone practicing without a license “shall be guilty of a violation if a natural person, or guilty of a misdemeanor if any other person, for the first offense. For a subsequent offense, a person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person. Each day such facility shall operate or person shall practice this activity after a first conviction shall be considered a subsequent offense.”
328-B:11 Violations; Penalty. – Any person practicing massage within the meaning of this chapter, without first obtaining a license as required by this chapter, or who violates any of the provisions of, or rules adopted under this chapter, shall be guilty of a violation if a natural person, or guilty of a misdemeanor if any other person, for the first offense. For a subsequent offense, a person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person. Each day such facility shall operate or person shall practice this activity after a first conviction shall be considered a subsequent offense
328-B:12 Injunctive Relief. – The practice of massage by a person without a license issued under this chapter or whose license has been suspended or revoked, or has expired is declared to be a danger to the public health and welfare. In addition to any other civil, criminal, or disciplinary remedy, the attorney general, the executive director, the prosecuting attorney of any county or municipality where the person is practicing or purporting to accordance with the laws of this state, maintain an action to enjoin that person from practicing massage until such person secures a valid license. An injunction without bond is available to the executive director for enforcement of this chapter.
Office of Professional Licensure & Certification
7 Eagle Square
Concord NH, 03301
Customer Support:
Phone: 603-271-2152
