§ 412-3. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

ADVISORY BOARD

The group of professional and consumer representatives whose function shall be to assist Boards of Health of Massachusetts cities and towns in their evaluation of the credentials of applicants for licensure and in their evaluation of grievances against practitioners. The Advisory Board shall also evaluate and approve additional state and national professional associations and institutes for inclusion on the Advisory Board. See § 412-12 where the Advisory Board is further defined. The Advisory Board is a state agency and is not an individual board in the Town of Southwick nor subdivision of the Town of Southwick Board of Health.

DIRECT SUPERVISION

A practicum conducted in the context of a 500-hour course of study with an instructor present to observe.

ESTABLISHMENT

The room or group of rooms, offices, building, place of business, or premises where massage therapy and/or bodywork is practiced.

ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE

The document issued by the Board of Health for the Town of Southwick to an establishment duly authorized by the Board of Health as an establishment for the purposes of providing massage therapy and/or bodywork within the Town of Southwick.

FIELDWORK

A practicum conducted by a student/apprentice practitioner on his/her own without an instructor present to observe. Fieldwork hours may be required as part of a massage therapy and/or bodywork curriculum, and shall be over and above the 500-hour course of study. Fieldwork requirements may be met during or after the 500-hour course of study and shall be indirectly supervised by a licensed professional practitioner.

500-HOUR COURSE OF STUDY

A study in massage therapy and/or bodywork taking place in one or any combination of the following: a class setting, a one-on-one student/instructor setting, or a direct supervision setting with a supervisor present for observation of work. A 500-hour course of study shall include, but not be limited to, the subjects of technique, anatomy and physiology, practicum, communication skills, business practices, and ethics.

INFORMATION PACKET

A published compilation, prepared by the Advisory Board, of descriptions, standards for practice, codes of ethics, and required documentation for licenses and permits related to each massage therapy and/or bodywork in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or national professional association and institute herein named.

INSTRUCTOR

A professional practitioner who has obtained a license by the Board of Health for the Town of Southwick.

LICENSE

The document issued by the Board of Health for the Town of Southwick to an individual duly authorized by the Board of Health to perform massage therapy and/or bodywork within the Town of Southwick.

MASSAGE THERAPY AND/OR BODYWORK

The act or technique of moving or manipulating superficial or deep tissues, muscles, joints, or bones by rubbing, kneading, guiding, or the like by manual or mechanical means, or as directed by the practitioner, for the purpose of invigoration, relaxation, education, or an increase in physical and/or emotional health and well-being.

MEMBER

A member of the Advisory Board.

MINOR

Any person under the age of 18 years.

OFF-PREMISES BUSINESS

The practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork at locations other than an establishment, including but not limited to private homes, businesses, and sports events.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTITIONER

Any person who has completed a minimum 500-hour course of study in massage therapy and/or bodywork which meets the standards of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or national professional association or institute; or who has passed the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork; or who has been recommended by the Advisory Board and who for compensation, hire or reward engages in the practice of massage therapy and/or bodywork.

STATE OR NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OR INSTITUTE

An organization providing standards for practice; code of ethics and grievance procedure; and providing or approving a 500-hour course of study.

STUDENT/APPRENTICE PRACTITIONER

Any person having accumulated fewer than 500 hours in his/her course of study, engaged in a fieldwork practicum in massage therapy and/or bodywork outside of a training facility or school for the purpose of meeting curriculum requirements and/or for compensation, hire, or reward. A student/apprentice practitioner shall maintain contact with a licensed professional practitioner responsible for overseeing his/her fieldwork.

TEMPORARY LICENSE

A license issued by the Board of Health for the Town of Southwick to an individual conducting massage therapy and/or bodywork within the Town of Southwick on a temporary basis, which is defined more fully herein in § 412-5D.

TRAINING FACILITY OR SCHOOL

Any premises, facility, structure, or building used to train individuals to become professional practitioners of massage therapy and/or bodywork.