Alabama Administrative Code Title 532 - ALABAMA BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Here’s a comprehensive overview of Alabama Administrative Code – Title 532: Alabama Board of Massage Therapy, which governs the licensure, regulation, and practice of massage therapy in the state.
📘 Title 532 Overview
Title 532 is organized into the following chapters:
Chapter 532-X-1 – Organization and Administration
Chapter 532-X-2 – Definitions
Chapter 532-X-3 – Massage Therapist Licensure
Chapter 532-X-4 – Massage Therapy Establishment Licensure and Standards
Chapter 532-X-5 – Massage Therapy Schools
Chapter 532-X-6 – Continuing Education
Chapter 532-X-7 – Complaints, Investigations, and Disciplinary Actions
Chapter 532-X-8 – Criminal History Fingerprint Background Check
Chapter 532-X-9 – Massage Therapy Instructor Registration
These chapters collectively establish the framework for massage therapy practice in Alabama.(massageliabilityinsurancegroup.com)
🧾 Chapter 532-X-3: Massage Therapist Licensure
Licensure Requirements
To become a licensed massage therapist in Alabama, applicants must:(massagemag.com)
Education: Complete a minimum of 650 hours from an accredited massage therapy school. The curriculum must include:
100 hours of anatomy and physiology
250 hours of basic massage therapy, including 50 hours of supervised practice
50 hours of business, hydrotherapy, first aid, CPR, and professional ethics
250 hours of electives determined by the school(amtlb.alabama.gov, mblexguide.com)
Examination: Pass a national certification exam accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), such as the MBLEx or the Board Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCETMB).(mblexguide.com)
Liability Insurance: Provide proof of professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000.(massagemag.com)
Background Check: Submit to a criminal history fingerprint background check.(law.cornell.edu)
Application: Submit a completed application form along with the required fees.(massageliabilityinsurancegroup.com)
Temporary Permit
First-time applicants may apply for a temporary permit for supervised practice, allowing them to work under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist while awaiting full licensure. This permit is valid for up to 120 days and is issued under specific conditions outlined by the board.(admincode.legislature.state.al.us)
Exemptions
Certain individuals and activities are exempt from licensure requirements, including:(admincode.legislature.state.al.us)
Students rendering massage therapy services under supervision
Licensed professionals (e.g., physicians, physical therapists) practicing within their scope of practice
Individuals providing massages to immediate family members
Visiting instructors teaching continuing education courses for up to 100 hours per year
Members of recognized disaster relief organizations practicing during declared emergencies(admincode.legislature.state.al.us)
🏢 Chapter 532-X-4: Massage Therapy Establishment Licensure and Standards
Establishment Licensure
All businesses offering massage therapy services must obtain a license from the board. This includes meeting specific requirements related to:
Facility standards
Health and safety regulations
Record-keeping and documentation
Compliance with local zoning and business regulations(admincode.legislature.state.al.us)
Code of Ethics
Licensed massage therapy establishments must adhere to a code of ethics, which includes:(regulations.justia.com)
Maintaining professional conduct
Ensuring client confidentiality
Providing services within the scope of practice
Adhering to legal and regulatory requirements
🎓 Chapter 532-X-5: Massage Therapy Schools
Approved Schools
The board establishes and maintains a list of approved massage therapy schools. Successful completion of a curriculum at a board-approved school is a prerequisite for licensure. These schools must meet specific educational standards set forth by the board.(admincode.legislature.state.al.us)
🧠 Chapter 532-X-6: Continuing Education
Requirements
Licensed massage therapists are required to complete continuing education to maintain their licensure. This includes:(admincode.legislature.state.al.us)
A minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) every two years
Courses must be approved by the board
At least a portion of the CEUs must focus on professional ethics, boundaries, or communication(massagemag.com)
🛡️ Chapter 532-X-7: Complaints, Investigations, and Disciplinary Actions
Procedures
The board investigates complaints against licensed massage therapists and establishments. Disciplinary actions may include:
Reprimands or warnings
Fines
Suspension or revocation of licensure
Probation(admincode.legislature.state.al.us)
The board follows a structured process to ensure fairness and due process during investigations and hearings.
🕵️♂️ Chapter 532-X-8: Criminal History Fingerprint Background Check
Background Checks
All applicants for licensure must undergo a criminal history fingerprint background check. The board evaluates the results to determine eligibility for licensure. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify an individual from obtaining a license.(law.cornell.edu)
👨🏫 Chapter 532-X-9: Massage Therapy Instructor Registration
Instructor Requirements
Individuals wishing to teach at massage therapy schools must be registered as massage therapy instructors with the board. Requirements include:
Holding a valid massage therapist license
Meeting educational and experience criteria
Completing instructor training programs(admincode.legislature.state.al.us, massageliabilityinsurancegroup.com)
📌 Summary Table
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Education | Minimum 650 hours from an accredited school |
| Examination | Pass MBLEx or BCETMB exam |
| Liability Insurance | $1,000,000 coverage |
| Background Check | Criminal history fingerprint check required |
| Temporary Permit | Available for first-time applicants under supervision |
| Exemptions | Includes students, licensed professionals, and certain emergency responders |
| Establishment License | Required for all businesses offering massage therapy services |
| Continuing Education | Minimum CEUs every two years, with ethics-focused courses |
| Instructor Registration | Required for teaching at approved massage therapy schools |
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