Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 334 - BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPISTS
Here’s an overview of Oregon Administrative Rules – Chapter 334: Board of Massage Therapists (effective July 1, 2024):
📋 Chapter Structure & Major Divisions
Chapter 334 is organized into five key divisions:
Division 1: Procedural Rules (§ 334‑001‑0000 to ‑0060) – Covers rulemaking processes, budget, procurement, personnel, and definitions (oregon.gov, oregon.public.law).
Division 10: Massage Licensing (§ 334‑010‑0005 to ‑0050) – Deals with applications, facility permits, endorsements, exams, licensure requirements, background checks, fees, competencies, continuing education, plus special practices like breast massage (oregon.gov).
Division 20: Sanitation, Facility & Building Requirements (§ 334‑020‑0005 to ‑0055) – Mandates health and sanitary standards for both permanent and mobile massage facilities (oregon.gov).
Division 30: Ethical Standards (§ 334‑030‑0001 to ‑0005) – Lists professional conduct rules, including client boundaries, respect, informed consent, and critical reflection (oregon.gov).
Division 40: Complaints & Discipline (§ 334‑040‑0001 to ‑0010) – Specifies complaint procedures, possible violations (e.g. unlicensed practice, falsified advertising), and disciplinary actions (oregon.gov).
🔍 Highlighted Rule Elements
🛠 Division 1 – Procedural Rules
Notice requirements: Rule updates must be mailed to media, associations, schools; follow ORS 183.335 (oregon.gov).
Budget & procurement: Biennial budget (~$2.6M); procurement thresholds ($15K, $50K, $150K rules) .
Definitions: Key terms like “LMT,” “bodywork,” “boundary,” “compensation,” etc. (oregon.gov).
📚 Division 10 – Massage Licensing
Applications: Must use board-approved forms + fees; requires ID, transcripts, credential review for endorsement (oregon.gov).
Background checks: Criminal history reviewed; fitness to practice evaluated .
Practice disclosures: LMTs must notify board of address changes within 30 days; must display license and license number in ads (secure.sos.state.or.us).
Exempt practices: Certain somatic educators (e.g. Feldenkrais, Bowenwork) aren’t subject to licensure if they don’t claim to be LMTs (oregon.gov).
Special treatments: For practices like breast massage, therapists need extra training + informed consent (oregon.gov).
Fees & CE: Initial license $200; renewal $200; temporary or inactive $100; detailed CE standards, audits, emergency flexibility during state emergencies (oregon.gov).
🧼 Division 20 – Sanitation & Facilities
Facility permits: Required for physical locations, must display permits and licenses; update board on any facility changes in 30 days (oregon.gov).
Hygiene standards: Cleanliness, pest control, sanitary linens, and privacy practices required; violations may incur $500 fines (oregon.gov).
⚖ Division 30 – Ethical Standards
Professional conduct: Upholds client safety, boundaries, diversity respect, advocacy, legal compliance (oregon.gov).
Reflection: Requires self-assessment, updating practice methods, and autonomous decision-making (oregon.gov).
🚨 Division 40 – Complaints & Discipline
Complaints process: Anyone can file; licensees must cooperate. Anonymous complaints allowed; confidentiality maintained (oregon.gov).
Violations include: Unlicensed practice, misrepresentation, boundary violations, substance impairment, improper sanitation, advertising infractions .
Consequences: License revocation, suspension, fines, denial of renewal, and other administrative actions .
🧭 Summary
OAR Chapter 334 governs all aspects of massage therapy in Oregon—from licensure procedures to ethical obligations and facility standards. It ensures public safety, professional accountability, and a structured process for complaints and discipline.
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