Massage Therapy Establishment
Inspection Information
The massage therapy establishment shall have the equipment necessary to provide massage therapy. This equipment must be clean, well-maintained, and in good repair.
- All massage tables shall be:
- At least 70 inches long, 22 inches wide, and a height appropriate for the massage therapist; and
- Sturdy enough to accommodate clients weighing up to 500 pounds.
- All massage therapy establishments providing saunas or steam baths shall be equipped with shower facilities.
- All cabinets, showers, tubs, basins, massage or steam tables, carts/containers used for transporting laundry, and all other fixed equipment used shall be thoroughly cleansed and shall be free from harmful organisms by the application of a bactericidal agent.
- Combs, brushes, shower caps, mechanical and massage instruments, or bathing devices that come in contact with the body shall be sterilized or disinfected. Devices, equipment, or parts thereof having been used on 1 person shall be sterilized or disinfected before being used on another person.
- Sheeting shall cover all massage tables or pads.
- Clean linen such as sheets, towels, gowns, pillowcases, and all other linens used in the practice of massage shall be provided for the use of each individual client.
- All towels and linens used for one person shall be laundered or cleaned in hot water and/or with the application of a germicidal/bactericidal agent before another person uses them.
- All clean linens shall be kept in a clean dry area.
- All soiled linens shall be placed in a receptacle designated for soiled linens.
- A separate cart/container shall be used to transport clean and soiled linens.
- Wastewater shall be disposed of in a manner consistent with the requirements of the local authority, i.e. Department of Environmental Quality or city ordinances.
- Creams and oils must be kept in clean, closed containers. Powder shall be kept in a shaker.
- The licensee shall provide soap and clean individual towels for use by all employees.
A massage therapy establishment shall have a clearly identifiable location; each massage therapy establishment can be freestanding or part of an existing structure.
- The establishment must not have the same entrance as or direct access to a massage therapy school. The entrance into the establishment used by the general public, must lead directly from the outside to the establishment, except that an establishment may have its entrance open from a public area such as a foyer.
- Floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, and fixtures shall be kept in good repair, clean and sanitary at all times.
- All rooms shall have adequate lighting and ventilation and shall be free of offensive odors and maintained at a comfortable temperature.
- Each client receiving a massage shall have said massage performed in a private location.
- Each massage therapy establishment shall have toilet and lavatory facilities, specifically designated for the establishment use only, for use by clients and employees. Such will be located within or immediately adjacent to the premises. The toilet or lavatory shall be equipped with hot and cold running water, toilet paper, soap, single service towels, and waste receptacle. Any location licensed prior to the effective date of these regulations will not be required to comply with this requirement.
- Each massage therapy establishment shall have hot and cold running water for hand washing. At least a 5 gallon hot water capacity will be required if only a facility for hand washing is available and is to be used in the establishment. At least a 20 gallon hot water capacity will be required if a facility for showers and other hydrotherapy activities is available and is to be used in the establishment. Any location licensed prior to the effective date of these regulations will not be required to comply with this requirement, except that an establishment without a hand washing area must use a germicide wash.
- No door or doors to any rooms in a massage therapy establishment shall be locked, barricaded, or blocked in any manner while simultaneously occupied by a massage therapy establishment employee and client.
- Display in a conspicuous location at the massage therapy establishment:
- The current license to operate the massage therapy establishment;
- An original small wallet card (not a photocopy) of each massage therapist who practices massage therapy in the massage therapy establishment (see duplicates and reissued section);
- Emergency Evacuation Plan
- Have one copy of the latest printing of the
Neb. Rev. Stat. §§71-1,278 to 71-1,284; 71-2701 to 71-2719 Statutes Pertaining To Massage Therapy and one copy of the latest printing of all rules and regulations relating to
- Maintain in a conspicuous location at the entrance to the massage therapy establishment a sign in intelligible lettering not less than 1 inch in height containing the name of the massage therapy establishment.
Duties and Responsibilities of Massage Therapist
Each licensed massage therapist on duty shall be responsible for providing massage therapy in a sanitary manner:
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after serving each client.
- Wear clean outer garments free of dirt, offensive odor, and stains.
- Be free of open sores and infectious or contagious disease.
Duties and Responsibilities of Manager and Owner
Each massage therapy establishment owner shall:
- Verify that all massage therapists employed by the massage therapy establishment have a valid Nebraska license to practice massage therapy.
- Notify the department when a massage therapist terminates employment with the establishment. In such instances where only 1 massage therapist is on staff and that massage therapist terminates employment, the establishment must notify the department that the establishment is closed. The establishment may reopen upon the hire of a qualified massage therapist and notification to the department.
- Post all licenses in such a manner that clients can readily see the documents.
- Insure that a copy of these rules and regulations governing massage therapy establishments is accessible to the staff.
- Insure that the massage therapy establishment is operated in accordance with the statutes and rules and regulations governing the profession of Massage Therapy.
Infectious and Contagious Disease Control
A massage therapy establishment shall operate in such a manner that prevents the spread of infectious or contagious disease.
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Massage Therapy Establishment Page
