Chapter 5.14
MASSAGE BUSINESSES
Sections:
5.14.020 General requirements.
5.14.010 Definitions.
The following terms, however used or referred to in this chapter, shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning is required by the context:
A. “Massage” and “massage therapy” means a health care service involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy includes massage techniques such as methods of effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, tapping, compressions, vibration, friction, nerve stokes, and Swedish gymnastics or movements either by manual means, as they relate to massage, with or without the aids of superficial heat, cold, water, lubricants or salts. Massage therapy does not include diagnosis or attempts to adjust or manipulate any articulations of the body or spine or mobilization of these articulations by the use of a thrusting force.
B. “Massage business” means the operation of a business where massages are given.
C. “Massage practitioner” means a person engaged in the practice of massage therapy. (Ord. 1533 § 1, 1991: Ord. 1179 § 1, 1981).
5.14.020 General requirements.
No person shall conduct a massage business, and no person shall engage in the practice of massage therapy, except in full compliance with all the laws and regulations pertaining thereto, including RCW Chapter 18.108. (Ord. 1533 § 2, 1991: Ord. 1179 § 2, 1981).
5.14.030 Exemptions.
This chapter does not apply to:
A. An individual giving massage to members of his or her immediate family;
B. The practice of a profession by individuals who are licensed, certified, or registered under other laws of this state and who are performing services within their authorized scope of practice;
C. Massage practiced at the athletic department of any institution maintained by the public funds of the state or any of its political subdivisions;
D. Massage practiced at the athletic department of any school or college approved by the Department of Health of the State of Washington. (Ord. 1533 § 3, 1991: Ord. 1179 § 3, 1981).
5.14.040 Violation—Penalty.
Any person who violates this chapter within the corporate limits of the city is subject to a fine of not more than five thousand dollars and/or one year in jail for each violation. This penalty shall be in addition to all other civil remedies and criminal penalties. Each day of any violation of this chapter shall constitute separate offense and shall be punishable as a separate offense under this chapter. (Ord. 1533 § 4, 1991: Ord. 1179 § 4, 1981).