Arkansas is considering major updates to massage therapy rules, and they could transform how your business operates. The Department of Health’s Division for Health Protection (Department) issued proposed rules that introduce new registration requirements, signage obligations, and expectations for establishment owners. These changes could affect how you maintain compliance and manage day-to-day operations.
Key areas that may affect your practice:
- Updated definitions indicating who must register a business
- Mandatory registration for all massage therapy establishments
- Includes sole proprietors, mobile practices, and off-site service providers
- Required human trafficking awareness posters
- Establishment renewal timelines and ongoing business responsibilities
Below is a complete walkthrough of the proposed changes, summarizing everything you need to know. After reading, let regulators know how these changes could affect you by emailing Stephan.Smith@arkansas.gov by March 2.
Updated Definitions
The proposed rules introduce several new definitions that determine what is considered a massage therapy establishment, who must register their business, and what types of businesses would be impacted.
- Entity means any corporation, association, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship, or similar organization.
- Massage therapy establishment means any location where massage is performed, excluding schools. An establishment includes clinics, spas, and businesses that employ LMTs to provide massage at various locations (homes, hotels, or other temporary settings).
- Massage therapy establishment registration means a mandatory registration to legally operate a massage business.
- Principal means an owner, partner, shareholder, or any person with a financial interest in the business who must be listed on the establishment registration.
Required Human Trafficking Awareness Signs
The proposed rules would mandate all establishments and schools to display a specific human trafficking awareness poster in a visible space.
The poster must:
- Be at least 8.5” x 11” in size
- Be posted near the entrance and in restrooms
- Include information about the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline
- Be printed in English, Spanish, and any additional languages required by the Voting Rights Act for your county
If a massage establishment or school does not comply with posting requirements, the Department may issue a warning for the first violation and fines of up to $500 per day for subsequent violations.
Mandatory Establishment Registration
The proposed rules require every massage therapy establishment to register with the Department before operating.
Initial registration requires:
- A completed application
- Legal names and license numbers for each principal (refer to “principal” definition above)
- Legal names and license numbers for each LMT working in the business
- A certificate of good standing if the applicant is an entity (refer to “entity” definition above)
- A local business license from your city or county, if applicable
Reminder: This applies to brick-and-mortar locations, mobile businesses, and any entity employing or contracting massage therapists.
Registration Validity and Renewals
Once issued, a massage establishment registration would be valid for two years. Business owners would also take on several ongoing administrative responsibilities:
- Any change in business information, such as owners or massage therapists, must be reported to the Department within 10 business days.
- Renewal requires updated lists of principals, therapists, and any other changes that may have occurred.
Note: Registrations cannot be transferred.
Comment Period
These proposed changes would introduce new expectations for massage therapy businesses across Arkansas. Your perspective matters, and regulators need to hear directly from the professionals these rules affect.
Submit your comments by March 2 by emailing Stephan.Smith@arkansas.gov