About

Who We Are

The Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy regulates the practice of massage therapy by interpreting and enforcing A.R.S. § 32-4101 et seq. The Board is required to establish the requirements for the education of licensees and applicants, board-recognized schools, continuing education, and assessment of continuing competencies of licensees. The Board evaluates qualifications for applications for licensure, issues licenses to persons who meet the qualification requirements, adopts rules to enforce A.R.S. § 32-4201 et seq. requires a national examination, and conducts investigations and hearings into allegations of incompetence or unprofessional conduct, including sexual activity with a client. The Board consists of two industry professional and three public members who meet monthly.

Board Mission

The mission of the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy ("Board") is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Arizona by regulating and maintaining standards of practice in the practice of massage therapy. Further, the Board strives to ensure that the practice of massage therapy is provided to Arizonans and its guests in a safe and effective manner.

The Board

The Board is a five-member Board made up of two licensed massage therapists and three public persons. The Board licenses and regulates massage therapists who specialize in the wellness, relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, postural improvement or therapeutic benefits of the public. The Board evaluates the professional competency of massage therapists seeking to be licensed in the State of Arizona. Further, the Board promotes continued competency and fitness by investigating complaints against massage therapists, holding hearings, monitoring the activities of its licensees and enforcing the standards of practice for the massage therapy profession as set forth by law.

What We Do

The purpose of the Board is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. The Legislature declares that the practice of massage therapy is a healthcare profession in need of regulation and that only qualified persons be permitted to engage in the practice as defined the Board's regulations. It is declared that the practice of massage therapy merit and receive the confidence of the public through the enforcement of its regulations and other relevant laws. It is further declared that the Board's regulations are intended to fully occupy the entire field of massage therapy in Arizona and that any city, county, or subdivision thereof is prohibited from adopting laws that infringe on the Board's scope. It should be known that the Board shall liberally interpret its regulations to effectuate the broader purpose of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public.