As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed:
Act - means the D.C. Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985, effective March 15, 1986 (D.C. Law 6-99; D.C Official Code § 3-1201.01 et seq.).
Applicant - means a person applying for a license to practice massage therapy under this chapter.
Approved School - means any institution or training program which meets the requirements of § 7502.1.
Board - means the Board of Massage Therapy, established by § 215(a) of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 3-1203.15(a) ).
Director - The Director of the Department of Health, or the Director's designee.
Hands-on, massage-technique course - means a course, class, workshop, or training session in which one or more massage techniques are taught or provide the basis of the instruction, and the participants or attendees have the opportunity to emulate, practice, or learn massage techniques from the instructor.
Incidental use - means soft tissue manipulation performed as part of movement reeducation, energy healing, or other modality in which the soft tissue manipulation is not the central aim of the treatment, but is performed occasionally to facilitate the non- massage therapy practice.
LGBTQ continuing education - continuing education focusing on patients or clients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender nonconforming, queer, or question their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression ("LGBTQ") meeting the requirements of § 510(b)(5) of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 3-1205.10(b)(5) (2016 Repl.)).
Massage techniques - means any touching or pressure with the intent of providing healing or therapeutic benefits through soft tissue manipulation. Massage techniques include, but are not limited to, Rolfing, Neuromuscular Therapy, Shiatsu or acupressure, Trigger Point massage, Trager, Tui na, Reflexology, Thai Massage, deep tissue massage, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, Craniosacral, Polarity, Reiki, Swedish Massage, and Therapeutic Touch. Massage techniques may be performed in any postural position including seated massage and techniques performed on clothed clients.
Massage therapist - means a person licensed to practice massage therapy under the Act.
Sexual activity - means any direct or indirect physical contact or connection by any person, or between persons, which is intended to erotically stimulate either or both persons or which is likely to cause such stimulation. As used herein, sexual activity can involve the use of any device or object and is not dependent on whether penetration, orgasm, or ejaculation occurs.
Supervision - means oversight by a supervisor who is available on the premises or by vocal communication, either directly or by a communications device, and within one (1) hour of travel time of the supervisee.
Supervisor - means a massage therapist who is licensed under the Act and in good standing in the District of Columbia, who assumes legal, ethical, and professional responsibility for the conduct of a student or applicant performing massage therapy under his or her charge.
Therapeutic - means having a positive affect on the health and well-being of the client.
Training - means in-class instruction from an approved institution pursuant to § 7502.1. Apprenticeships, internships, correspondence courses or any other out-of-class experience are not considered training, but are considered experience.
The definitions of § 4099 of Chapter 40 of this title are incorporated by reference into and are applicable to this title.
D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 17-7599