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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 9.D.
For Meeting of: May 20, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Ordinance relating to Title 5, Licenses and Business Regulations,
adding Chapter 5.31, Massage and Reflexology Services
SUBMITTED BY: *Detective Thomas Priestman, Yakima Police Department
Brooke Hargreaves, Senior Assistant City Attorney
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
To bolster community safety and maintain industry integrity, the City of Yakima has implemented
enhanced oversight measures for massage businesses. This ordinance provides law enforcement with
the necessary tools to identify establishments engaging in unauthorized sexual services. In addition to
addressing these specific violations, the ordinance sets forth a comprehensive framework aimed at
detecting and preventing a range of other regulatory breaches. By enforcing these stringent standards,
the city seeks to ensure a safe, reputable environment for both consumers and licensed practitioners
alike.
If adopted, this ordinance would:
1. Prohibit a massage or reflexology business from operating between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
2. Permit the Yakima Police Department (YPD) to inspect a business' common area during business
hours to ensure that:
a. Each massage therapist or reflexologist is 18 years of age or older;
b. Each massage therapist or reflexologist is licensed or certified by the Washington State
Department of Health (DOH);
c. The business conspicuously displays its massage business license, reflexology business license,
copies of each massage therapist license, and/or copies of each reflexology certification at or near the
business' entrance so they can easily be read while the business is open;
d. Each massage therapist or reflexologist has a government-issued photo identification on his or her
person or available for inspection by the DOH, Yakima County Health District, and YPD; and
e. The names on each massage therapist license or reflexology certification and government-issued
photo identification match;
3. Make it unlawful for a person to practice massage therapy or represent himself or herself as a
massage therapist without being licensed as a massage therapist by the DOH;
4. Make it unlawful for a person to practice reflexology or represent himself or herself as a reflexologist
without being licensed as a massage therapist or certified as reflexologist by the DOH;
5. Make it unlawful for a business to facilitate or, with knowledge or criminal negligence, permit the
underage practice of massage therapy or reflexology within the business;
6. Make it unlawful for a business to facilitate or, with knowledge or criminal negligence, permit the
unlicensed practice of massage therapy or reflexology within the business;
7. Make a violation a gross misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 364 days of jail time and up to a
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$5,000 fine;
8. Allow the City of Yakima to deny or revoke a business license if:
-applicant entered a stipulated order of continuance, deferred sentence, or plea in a human
trafficking, prostitution, or unlicensed practice of massage therapy case
-an application omits or misrepresents a material fact
-a licensee or business violates the chapter
-a business' operations constitute a public nuisance
Massage business owners licensed in the City of Yakima were invited to attend an informal meeting
regarding the proposed ordinance on March 25, 2025, at city hall, and one person attended. Their
questions were answered, and they were informed about the upcoming city council meeting.
ITEM BUDGETED: N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: A Safe and Healthy Yakima
RECOMMENDATION: Pass Ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS:
Ord-Ch. 5.31_Massage & Reflexology Srvs.docx
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ORDINANCE NO. 2025-
AN ORDINANCE relating to Licenses and Business Regulations, Title 5, adding Chapter
5.31, Massage and Reflexology Services.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. Chapter 5.31, Massage and Reflexology Services, is added as a new
Chapter to Title 5 of the Yakima Municipal Code, and reads as follows:
Chapter 5.31
MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY SERVICES
5.31.010 Purpose.
5.31.020 Definitions.
5.31.030 License Required.
5.31.040 Denial or Revocation.
5.31.050 Owner, Director, Manager, or Person in Charge.
5.31.060 Business Hours and Services.
5.31.070 Inspection.
5.31.080 License or Certification.
5.31.090 Exemptions.
5.31.100 Limitations.
5.31.110 Underage Practice.
5.31.120 Unlicensed or Uncertified Practice.
5.31.130 Display of Licenses and Certifications.
5.31.140 Advertising.
5.31.150 Facilities, Equipment, Lighting, and Draping.
5.31.160 Services and Techniques.
5.31.170 Recordkeeping.
5.31.180 Penalties.
5.31.010 Purpose.
The Yakima City Council recognizes the therapeutic benefits of massage and reflexology
services, and contributions of massage and reflexology businesses. However, it realizes that
some practitioners represent themselves as massage therapists or reflexologists to facilitate
unlicensed practice and prostitution. The practice undermines the public health, safety, and
welfare of residents as well as the integrity, legitimacy, and security of licensed practitioners.
This Chapter promotes the provision of legitimate massage and reflexology services and
operation of licensed massage and reflexology businesses, and prohibits unlicensed practice
and prostitution.
5.31.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this Chapter:
1. "Advertise" and "Advertising" include, but are not limited to:
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a. Advertising in texts, pamphlets, newspapers, newsletters, magazines,
instant messages, handbills, fliers, emails, circulars, cards, bulletins, or
business cards;
b. Advertising on websites, social media forums, social media accounts,
chatrooms, cell phone applications, blogs, television, or radio;
c. Advertising on billboards, businesses, residences, or vehicles;
d. Distributing pamphlets, handbills, fliers, circulars, cards, or business
cards;
e. Posting signs; and
f. Posting in the classified or forum sections of newspapers, newsletters,
magazines, websites, social media forums, social media accounts,
chatrooms, cell phone applications, or blogs.
2. "Board" means the Washington State Board of Massage.
3. "Breast Massage" means the specific and deliberate manipulation of breast
tissue pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-830-555.
Massage of the surrounding chest and shoulder muscles such as massage of the
intercostal, pectoral, or axillary muscles is not considered breast massage.
4. "Conspicuously Display" means:
a. Displaying a massage business license, reflexology business license,
massage therapist license, or reflexology certification at or near the
massage or reflexology business' entrance so it can easily be read while
the business is open;
b. Displaying a massage therapist's name and license number on his or her
advertisements so it can easily be read; or
c. Displaying a reflexologist's name and certification number on his or her
advertisements so it can easily be read.
5. "Department" means the Washington State Department of Health.
6. "District" means the Yakima County Health District.
7. "Intraoral Massage" means the manipulation or pressure of soft tissue inside the
mouth or oral cavity for therapeutic purposes.
8. "Linens" means sheets, blankets, towels, gowns, pillow cases, face cradle
covers, and other non-impervious fabrics used in the practice of massage.
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9. "Massage" and "Massage Therapy" mean a health care service involving the
external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes.
Massage therapy includes techniques such as tapping, compressions, friction,
reflexology, Swedish gymnastics or movements, gliding, kneading, shaking, and
fascia) or connective tissue stretching, 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, nor does it
include genital manipulation.
10. "Massage Business" means the operation of a business where massage services
are provided.
11. "Massage Business License" means a license issued under this code.
12. "Massage Therapist" means a person licensed as a massage therapist under
Chapter 18.108 Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
13. "Massage Therapist License" means a license issued under Chapter 18.108
RCW.
14. "Perineum" means the tissues between the anus and scrotum or vulva.
15. "Reflexologist" means a person certified as a reflexologist under Chapter 18.108
RCW.
16. "Reflexology" means a health care service that is limited to applying alternating
pressure with thumb and finger techniques to reflexive areas of the lower one-
third of the extremities, feet, hands, and outer ears based on reflex maps.
Reflexology does not include diagnosis of, or treatment for, specific diseases or
joint manipulations.
17. "Reflexology business" means the operation of a business where reflexology
services are provided.
18. "Reflexology Business License" means a license issued under this code.
19. "Reflexology Certification" means a certification issued under Chapter 18.108
RCW.
20. "Student" means a person enrolled in an approved massage or reflexology
school, program, or apprenticeship program, practicing massage or reflexology
techniques, incidental to the school or program under its supervision who is not
performing massage or reflexology for compensation.
5.31.030 License Required.
1. A person is prohibited from operating a massage or reflexology business without
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a valid business license pursuant to Yakima Municipal Code (YMC) 5.52.
2. A business license issued under this Chapter is not assignable or transferable.
3. If a massage or reflexology business' address or owner changes, the business
license previously issued to the withdrawing owner or owners is considered
cancelled. The new owner or owners must apply and obtain their own business
license as provided for in YMC 5.52 prior to commencing activities in the city
through the acquired business.
4. The business name and address of each licensed business are considered
public records under Chapter 42.17 RCW, and subject to public record
disclosure.
5.31.040 Denial or Revocation.
1. In addition to the provisions listed in Yakima Municipal Code 5.01.060, the City of
Yakima is permitted to deny a new, or revoke an existing, massage or reflexology
business license if:
a. An applicant or licensee entered a stipulated order of continuance,
deferred prosecution, deferred sentence, suspended sentence, or guilty
plea in a case charged under:
1. 18 United States Code (U.S.C) § 1581;
2. 18 U.S.C. § 1583;
3. 18 U.S.C. § 1584;
4. 18 U.S.C. § 1589;
5. 18 U.S.C. § 1590;
6. 18 U.S.C. § 1591;
7. 18 U.S.C. § 1592;
8. 18 U.S.C. § 1593A;
9. 18 U.S.C. § 1594;
10. 18 U.S.C. § 1597;
11. RCW 9A.88.030;
12. RCW 9A.88.070;
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13. RCW 9A.88.080;
14. RCW 9A.88.085;
15. RCW 9A.88.090;
16. YMC 5.31.080;
17. YMC 5.31.110;
18. YMC 5.31.120;
19. YMC 5.31.130;
20. YMC 5.31.160; or
21. A similar law or ordinance;
b. A licensee assigns or transfers a license issued in violation of YMC
5.31.030(2);
c. A licensee fails to update or renew an old license with the City of Yakima
in violation of YMC 5.31.030(3); or
d. A business' operations constitute a public nuisance.
2. The City of Yakima is permitted to revoke a massage or reflexology business
license if Yakima Municipal Court determines that a violation of this Chapter
occurred.
5.31.050 Owner, Director, Manager, or Person in Charge.
1. For the purposes of this Chapter, a massage or reflexology business owner,
director, manager, or person in charge includes, but is not limited to:
a. A person representing himself or herself as a massage or reflexology
business owner, director, manager, or person in charge;
b. A person recognized as a massage or reflexology business owner,
director, manager, or person in charge by the business' practitioners;
c. A person responsible for a massage or reflexology business' operations;
d. A person responsible for scheduling or compensating a massage or
reflexology business' practitioners;
e. A person listed as a registered agent or contact person of a massage or
reflexology business with the Washington State Department of Revenue;
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f. A person listed as a governor or governing person of a massage or
reflexology business with the Washington State Department of Revenue
or Secretary of State;
g. A person listed as an applicant or owner on a Washington State or
Yakima business license application or business license;
h. A person signing a massage or reflexology business' lease or rental
agreement;
A person signing a massage or reflexology business' loan;
j. A person receiving income from a massage or reflexology business that is
dependent on a practitioner's services at or on behalf of the business;
k. A person paying a massage or reflexology business' property taxes;
A person paying a massage or reflexology business' lease or rental
payment;
m. A person paying a massage or reflexology business' accounting,
cleaning, insurance, landscaping, security, cable, electricity, garbage,
gas, internet, sewer, telephone, television, or water bill;
n. A person paying a massage or reflexology business' Washington State or
Yakima business license application fee or business license fee; or
o. A person responsible for securing a massage or reflexology business'
supplies.
2. The presence of any condition listed under Section 5.31.020(1) is sufficient to
establish that a person is a massage or reflexology business owner, director,
manager, or person in charge.
5.31.060 Business Hours and Services.
A massage or reflexology business is prohibited from operating between 9:00
p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
5.31.070 Inspection.
1. The Yakima Police Department is permitted to inspect a massage or reflexology
business' common area during business hours to ensure that:
a. Each massage therapist or reflexologist is 18 years of age or older;
b. Each massage therapist or reflexologist is licensed or certified by the
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Department;
c. The business conspicuously displays its massage business license,
reflexology business license, copies of each massage therapist license,
and/or copies of each reflexology certification at or near the business'
entrance so it can easily be read while the business is open;
d. Each massage therapist or reflexologist has a government-issued photo
identification on his or her person or available for inspection by the
Department, District, and Yakima Police Department; and
e. The names on each massage therapist license or reflexology certification
and government-issued photo identification match.
2. The Yakima Police Department is prohibited from inspecting a massage or
reflexology business' rooms without consent, a warrant, or other lawful basis.
3. This Section does not limit the Yakima Police Department's use of lawful
investigatory techniques.
5.31.080 License or Certification.
1. It is unlawful for a person to practice massage therapy or represent himself or
herself as a massage therapist without being licensed as a massage therapist by
the Department. A person represents himself or herself as a massage therapist
when the person adopts or uses any title or any description of services that
incorporates one or more of the following terms or designations: Massage,
massage practitioner, massage therapist, massage therapy, therapeutic
massage, massage technician, massage technology, massagist, masseur,
masseuse, myotherapist or myotherapy, touch therapist, reflexologist except
when used by a reflexologist, acupressurist, body therapy or body therapist, or
any derivation of those terms that implies a massage technique or method.
2. It is unlawful for a person to practice reflexology or represent himself or herself
as a reflexologist without being licensed as a massage therapist or certified as a
reflexologist by the Department. A person represents himself or herself as a
reflexologist when the person adopts or uses any title in any description of
services that incorporates one or more of the following terms or designations:
Reflexologist, reflexology, foot pressure therapy, foot reflex therapy, or any
derivation of those terms that implies a reflexology technique or method.
3. A person with an unissued, expired, suspended, or revoked license is
unlicensed.
4. A person with an unissued, expired, suspended, or revoked certification is
uncertified.
5.31.090 Exemptions.
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This Chapter does not apply to:
1. A person performing massage or reflexology on his or her immediate family
members;
2. A person licensed, certified, or registered under another Washington state law
and performing services within his or her authorized scope of practice;
3. A person performing massage or reflexology at the athletic department of:
a. An institution maintained by the public funds of Washington State or any
of its political subdivisions;
b. A primary or secondary school or higher education institution;
c. A school or college approved by the Department by rule using recognized
national professional standards; or
d. A nonprofit organization licensed under RCW 66.24.400 and 66.24.450;
4. A student enrolled in an approved massage school, program, or apprenticeship
program, practicing massage techniques, incidental to the massage school or
program under its supervision;
5. A student enrolled in an approved reflexology school, program, or apprenticeship
program, practicing reflexology techniques, incidental to the reflexologist school
or program under its supervision;
6. A person who completed an approved somatic education training program; or
7. A person who is not performing massage or reflexology for compensation.
5.31.100 Limitations.
The exemptions listed under Section 5.31.090 do not apply to:
1. A person representing himself or herself as a massage therapist who advertises
the practice of massage using the term massage or any other term that implies a
massage technique or method in any public or private publication or
communication;
2. A person representing himself or herself as a reflexologist who advertise the
practice of reflexology using the term reflexology or any other term that implies a
reflexology technique or method in any public or private publication or
communication;
3. A business advertising the practice of massage using the term massage or any
other term that implies a massage technique or method in any public or private
publication or communication;
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4. A business advertising the practice of reflexology using the term reflexology or
any other term that implies a reflexology technique or method in any public or
private publication or communication;
5. A person offering massage services at or on behalf of a business advertising the
practice of massage therapy using the term massage or any other term that
implies a massage technique or method in any public or private publication or
communication;
6. A person offering reflexology services at or on behalf of a business advertising
the practice of reflexology using the term reflexology or any other term that
implies a reflexology technique or method in any public or private publication or
communication;
7. A business, club, or cooperative offering massage or reflexology services,
irrespective of its organization, operation, or compensation structure; or
8. A business, club, or cooperative offering reflexology services, irrespective of its
organization, operation, or compensation structure.
5.31.110 Underage Practice.
1. A massage business owner, director, manager, or person in charge is required to
ensure that each person practicing massage therapy or representing himself or
herself as a massage therapist is 18 years of age or older.
2. A reflexology business owner, director, manager, or person in charge is required
to ensure that each person practicing reflexology or representing himself or
herself as a reflexologist is 18 years of age or older.
3. It is unlawful for a massage business owner, director, manager, or person in
charge to facilitate or, with knowledge or criminal negligence, permit the
underage practice of massage therapy within his or her massage business.
4. It is unlawful for a reflexology business owner, director, manager, or person in
charge to facilitate or, with knowledge or criminal negligence, permit the
underage practice of massage therapy or reflexology within his or her reflexology
business.
5. For the purposes of this Section, a massage or reflexology business owner,
director, manager, or person in charge's failure to confirm a person's age through
a government-issued photo identification and massage therapist license or
reflexology certification's status through the Department constitutes criminal
negligence.
6. It is unlawful for a person to receive massage or reflexology services from
another whom the recipient knows, or reasonably should know, is underage.
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7. It is an affirmative defense to Subsection 6 that the recipient asked about the
person's age and received a purported massage therapist license or reflexology
certification.
5.31.120 Unlicensed or Uncertified Practice.
1. A massage business owner, director, manager, or person in charge is required to
ensure that each person practicing massage therapy or representing himself or
herself as a massage therapist is licensed as a massage therapist by the
Department.
2. A reflexology business owner, director, manager, or person in charge is required
to ensure that each person practicing reflexology or representing himself or
herself as a reflexologist is licensed as a massage therapist or certified as a
reflexologist by the Department.
3. It is unlawful for a massage business owner, director, manager, or person in
charge to facilitate or, with knowledge or criminal negligence, permit the
unlicensed practice of massage therapy within his or her massage business.
4. It is unlawful for a reflexology business owner, director, manager, or person in
charge to facilitate or, with knowledge or criminal negligence, permit the
unlicensed practice of massage therapy or uncertified practice of reflexology
within his or her massage or reflexology business.
5. For the purposes of this Section, a massage or reflexology business owner,
director, manager, or person in charge's failure to confirm a massage therapist
license or reflexology certification's status through the Department constitutes
criminal negligence.
6. It is unlawful for a person to receive massage or reflexology services from
another whom the recipient knows, or reasonably should know, is unlicensed or
uncertified.
7. It is an affirmative defense to Subsection 6 that the recipient asked about the
person's license or certification status and received a purported massage
therapist license or reflexology certification.
5.31.130 Display of Licenses and Certifications.
1. A massage business is required to conspicuously display its massage business
license and copies of each massage therapist license at or near the massage
business' entrance so they can easily be read while the business is open.
2. A reflexology business is required to conspicuously display its reflexology
business license and copies of each massage therapist license and reflexology
certification at or near the reflexology business' entrance so they can easily be
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read while the business is open.
3. It is unlawful for a massage business owner, director, manager, or person in
charge to fail to conspicuously display its massage business license and copies
of each massage therapist license at or near the massage business' entrance. It
is also unlawful for a massage business to display an unissued, altered, expired,
fraudulent, suspended, or revoked business license or massage therapist
license. Furthermore, it is unlawful for a massage business to display a massage
therapist license if that therapist does not conduct business at that location.
4. It is unlawful for a reflexology business owner, director, manager, or person in
charge to fail to conspicuously display its reflexology business license and copies
of each massage therapist license and reflexology certification at or near the
reflexology business' entrance. It is also unlawful for a reflexology business to
display an unissued, altered, expired, fraudulent, suspended, or revoked
business license, massage therapist license, or reflexology certification.
Furthermore, it is unlawful for a reflexology business to display a massage
therapist license or reflexology certification if that therapist or reflexologist does
not conduct business at that location.
5. Each massage therapist is required to conspicuously display his or her massage
therapist license in his or her principal place of business. If the massage therapist
does not have a principal place of business or conducts business in several
locations, he or she is required to have a copy on his or her person or available
for inspection by the Department, District, and Yakima Police Department. Each
massage therapist is also required to have a government-issued photo
identification on his or her person or available for inspection.
6. Each reflexologist is required to conspicuously display his or her massage
therapist license or reflexology certification in his or her principal place of
business. If the reflexologist does not have a principal place of business or
conducts business in several locations, he or she is required to have a copy on
his or her person or available for inspection by the Department, District, and
Yakima Police Department. Each reflexologist is also required to have a
government-issued photo identification on his or her person or available for
inspection.
5.31.140 Advertising.
1. It is unlawful for an unlicensed person to advertise the practice of massage using
the term massage or another term that implies a massage technique or method
in a public or private publication or communication. It is also unlawful for an
unlicensed person to use the title "licensed massage therapist," the abbreviation
"L.M.T.," or any other word, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person
using the title is a licensed massage therapist.
2. A massage therapist's name and massage therapist license number is required
to conspicuously appear on all of his or her advertisements.
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3. A massage business' name and business license number is required to
conspicuously appear on all of its advertisements.
4. It is unlawful for an unlicensed or uncertified person to advertise the practice of
reflexology using the term reflexology or another term that implies a reflexology
technique or method in a public or private publication or communication. It is also
unlawful for a reflexologist to use a title or description that incorporates one or
more of the following terms or designations: Massage, masseuse, massager,
massagist, masseur, myotherapist or myotherapy, touch therapist, body therapy
or therapist, or any derivation of those terms that implies a massage technique or
therapy unless the reflexologist is also a massage therapist.
5. A reflexologist's name and reflexology certification number is required to
conspicuously appear on all of his or her advertisements.
6. A reflexology business' name and business license number is required to
conspicuously appear on all of its advertisements.
5.31.150 Facilities, Equipment, Lighting, and Draping.
1. A massage therapist using hydrotherapies including, but not limited to, cabinet,
vapor or steam baths, whirlpool, hot tub, or tub baths is required to have
adequate shower facilities available.
2. A massage business is required to clean cabinets, showers, tubs, basins,
massage or steam tables, hydrotherapy equipment, and other fixed equipment
using a bactericidal agent.
3. A massage business is required to sterilize or disinfect combs, brushes, shower
caps, mechanical, massage and hydrotherapy instruments, or bathing devices
contacting the body. If a business uses devices, equipment, or parts thereof on a
person, it is required to sterilize or disinfect them before using them on another
person.
4. A massage or reflexology business is required to use impervious material to
cover, full length and width, massage tables or pads, pillows, bolsters, and face
cradles directly under clean sheets and linens or disposable sheets.
5. A massage therapist or reflexologist is required to provide single-service
materials or clean sheets, towels, gowns, pillow cases, and other linens.
6. A massage or reflexology business is required to store linens in a sanitary
manner.
7. A massage or reflexology business is required to wash linens used on a person
before they are used on another person.
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8. A massage or reflexology business is required to immediately place soiled linens
in a covered receptacle.
9. A massage therapist or reflexologist is required to provide a client or patient with
soap and clean towels.
10. A massage or reflexology business is required to clean and maintain equipment
in good repair.
11. A massage or reflexology business is required to maintain adequate lighting in its
common area and each room where massage or reflexology services are
provided during business hours as provided in WAC 296-800-21005.
12. A massage therapist or reflexologist is required to provide a client or patient with
privacy to dress or undress except as necessary in an emergency or custodial
situation and a gown or draping except as necessary in an emergency.
13. A massage therapist or reflexologist is required to use safe, functional, and
hygienic coverage and draping practices during the massage when the client or
patient is disrobed as provided in WAC 246-830-500. Drapes must be sufficient
to ensure that the genitals, gluteal cleft, anus, rectum, and breasts are not
exposed except as provided in WAC 246-830-560(3) —(4).
14. Safe, functional, and hygienic coverage and draping means:
a. A massage therapist explains, maintains, and respects coverage and
draping boundaries;
b. Massage or body movement does not expose the genitals, gluteal cleft,
anus, rectum, or breasts except as provided in WAC 246-830-560(3) —
(4); and
c. Linens are maintained as provided in WAC 246-830-500.
5.31.160 Services and Techniques.
1. It is unlawful for a person practicing massage therapy or representing himself or
herself as a massage therapist to touch a client or patient's:
a. Gluteal cleft (space distal to the coccyx to the anus) and perineum
(tissues between the anus and scrotum or vulva) unless in accordance
with WAC 246-830-557;
b. Anus or inside the rectum;
c. Inside the urethra;
d. Penis and scrotum;
e. Vulva, including the labia (major or minor), clitoris, bulb of vestibule,
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vulva) vestibule, urinary meatus, and vaginal opening;
f. Inside the vagina;
g. Breasts unless in accordance with WAC 246-830-555; or
h. Inside the mouth unless an intraoral endorsement is issued in accordance
with WAC 246-830-490.
2. It is unlawful for a person practicing massage therapy or representing himself or
herself as a massage therapist to engage in sexual misconduct as described in
WAC 246-16-100.
3. A massage therapist is required to obtain a client or patient's written and verbal
consent and use appropriate draping techniques as provided in WAC 246-830-
560 before performing a breast massage. If a client or patient is under 18 years
of age, a therapist is also required to obtain a parent or legal guardian's written
consent.
4. A massage therapist is required to obtain a licensed health care provider's
written prescription or referral or client or patient's written and verbal consent
before performing a breast massage including the nipples and areolae. If a client
or patient is under 18 years of age, a therapist is also required to obtain a parent
or legal guardian's written and verbal consent.
5. A massage therapist is required to obtain a client or patient's written and verbal
consent and use appropriate draping techniques as provided in WAC 246-830-
560 before performing a gluteal cleft and perineum massage. If a client or patient
is under 18 years of age, a therapist is also required to obtain a parent or legal
guardian's written consent.
6. A massage therapist is required to obtain a client or patient's written and verbal
consent and use appropriate draping techniques as provided in WAC 246-830-
560 before temporarily moving drapes to perform a gluteal cleft and perineum or
breast massage as provided in WAC 246-830-550, 246-830-555, and 246-830-
557. A massage therapist is permitted to undrape a client or patient's upper torso
during the entire massage with written consent. If a coverage and draping
variation occurs, a massage therapist is required to document the rationale in a
client or patient's record.
5.31.170 Recordkeeping.
1. A massage therapist or reflexologist providing services to a client or patient is
required to document the services within 24 hours, including the:
a. Client or patient's name and contact information or, if a client or patient is
under 18 years of age, parent or legal guardian's name and contact
information;
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b. Client or patient's age;
c. Client or patient's health history sufficient to identify cautions or
contraindications to safe application of massage therapy;
d. Treatment date and duration;
e. Techniques used;
f. Treated areas;
g. Written consent to treat;
h. If a breast massage is performed, additional written consent to treat in
accordance with WAC 246-830-555 and therapeutic rationale;
If a breast massage including the nipples and areolae is performed, a
licensed health care provider's written prescription or referral in
accordance with WAC 246-830-555(3)(a) or additional written consent to
treat in accordance with WAC 246-830-555(3)(b);
j. If a gluteal cleft and perineum massage is performed, additional written
and verbal consent to treat, documenting the client or patient's
accordance with WAC 246-830-557(4); and
k. If a coverage and draping variation occurs, written consent as required by
WAC 246-830-560.
2. If a client or patient is 18 years of age or older, a massage therapist or
reflexologist is required to retain, or have access to, the client or patient's records
for three years from the last treatment date.
3. If a client or patient is under 18 years of age, a massage therapist or reflexologist
is required to retain, or have access to, the client or patient's records for three
years after the client or patient turns 18.
4. It is unlawful for a massage or reflexology business owner, director, manager, or
person in charge to facilitate or, with knowledge or criminal negligence, permit
the destruction of a client or patient's records before the periods listed under
Subsections 2 and 3 expire.
5.31.180 Penalties.
A violation of this Chapter is a gross misdemeanor.
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Section 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage,
approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 15th day of April, 2025.
ATTEST: Patricia Byers, Mayor
Rosalinda Ibarra, City Clerk
Publication Date:
Effective Date:
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