1. (1) "Accrediting agency" means an organization, association, or commission recognized by the United States Department of Education as a reliable authority in assessing the quality of education or training provided by a school or institution.
2. (2) "Acute" injury under Subsection 58-47b-102(13)(g) means a sudden onset injury including a sprain, strain, or contusion.
3. (3) "Clinic" means performing on the public, in a supervised student setting, the techniques and skills learned under the curriculum of a registered school.
4. (4) "Display prominently" means to make visible in at least the entryway reception area of a registered massage establishment.
5. (5) "Direct supervision" means the same as that term is defined in Section R156-1-102a.
6. (6) "Disrobe" means removing one's clothes to the point of undress.

7. (7) "Distance learning" means the acquisition of theory-based knowledge and non hands-on skills through information and education that is:

   1. (a) provided without the teacher being physically present with the student, massage apprentice, or massage assistant-in-training; and
   2. (b) using various technologies to facilitate communication such as internet and audio or visual recordings.
8. (8) "FSMTB" means the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.

9. (9)(a) "Fully clothed" as used in Subsection 58-47b-501.1(4)(a) means the licensee is wearing opaque outer garments that cover at least the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, and breasts.

   1. (b) "Fully clothed" as used in Subsection 58-47b-501.1(4)(a) does not include wearing one of the following as an outer garment:

      1. (i) lingerie;
      2. (ii) a bikini or similar; or

      3. (iii) swimwear, unless:

         1. (A) it is specific to the modality including aquatic therapy; and
         2. (B) it meets the requirements of Subsection (9)(a).

10. (10) "Hands-on instruction" means instruction in a massage school, massage apprentice curriculum, or massage assistant-in-training curriculum when:

    1. (a) the instructor and trainee are both physically present in the same room at the same time; and
    2. (b) the trainee participates in direct experience with application of the education or training.
11. (11) "Indirect supervision" means the same as that term is defined in Section R156-1-102a.
12. (12) "Intake form" as used in Subsection 58-47b-306(1) means a form that meets the requirements of Section R156-47b-306.
13. (13) "Lymphatic massage" means a method using light pressure applied by the hands to the skin in specific maneuvers to promote drainage of lymphatic fluid from the tissue.
14. (14) "Manipulation" as used in Subsection 58-47b-102(2)(a) means contact with movement that involves touching the clothed or unclothed body.
15. (15) "Massage client services" means practicing on the public the techniques and skills being learned as a massage apprentice or massage assistant in-training, while under the supervision of a massage therapy supervisor.
16. (16) "Massage safety permit educational module" means the educational module described in Subsections 58-47b-302(5)(d) and (7)(f) that meets the requirements of Section R156-47b-302h.
17. (17) "MBLEx" means the FSMTB Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam.
18. (18) "Operating hours" as used in Subsection R156-47b-601(4) means any time the massage establishment is in use.
19. (19) "Recognized school" means a massage school located in another state, district, or territory of the United States, whose students upon graduation are recognized by that jurisdiction as having completed the educational requirements for licensure in that jurisdiction.
20. (20) "Registered school" means a massage school with a curriculum that is registered with an accrediting agency or with the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Consumer Protection, in accordance with Subsection R156-47b-302(1).

21. (21) "Subacute injury" as used in Subsection 58-47b-102(13)(g) and Section R156-47b-306 means an injury that:

    1. (a) happened less than eight weeks ago and is beyond an acute injury stage, but the tissue becomes sensitive to pain when there is tissue resistance; and
    2. (b) is managed uniquely compared to more chronic or persistent issues.
22. (22) "Unprofessional conduct" is further defined, in accordance with Subsection 58-1-203(1)(e) and Sections 58-47b-502 and 58-47b-502.1, in Sections R156-47b-502 and R156-47b-502.1.

Terms used in this rule are defined in Title 58, Chapter 1, Division of Professional Licensing Act, and Title 58, Chapter 47b, Massage Therapy Practice Act. In addition:

KEY: licensing, massage establishment, massage establishment registration, massage therapy, massage therapist, massage apprentice, massage assistant, massage assistant-in-training, inspection, animal massage

Date of Last Change: May 7, 2026

Notice of Continuation: March 21, 2022

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 58-1-106(1)(a); 58-1-202(1)(a); 58-47b-101