OAR 334-010-0027: Exempt Practices

(1) Practitioners exempt from the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists licensing authority are defined as practitioners who: (a) Do not claim expressly or implicitly to be massage therapists and who limit their work to the practice of: (A) Using touch, words and directed movement to deepen awareness of existing patterns of movement and suggest new possibilities of movement, as defined per 687.031(1)(j)(i). Examples include the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education as defined on May 16, 2011, by the Feldenkrais Guild® of North America and The Trager® Approach as defined on May 16, 2011, by the United States Trager® Association; and Registered Practitioners of Ortho-Bionomy® as defined on December 28, 2012 by the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International; or (B) Using minimal touch over specific points on the body to facilitate balance in the nervous system, as defined per 687.031(1)(j)(ii). An example includes Bowenwork® and/ or the Bowen Technique as defined on May 16, 2011 by the Bowenwork Academy USA; or (C) Using touch to affect the energy systems or channels of energy of the body, as defined per 687.031(1)(j)(iii). An example includes Polarity Therapy as defined on May 16, 2011 by the American Polarity Therapy Association; and (b) Hold an active certification from a National or International professional organization or credentialing agency that: (A) Requires a minimum level of training specific to their discipline, demonstration of competence and adherence to an approved scope of practice and ethical standards; (B) Maintains disciplinary procedures to ensure adherence to the requirements of the organization or agency; and (c) Provide contact information in the practitioner’s place of business for any organization or agency that has certified the practitioner. (2) It is the exempt practitioner’s responsibility to insure they meet the criteria for being exempt and only practice within their exempt scope of practice. Practitioners may be subject to discipline by the Board if they: (a) Refer to themselves or imply they are a massage therapist; (b) Practice outside of the exempt scope of practice; (c) Practice without an active certification from a National or International professional organization or credentialing agency; or (d) Fail to provide contact information in the practitioner’s place of business for any organization or agency that has certified the practitioner. (3) The State Board of Massage Therapists has the authority to verify a practitioners claimed exemption from licensure of ORS 687 under subsection (1)(j) of section 687.031. Verification may include, but is not limited to, consultation with the practitioners certifying organization or agency. (4) Disciplines and/or Organizations seeking to be named in the exemption shall contact the Board of Massage Therapists to request a review.