Skip to main content
Back To Top Top Back To Top
This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 4731-1 | Limited Branches of Medicine or Surgery

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 4731-1-01 | Definition of terms.
 

(A) "Board" means the state medical board of Ohio.

(B) "Certificate of good standing" means a non-transferable certificate issued by the board to the person or persons signing the application on behalf of a limited branch school, college, or institution which states that it is in good standing with the board, pursuant to section 4731.16 of the Revised Code and this chapter of the Administrative Code.

(C) "Limited branch school, college or institution" means a facility wherein a course of instruction in massage therapy is offered.

(D) "MBLEx" means the massage and bodywork licensing examination as prepared by the federation of state massage therapy boards.

(E) "Distance education" means an instructional delivery system in which students and teachers are in separate locations and in which education and training are delivered through video, audio, computer, multimedia communications or some combination.

(F) "Home study" means a form of correspondence instruction through mail or e-mail in which the institution provides lesson materials for study and completion by a student on his or her own, with completed lessons being returned by the student to the school for evaluation by the school. "Home study" shall not be considered a form of distance education.

Last updated February 28, 2023 at 8:45 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4731.05, 4731.15, 4731.16
Amplifies: 4731.15, 4731.16
Five Year Review Date: 2/28/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 6/30/2001, 2/28/2004
Rule 4731-1-02 | Application of rules governing limited branches of medicine or surgery.
 

(A) Rules adopted by the board governing the practice of limited branches of medicine apply to practitioners of those limited branches listed in sections 4731.15 and 4731.151 of the Revised Code.

(B) Any person holding a valid license to practice one or more of the limited branches of medicine is subject to disciplinary action by the board, and may additionally be subject to criminal prosecution, if such person performs acts beyond the scope of the limited branch for which the person holds a license or which otherwise violates the rules governing practitioners of limited branches of medicine.

(C) For purposes of division (B)(18) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code, the code of ethics and standards of practice of the "American Massage Therapy Association" applies to all persons holding a license to practice massage therapy. The code of ethics may be obtained from the medical board's website at med.ohio.gov/.

Last updated February 28, 2023 at 8:45 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4731.05, 4731.15
Amplifies: 4731.15, 4731.22
Five Year Review Date: 7/31/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 6/17/1991, 9/30/2015
Rule 4731-1-03 | General prohibitions.
 

(A) No person holding a license to practice a limited branch of medicine shall perform or hold himself or herself out as able to perform surgery, or any other act which involves a piercing or puncturing of the skin or membranous tissues of the human body unless specifically permitted under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code or this chapter of the Administrative Code.

(B) No person holding a license to practice a limited branch of medicine shall prescribe, dispense, personally furnish or administer any drug or medicine.

(C) Except as is specifically permitted under the rules defining the scope of a limited branch of medicine, no person holding such a license shall diagnose or treat infectious, contagious or venereal diseases, or any wound, fracture or bodily injury, infirmity, or disease.

(D) The designation "Dr." or "Doctor" shall not precede the name of the limited practitioner. No person holding a license to practice a limited branch of medicine shall employ, or cause to be employed, the designation "Dr." or "Doctor" without also qualifying such designation by the name or an abbreviation of the limited branch for which the person holds a license. The appropriate designation must follow the name of the limited practitioner (e.g., "John Doe, Doctor of Mechanotherapy" or "John Doe, D.M.") and may be employed or caused to be employed by the limited practitioner only if the limited practitioner has received a degree granting such a title from a school legally empowered to grant the degree.

(E) No person holding a license to practice a limited branch of medicine shall employ, or cause to be employed, the designation "Physician" or "Surgeon" no matter how qualified or how employed in combination with other language.

(F) No person holding a license to practice any limited branch or branches of medicine shall hold himself or herself out as holding a license in or as being able to practice any limited branch of medicine for which that person does not hold a license.

(G) No person holding a license to practice any limited branch or branches of medicine shall conduct such practice under any name or title, either as an individual, company or concern, that is misleading.

Last updated February 28, 2023 at 8:45 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4731.05, 4731.15
Amplifies: 4731.15, 4731.17
Five Year Review Date: 2/28/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 10/15/1977, 6/17/1991, 1/24/2012
Rule 4731-1-04 | Scope of practice: mechanotherapy.
 

(A) A practitioner of mechanotherapy shall examine patients only by verbal inquiry, examination of the musculoskeletal system by hand, and visual inspection and observation. A practitioner of mechanotherapy shall specifically not employ any techniques which involve extraction or analysis of body tissue or fluids.

(B) A practitioner of mechanotherapy shall not diagnose a patient's condition except as to whether or not there is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system present.

(C) A practitioner of mechanotherapy, in the treatment of patients, may apply only those techniques listed in this paragraph, but he may apply such techniques only to those disorders of the musculoskeletal system which are amenable to treatment by the listed techniques and which are identifiable by examination and diagnosis as described in this rule:

(1) Advised or supervised exercise;

(2) Massage or manipulation;

(3) Application of air, water, heat, cold, sound or infrared rays; or

(4) Electrical neuromuscular stimulation.

Last updated February 28, 2023 at 8:46 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4731.05, 4731.15, 4731.151
Amplifies: 4731.151
Five Year Review Date: 2/28/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 11/4/1975
Rule 4731-1-05 | Scope of practice: massage therapy.
 

(A) Massage therapy is the treatment of disorders of the human body by the manipulation of soft tissue through the systematic external application of massage techniques including touch, stroking, friction, vibration, percussion, kneading, stretching, compression, and joint movements within the normal physiologic range of motion; and adjunctive thereto, the external application of water, heat, cold, topical preparations, and mechanical devices.

(B) A massage therapist shall not diagnose a patient's condition. A massage therapist shall evaluate whether the application of massage therapy is advisable. A massage therapist may provide information or education consistent with that evaluation, including referral to an appropriate licensed health care professional, provided that any form of treatment advised by a massage therapist falls within the scope of practice of, and relates directly to a condition that is amenable to treatment by, a massage therapist. In determining whether the application of massage therapy is advisable, a massage therapist shall be limited to taking a written or verbal inquiry, visual inspection including observation of range of motion, touch, and the taking of a pulse, temperature and blood pressure.

(C) No person shall use the words or letters "massage therapist," "licensed massage therapist," "L.M.T." or any other letters, words, abbreviations, or insignia, indicating or implying that the person is a licensed massage therapist without a valid license under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code.

(D) A massage therapist may perform the following services in compliance with the following:

(1) A massage therapist may treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction provided that the patient has been directly referred in writing for such treatment to the massage therapist by a physician currently licensed pursuant to Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, by a chiropractor currently licensed pursuant to Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code, or a dentist currently licensed pursuant to Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code.

(2) A massage therapist may apply ultrasound, diathermy, electrical neuromuscular stimulation, or substantially similar modalities provided that the patient has been directly referred in writing for such treatment to the massage therapist by a physician or podiatric physician licensed under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code, physician assistant licensed under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code, chiropractor licensed under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code, advanced practice registered nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, or physical therapist licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code, who is acting within the scope of their professional license.

(a) The massage therapist must perform the modality within the minimal standards of care.

(b) If the food and drug administration classifies the device as a prescription device, as that term is defined in 21 CFR 801.109 amended as of June 15, 2016, or a restricted device that can only be sold, distributed, or used upon the order of an authorized healthcare provider, the massage therapists application of the device must be done under the on-site supervision of the referring practitioner.

(c) If the food and drug administration classifies the device as an over-the-counter device, the massage therapist may apply the device without the on-site supervision of the referring practitioner.

(E) All persons who hold a license to practice massage therapy issued pursuant to section 4731.17 of the Revised Code shall prominently display that license in the office or place where a major portion of the license holder's practice is conducted. If a license holder does not have a primary practice location, the license holder shall at all times when practicing keep either the wall certificate on the holder's person or provide verification of licensure status from the board's internet web site upon request.

(F) Massage therapy does not include:

(1) Colonic irrigation;

(2) The practice of chiropractic, including the application of a high velocity-low amplitude thrusting force to any articulation of the human body;

(3) The use of graded force applied across specific joint surfaces for the purpose of breaking capsular adhesions;

(4) The prescription of therapeutic exercise for the purpose of rehabilitation or remediation of a disorder of the human body;

(5) The treatment of infectious, contagious or venereal diseases;

(6) The prescription, dispensing, personally furnishing or administration of drugs; and

(7) The performance of surgery or practice of medicine in any other form.

(G) As used within this rule:

(1) "External" does not prohibit a massage therapist from performing massage therapy inside the mouth or oral cavity; and

(2) "Mechanical devices" means any tool or device which mimics or enhances the actions possible by the hands that is within the scope of practice as defined in section 4731.04 of the Revised Code and this rule.

Last updated February 28, 2023 at 8:46 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4731.05, 4731.15, 4731.20
Amplifies: 4731.04, 4731.15
Five Year Review Date: 11/5/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 3/8/1992, 5/31/2004, 1/24/2012
Rule 4731-1-06 | Scope of practice: naprapathy.
 

Naprapathy is the treatment of diseased spinal connective tissue and ligaments by hand only. A practitioner of naprapathy shall not examine patients except by written and verbal inquiry, visual inspection and observation, and touch. Such practitioners shall not diagnose a patient's condition, but may determine whether or not application of naprapathy is advisable.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 11/4/1975, 3/8/1992
Rule 4731-1-12 | Application and examination for certificate to practice massage therapy.
 

(A) No application shall be considered complete until the applicant has complied with the requirements of paragraph (A) of rule 4731-4-02 of the Administrative Code and the board has received the results of criminal records checks and any other forms required to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (A) of rule 4731-4-02 of the Administrative Code.

(B) All applicants seeking a license to practice massage therapy who meet the requirements of section 4731.19 of the Revised Code, shall apply to the board in compliance with section 4731.19 of the Revised Code.

(C) Any person seeking a license to practice massage therapy shall have passed the MBLEx available through the federation of state massage therapy boards.

(1) An applicant for the MBLEx shall apply directly to the federation of state massage therapy boards.

(2) The passing performance for the examination as reported by the federation of state massage therapy boards shall constitute successful completion of the examination.

Last updated February 28, 2023 at 8:46 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4731.05, 4731.15, 4731.16, 4776.03
Amplifies: 4731.16, 4731.17, 4731.171, 4731.19, 4776.02
Five Year Review Date: 2/28/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 1/24/2012
Rule 4731-1-15 | Massage therapy educational requirements and determination of standing of school, college or institution.
 

(A) For purposes of this rule, "hours" as used in section 4731.19 of the Revised Code, means a period of sixty minutes with a minimum of fifty minutes of instruction.

(B) A person seeking a license to practice massage therapy must hold one of the following:

(1) A diploma or certificate from a limited branch school, college or institution located in Ohio that held a certificate of good standing at the time the person obtained the diploma or certificate.

(2) A diploma or certificate from a limited branch school, college, or institution located outside of Ohio that held a certificate of good standing at the time the person obtained the diploma or certificate.

(3) A diploma or certificate from a limited branch school, college, or institution located outside of Ohio that required the completion of a course of instruction meeting the requirements section 4731.19 of the Revised Code. No more than one-half of the course of instruction required by section 4731.19 of the Revised Code may have been provided via distance education.

(4) During the five-year period immediately preceding the date of application, a current license, registration, or certificate in good standing in another state for massage therapy.

(C) A person desiring to have the board determine the standing of a limited branch school, college, or institution shall file an application for a certificate of good standing in the form and manner prescribed by the board. The completed application shall be signed by the owner or owners and shall provide evidence of the following:

(1) If the limited branch school, college or institution is located in this state, that:

(a) It holds a certificate of authorization issued by the Ohio department of higher education pursuant to Chapter 1713. of the Revised Code; or

(b) It holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid program authorization for the program in the limited branch of medicine issued by the state board of career colleges and schools pursuant to Chapter 3332. of the Revised Code; or

(c) It holds a certificate of authorization issued by the Ohio department of education, division of career/technical adult education; and

(d) It offers a course of instruction in compliance with section 4731.19 of the Revised Code. No more than one-half of the course of instruction required by section 4731.19 of the Revised Code may be provided via distance education.

(e) It requires that each student, prior to completing the course of instruction, perform, on a licensed massage therapist, at least one therapeutic massage. The school shall ensure that the student massage is evaluated as to whether the student demonstrates at least minimally acceptable competency.

(2) If the limited branch school, college or institution is located outside this state, that:

(a) It holds a current or valid registration authorizing its operation issued by the appropriate regulatory body in the state of location that is substantially equivalent to the department of higher education, the state board of career colleges and schools, or the department of education in this state; or

(b) Approval or recognition by the state board or agency authorized to regulate the limited branch of medicine in the state in which the limited branch school, college, or institution is located; or

(c) In the event that the limited branch school, college, or institution is located in a state that does not approve or recognize such facilities or educational programs, approval by the federation of state massage therapy boards for purposes of permitting graduates to sit for the MBLEx; and

(d) It offers a course of instruction in compliance with section 4731.19 of the Revised Code. No more than one-half of the course of instruction required by section 4731.19 of the Revised Code may be provided via distance education.

(e) It requires that each student, prior to completing the course of instruction, perform, on a licensed massage therapist, at least one therapeutic massage. The school shall ensure that the student massage is evaluated as to whether the student demonstrates at least minimally acceptable competency.

(D) At or before the time a school, college or institution in this state accepts a student for admission to a massage therapy course of instruction, the school, college or institution shall provide the student with written notice that arrests, charges, or convictions of criminal offenses may be cause to deny or limit licensure or employment opportunities in specific careers and occupations and may limit the students ability to obtain federal, state, and other financial aid. The notice shall direct students to the explanatory statement and disqualifying offense list on the boards website at www.med.ohio.gov/The-Board/Disqualifying-Criminal-Convictions.

(E) An application for a certificate of good standing shall be signed by all owners and may not be signed by a person who has been found guilty of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, or by a person who has been disciplined by the board pursuant to section 4731.22 of the Revised Code.

(F) The board may refuse to issue, suspend, place on probation, revoke, or permanently revoke a certificate of good standing for any one or any combination of the following causes:

(1) Non-compliance with or failure to fulfill the provisions of this chapter of the Administrative Code or applicable provisions of Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(2) Furnishing of false, misleading, or incomplete information requested by the board;

(3) Violation of state or federal laws including discrimination in the acceptance and education of students upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

(G) If the board refuses to issue, suspend, place on probation, revoke, or permanently revoke a certificate of good standing, the applicant or the certificate holder shall be entitled to a hearing. Notice and hearing requirements will be in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and any rules adopted by the board.

(H) In determining the effective date of any suspension, revocation, or permanent revocation of a certificate, the board shall take into consideration those students currently enrolled in the course of instruction.

(I) The certificate of good standing issued pursuant to this rule is valid for two years from the date of issuance. It may be renewed upon the holders submission of evidence demonstrating that the requirements of paragraph (C) of this rule are satisfied as determined by the board.

Last updated February 28, 2023 at 8:46 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4731.05, 4731.15
Amplifies: 4731.16, 4731.19
Five Year Review Date: 2/28/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 6/17/1991, 6/30/2001, 1/24/2012, 3/30/2020
Rule 4731-1-17 | Instructional staff in Ohio cosmetic therapy and massage therapy programs.
 

(A) An instructor in limited branch theory or clinical practice shall be a high school graduate or equivalent, shall be currently licensed in Ohio in the applicable limited branch and shall have practiced in the applicable limited branch for a minimum of three years.

(B) A classroom instructor teaching basic science or general education courses shall hold a bachelor's degree with a concentration in the discipline in which that instructor is providing instruction. The requirements of this paragraph may be waived for faculty who, on the date this rule becomes effective, have taught the course for more than one year at a limited branch school that holds a certificate of good standing issued by the board.

(C) An instructor in massage therapy business courses shall meet one of the following requirements:

(1) Hold at least a bachelor's degree with a concentration in business;

(2) Have experience in a massage therapy business gained as an owner and operator of a massage therapy business for a minimum of three years;

(3) Have experience in a massage therapy business gained as a manager of a massage therapy business for a minimum of three years.

Last updated February 28, 2023 at 8:46 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4731.05, 4731.15
Amplifies: 4731.16, 4731.19
Five Year Review Date: 5/31/2024