Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0870-01-.02 - STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR DRAPING; PROHIBITION OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY; PROHIBITED TREATMENTS

(1) Proper draping technique is of the utmost importance when performing massage therapy to ensure the comfort and safety of the therapist and the client. At all times massage therapists must provide draping and treatment in a way that ensures the safety, comfort and privacy of the client.

(2) Before beginning a massage, the therapist must explain to the client the draping techniques that will be used and provide the client a clean drape large enough for the purpose of draping the buttocks and genitalia and, in the case of female clients, the breasts. Such body parts must remain covered except during therapeutic treatment of those specific areas, with the exception of the genitalia, which shall always remain covered.

(3) Sexual conduct, sexual activity, or sexualizing behavior involving a client is strictly prohibited at all times. A massage therapist may not initiate, arrange for, or engage in such activities, including if the client attempts to sexualize the relationship.

(4) Massage therapists must refrain, under all circumstances, from providing the following treatments, which are prohibited and not within the scope of practice for massage therapists:

(a) Treatments to the anus or anal canal, including, but not limited to, colonic irrigations and enemas;

(b) Cross-gender breast massage;

(c) Treatments to the genitals.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0870-01-.02

New rule filed May 19, 2017; effective 8/17/2017.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 63-18-108, and 63-18-111.