Massage under unannounced inspections - Nisqually Valley News

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Massage and reflexology businesses can be inspected beginning this month. To identify unlicensed providers and other illegal practices, a new law that has been in place for about a week allows investigators the authority to perform random inspections.
The state Legislature amended the massage law in 2012 to mandate licenses for reflexology (foot and hand massage) practitioners and authorize unannounced inspections of all massage businesses.
According to the new section in the law, investigators can inspect businesses “within reasonable limits and in a reasonable manner.â€*
“These inspections are to make sure the businesses meet sanitation and hygiene standards and that employees are properly licensed,†said Donn Moyer, communications officer for Washington State Department of Health.*
Maureen Mitchell, licensed massage practitioner, has had a massage business in Yelm for 15 years. Mitchell said she supports the new law.
“I’m very passionate about what I do,†Mitchell said. “I want it protected, I want it to be legitimate and I want people to heal.â€
Moyer said the new law allows inspectors the ability to perform unannounced checks on any business that advertises massage or reflexology services.*
“We check to see if they have an up-to-date license for being a massage therapist or if they are performing duties and services that are in their credentials,†he said.
Moyer said the Washington State Department of Health has noticed a recent problem with reflexology businesses not staying within the confines of that credential.
The inspections are typically random or done after one or more complaints have been made against a business.
Possible violations could result in an investigation, which may lead to department action or a referral to local authorities.
Mitchell said she hopes the inspections will help put a stop to unreputable massage and reflexology businesses.
“We’ve worked hard to establish a reputation in the medical world and I don’t like to see it tainted because of other places not doing what they should,†she said.*
Moyer said he believes the new law will help the Washington State Department of Health correct any massage and reflexology businesses that are not practicing within the standards.
Before the new law came into effect, investigators were not allowed to investigate a business or doctor’s office unannounced.*
“It’s an important tool for patient safety,†Moyer said. “Patients want to know they are receiving quality care by people who are properly qualified and licensed.â€
In the past, Moyer said investigations were primarily done with the help of local law enforcement after a complaint was filed.
“The Department of Health will continue to work closely with law enforcement and other local authorities to coordinate many of the investigations involving massage, reflexology, and any unlicensed individuals practicing massage,†Moyer said.*
Agency staff estimates about 150 massage/reflexology businesses throughout Washington will be inspected this year.
Moyer encourages anyone who has a complaint against a massage or reflexology practitioner, or any healthcare provider, to report their concerns to the Washington State Department of Health.*
Moyer emphasizes making complaints if anything goes wrong with the actual treatment, care or if any boundary violations are made.
“I think it’s important to know we are primarily driven by people with complaints,†Moyer said. “If something goes wrong we want to know about it. We can look into it and correct it and ensure people are receiving the appropriate standards of care.â€
To make a complaint, call 360-236-4700.