Online News Vol. 1, Issue 3 |
Georgia Board of Massage Therapy |
Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards: This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications. We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year. There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications. Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section. Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia. More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized. PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.
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The Georgia Board of Massage Therapy consists of five members: four licensed massage therapists and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets six times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed. Massage is therapeutic and regulations are necessary to protect the public from unqualified practitioners. It is in the interest of the public to set standards of qualifications, education, training, and experience for those who seek to practice massage therapy; to promote high standards of professional performance for those licensed to practice massage therapy; and to protect the public from unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to practice massage therapy. The Board is assigned to the Secretary of State’s office for administrative purposes and is under the jurisdiction of the division director and operates in accordance with and pursuant to the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 43-1, as applicable. Minutes from the Board meetings may be found on the Board’s website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/massage/. |
Board Members: Jane Johnson, Chair |
Board Staff: Brig Zimmerman
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2009 Meetings: October 23, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon. |
Number of Active Licensees: Massage Therapist: 5,082 |
Actions Taken by the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy August: The Board voted to approve 11 applicants for licensure by application and eight applicants for licensure by reinstatement. The Board voted to accept cease and desist orders from the following individuals for unlicensed practice: The Board voted to suspend the license of the following individual for default of a student loan: The Board voted to elect Jane Johnson of Marietta as Chair and Melony Phillips of Acworth as Vice Chair. |
License Renewals: Licenses expire as follows: Massage Therapist – October 31 of even numbered years It is illegal to work as a massage therapist with an expired license. How do I renew my license? You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website, www.sos.ga.gov/plb/massage, with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted or received any board disciplinary actions or sanctions since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license. Disciplinary Issues: The board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis; the Board takes these matters very seriously and applies disciplinary actions and/or sanctions to those who violate the Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/massage. All public disciplinary action(s) taken by the Board against an active licensee will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, a link to which can be found on the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy website. |
Georgia Board of Massage Therapy Process Information: The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy to regulate the licensing and practice of massage therapy. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-24A is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints and allegations of unlicensed practice against licensees. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows: Complaint Form: Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules. Investigations: The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Notification Process: While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. |
Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |