2026 Minnesota Statutes
148.6361 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.Applicability.
For purposes of sections 148.636 to 148.6377, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Subd. 2.Advisory council.
"Advisory council" means the Massage Therapy Advisory Council established under section 148.6376.
Subd. 3.Applicant.
"Applicant" means an individual who has submitted an application to the commissioner according to sections 148.636 to 148.6377.
Subd. 4.Asian bodywork therapy.
(a) "Asian bodywork therapy" means therapy based upon Chinese medical principles with the intent of promoting, maintaining, and restoring health and well-being by affecting the body.
(b) Asian bodywork therapy may use any of the following techniques:
(1) pressing;
(2) soothing;
(3) kneading;
(4) vibration;
(5) friction;
(6) passive stretching within the client's physiological range of motion;
(7) active assistive and resistive movement;
(8) stretching; and
(9) tapping, movement, exercising, or manipulation of the soft tissues.
(c) Methods of assessment and evaluation for Asian bodywork therapy must include a health history and intake interview; observation; listening; questioning; palpation; and with the client's permission or if the client is a minor, the permission of the client's legal guardian or parent, consultation with the client's other health care providers.
Subd. 5.Client.
"Client" means a recipient of massage therapy services or Asian bodywork therapy services.
Subd. 7.Contact hours.
"Contact hours" means the number of hours during which a student is engaged in learning activities provided by a training program approved by the advisory council. Contact hours include synchronous or asynchronous distance learning and in-person learning.
Subd. 8.Credentialing examination.
"Credentialing examination" means an examination approved by the commissioner that meets recognized psychometric principles and standards and is administered by a national testing organization.
Subd. 9.Massage therapy.
(a) "Massage therapy" means the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to promote, maintain, and restore health and well-being.
(b) Massage therapy may use any of the following techniques:
(1) stroking;
(2) gliding;
(3) lifting;
(4) kneading;
(5) jostling;
(6) vibration;
(7) percussion;
(8) compression;
(9) friction;
(10) holding;
(11) passive stretching within the client's physiological range of motion;
(12) movement or manipulation of the soft tissues;
(13) active assistive and resistive movement; and
(14) stretching.
(c) Methods of assessment for massage therapy must include a health history and intake interview; observation of posture and movement; palpation; range of motion assessment; and with the client's permission or if the client is a minor, the permission of the client's legal guardian or parent, consultation with the client's other health care providers.
Subd. 10.Municipality.
"Municipality" means a county, town, or home rule charter or statutory city.
Subd. 11.Registered Asian bodywork therapist.
"Registered Asian bodywork therapist" means an individual who meets the qualifications in sections 148.636 to 148.6377 to use the protected titles for Asian bodywork therapists under section 148.6364 and is registered with the commissioner.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes