The Maryland Department of Health proposed new rules that could impact how licensed massage therapists and registered massage therapists use handheld tools in their practice. If you use these tools, or plan to, you’ll want to check out what’s being proposed—and maybe share your thoughts!
You can submit comments in support or opposition by emailing mdh.regs@maryland.gov by August 11. ABMP gives you a quick look at what’s being proposed below.
Definitions—What Is a Handheld Tool?
The proposed rules define a handheld tool as an instrument that enhances or imitates manual massage techniques.
Examples that are handheld tools:
- Mechanized vibration instruments
- Muscle-scraping tools
The following are not handheld tools:
- Thumb-saver tools
- Trigger-point tools
- Still point inducers
Qualifications—Who Can Use Them and How?
A licensed massage therapist or registered massage therapist would be allowed to use handheld tools if the therapist is in good standing, submits a registration form, and pays a $100 fee. Practitioners would have to complete at least 12 hours of training in the following areas:
- Philosophy of handheld tools and their use within massage therapy
- Indications and contraindications
- Practitioner and patient safety
- Legal considerations when using handheld tools
- Recordkeeping
- The clinical use of muscle scraping and mechanized vibration tools
Already completed similar training? Courses approved by NCBTMB would count if they were completed after January 1, 2018, and were substantially similar to the training content listed above.
Guidelines for Using Tools in Practice
Approved practitioners would have to:
- Explain and demo handheld tools to clients before use
- Receive informed written consent
- Use handheld tools only as intended
- Document usage clearly
- Evaluate, assess, and re-evaluate client impairments
- Apply handheld tools only to areas related to client impairments
- Stay up to date with continuing education related to handheld tool use
Under the proposed rules, violations may lead to disciplinary action, so it will be important to comply fully.
Comment Deadline
If this affects you or your practice, take a few minutes to review the proposed rules and share your feedback with mdh.regs@maryland.gov before August 11.