The bill amends and clarifies the definition of massage therapy within the Code of West Virginia, specifically in section 30-37-2. It defines "massage therapist" as a licensed individual who provides massage therapy for compensation, explicitly stating that they cannot be referred to as primary care providers. The definition of "massage therapy" is expanded to include various forms of manipulation of soft tissue aimed at therapeutic purposes, while also clarifying that it does not encompass services requiring a medical license or those performed by other licensed health professionals.

Additionally, the bill introduces definitions for "massage establishment" and "sole practitioner." A "massage establishment" is defined as a licensed business where massage therapy is practiced, while a "sole practitioner" refers to a licensed therapist who operates independently, not as an employee or contractor of an establishment. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines and distinctions within the practice of massage therapy in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-37-2
Enrolled Version: 30-37-2