§ 37:3553 — Application of Chapter; exceptions and exemptions

§3553. Application of Chapter; exceptions and exemptions
A. This Chapter shall apply to any person or massage establishment engaging in the
practice of massage therapy within the state of Louisiana.
B.(1) This Chapter shall not apply to any services performed in hospitals licensed
by the state.
(2) This Chapter shall also not apply to any of the following:
(a) Persons who are licensed, registered, or certified in another state, territory, the
District of Columbia, or a foreign country when incidentally present in the state to teach a
course of instruction related to massage and bodywork therapy as a continuing education
course.
(b) Persons giving massage and bodywork to their immediate family without
compensation.
(c) Persons incidentally present in the state to provide services as part of an
emergency response team working in conjunction with relief officials during a disaster,
provided such persons are properly licensed in the state from which they originate.
C. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as preventing or restricting the practice
of any person licensed or certified in this state under any other law from engaging in the
profession or occupation for which he is licensed or certified. However, a person licensed
or certified in this state under any other law shall not hold himself out to the public as a
licensed massage therapist under the provisions of this Chapter.
D. Nothing in this Title shall prohibit the board from adopting rules that are related
to preventing fraud, abuse, human trafficking, or other criminal activity.

Legislative History

Acts 1992, No. 753, §2, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 567, §1, eff. July 3, 1997; Acts 2012, No. 605, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2013; Acts 2021, No. 324, §2, eff. June 14, 2021; Acts 2025, No. 453, §1.