§ 30-37-11 — Exemptions

Nothing in this article may be construed to prohibit or otherwise limit:

(a) The practice of a profession by persons who are licensed, certified or registered under the laws of this state and who are performing services within their authorized scope of practice. Persons exempted under this subdivision include, but are not limited to, those licensed, certified or registered to practice within the scope of any branch of medicine, nursing, osteopathy, chiropractic and podiatry, as well as licensed, certified or registered barbers, cosmetologists, athletic trainers, physical and occupational therapists; and any student enrolled in a program of massage education at a school approved by the West Virginia State College System Board or by a state agency in another state, the District of Columbia or a United States territory which approves educational programs and which meets qualifications for the National Certification Exam administered through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, provided that the student does not hold himself or herself out as a licensed massage therapist and does not charge or receive a fee; and

(b) The activities of any resort spa that has been operating on a continuing basis since January 1, 1975, or any employees of the resort spa. The exemption set forth in this subsection does not extend to any person, corporation or association providing escort services, nude dancing or other sexually oriented services not falling within the scope of massage therapy as defined in this article, irrespective of how long the person, corporation or association has been in operation.

Legislative History

2006 Reg. Sess., HB4279; 2005 Reg. Sess., HB3021; 1998 Reg. Sess., HB4035; 1997 Reg. Sess., HB2609