Legalities of Practicing Reflexology in California
California does not currently require state certification or licensure of reflexologists. Each city or county decides on their own business license requirements.
RAC doesn't determine whether you can practice reflexology or not, but works to support our members’ right to practice as a separate discipline and provides current information about our profession. RAC has been involved with legislation at the State level for years, working toward exemption for reflexology if a statewide massage law is passed.
Legalities of Practicing Reflexology in California
California does not currently require state certification or licensure of reflexologists. Each city or county decides on their own business license requirements.
RAC doesn't determine whether you can practice reflexology or not, but works to support our members’ right to practice as a separate discipline and provides current information about our profession. RAC has been involved with legislation at the State level for years, working toward exemption for reflexology if a statewide massage law is passed.
Protecting and expanding the right of citizens to have access to alternative medicine and natural treatments as part of wellness care involves all of our participation. To learn more about how you can support grassroots organizations that have your best interests at heart, as a citizen and a practitioner, see the resource sites listed at the end of this article.
For a full description of the law, its intent and purpose, an FAQ document for practitioners and consumers as well as a downloadable compliance package, go to the CHF website: www.californiahealthfreedom.com. First designed as a consumer protection legislation, also provides the opportunity for unlicensed persons to do their healing work lawfully. It does NOT take the place of an individual complying with all local and state regulations and licensing requirements. This law does not PROTECT you from being cited, penalized or fined for violating the Medical Practice Act of California.
This legislation applies to anyone who is not otherwise licensed as a healthcare provider under CA law (CA Business and Professions Code Section 2053.5; Bill known as former SB-577 that was signed into law in 2002).
There are two categories of compliance:
(1) things you must not do, such as represent yourself as a doctor, etc. As a reflexologist, this involves not diagnosing, prescribing or treating for a health condition.
(2) things you must do, such as disclose your training in a written form with specific record keeping.
You are advised to read the code carefully for the complete requirements.
RAC provides a sample disclosure form specific to reflexology.
You may modify and incorporate this form into your practice immediately. Note that the italicized text is to be personalized for the individual. Adapted from the CHF generic version, this was prepared by RAC (not an attorney) as a public service for our reflexology members.
To practice reflexology in California does not require membership in RAC or any other association. However, we recommend that reflexologists join their State Association and professional organizations to stay current on reflexology news and legislative updates that can impact your reflexology practice.
Resource websites for health freedom information:
CHFC, California Health Freedom Coalition - www.californiahealthfreedom.com
(Downloadable Compliance Package)
CCHF, California Citizens for Health Freedom - www.citizenshealth.org
(Current news on Legislative Issues)
NHF, National Health Federation – www.thenhf.com
Latest development on legislative issues – SB731
On September 27th the massage bill, SB731, was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This bill is a voluntary certification for the massage therapy profession to enable the consumers to identify credible certified massage therapists. This bill is only for people who use the title ‘massage/bodywork therapist’ or ‘massage/bodywork practitioner’. The certification is not controlled by the State but by the California Massage Therapy Organization, which will be formed shortly.
The new massage law does not apply to reflexologists, only for massage therapists. Reflexologists have several options to practice reflexology:
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If you are practicing avocational reflexology, meaning you are practicing on friends and family, and not for profit, you do not need a license.
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If you are practicing professional reflexology you will need a license according to local city law. We will continue to be able to practice:
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Under local city ordinances as they exist now
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Under local city ordinances that have exemptions for Reflexology, i.e. Citrus Heights.
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And in those municipalities that will permit it under the Health Freedom Act, SB 577.
For those of you who are massage therapists, you can learn more about how this new law impacts you at the AMTA and ABMP websites:
http://www.amtamassage.org/news/093008california_certification.html
http://www.abmp.com/home/CA092808_law.html
