License Application for - Massage Therapist

South Bend Municipal Code: Section 4-35

Definition

Massage Therapist means an individual who practices massage therapy.

Massage Therapy means the manipulation of the superficial and deep layers of the muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, or promote relaxation and well-being with the hand, fingers, elbows, knees, feet and legs. Massage involves working and acting upon the body with pressure through structured and unstructured, stationary, or moving tension, motion, or vibration, performed manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, organs or the gastrointestinal system. Target tissue specifically excludes the genitals or female breasts.

General Instructions:

1. Assemble all required information and materials before filing application.
2. Thoroughly review all applicable Municipal Code Sections listed above.
3. Licenses expire on the last day of February.
4. Add 10% to license fee for renewal after February 28.
5. Include $5.00 license application fee payable to City of South Bend. You may pay this in-person at City Hall, or call the Business Licensing Manager at 574-235-5912 to pay over the phone.
6. License fee payable to City of South Bend due at issuance - $75.00
   
   

Required Information and Materials:

1. Copy of driver’s license or government issued identification.
2. Copy of Indiana Professional License approved by the State Board of Massage Therapy.
3. Copy of diploma or certificate of graduation from a recognized school, if any.
4. The massage establishment, if any, at which the applicant is or expects to be employed.
5. (3) 1"x1" photos, taken within 6 months.
6. Other information as required to determine diploma/certificate validity.
7. Addresses and employment history for previous (3) years.
8. List of non-traffic criminal convictions.
9. If the Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy ceases to require background checks for applicants or validate the massage therapy school which provided training to the applicant, see alternate requirements in Ord. §4-35.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

1. Review Municipal Code Section 4-35 thoroughly.
2. Submit Application with $5.00 Processing Fee.
3.  Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the application and aforesaid recommendations, the City Controller shall issue a massage license if it is found that:
   1. The application reasonably conforms to the provision of this section.
   2. The applicant has not knowingly made a material misrepresentation in the application for a license.
   3. The applicant has reasonably cooperated in the investigation of his application.
   4. The applicant has not, within three (3) years immediately preceding the date of application, been convicted of the crimes of unlawful deviate conduct, deviate sexual conduct or unlawful sexual conduct as defined in Title 35 of the Indiana Code.
   5. The applicant has furnished an acceptable diploma or certificate of graduation from a Recognized School or, in lieu thereof, has demonstrated competence and proficiency to the satisfaction of the City Controller pursuant to the requirements of this Section.
   6. The applicant has not previously had a massage therapist license or a similar license denied or revoked for cause by this City or by any other city in this or any other state within three (3) years of the date of application.
   7. The applicant is eighteen (18) years of age.
4. License issued on payment of fee.
5. Permit holder may do business with properly displayed License, and in compliance with §4-35.
6. If a license is denied, the applicant may appeal to the Legal Department for a hearing pursuant to Section 4-16 of this Chapter.

I, hereby, certify and affirm that all the information I have given in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I further certify that I have in no way attempted to mislead the City in this application by omitting facts known to me. I agree to cooperate with the City in the investigation of this application. I have read and understand the regulations of the Massage Establishment and/or Therapist license found in the City of South Bend Municipal Code, Section 4-35.