1. Do we have until July 1, 2008 to get a license to practice massage therapy in SD?
2. I heard something about the date July 1, 2008, what is it?
3. Can I report someone I know is practicing without a license?
4. What other changes occurred at the 2007 legislative session?
5. What is the Board’s budget?
6. Who is managing the Board’s daily operations?
7. How many licenses has South Dakota currently issued?
8. What do I need to know about the continuing education requirement?
9. How often does the Board of Directors meet and where?
10. The SD license requires professional liability insurance of at $250,000, where can I get it?
1. Do we have until July 1, 2008 to get a license to practice massage therapy in SD?
No, that is incorrect. A mandatory license is currently required for anyone practicing massage therapy for a fee – in any setting, in any part of the State. Anyone practicing without a license is outside the law and must get a license to continue practicing. (return to top)
2. I heard something about the date July 1, 2008, what is it?
At the 2007 legislative session, only the grandfathering opportunity was extended UNTIL July 1, 2008, not the need for a license. Non-licensed massage therapists have until this date to get a license without meeting the requirements of 500 hours of professional training and the passing of a professional examination. The application can be found on the homepage by clicking on “Licensing.” (return to top)
3. Can I report someone I know is practicing without a license?
Yes, please report the name and address to the Board office by way of an email or postal mail. The office needs to know who you are but you will not be revealed to the unlicensed massage therapist. (return to top)
4. What other changes occurred at the 2007 legislative session?
The license was changed to an annual license; the fee for the initial license and the annual renewal fee were reduced to $65; the continuing education requirement was reduced to 8 hours every two years, and an Inactive License status was adopted. (return to top)
5. What is the Board’s budget?
The State’s fiscal/budget year runs from July 1 to June 31 so the budget number will change every year. Currently, Fiscal Year 2008, the NET budget amount is proposed at $14,943 – the amount after revenue and expenses. Fiscal Year 2009’s NET budget amount is proposed at $18,328. All Boards must be self-sufficient; they do not receive any General State Funds. (return to top)
6. Who is managing the Board’s daily operations?
Joyce M. Vos, the owner of Management Service Partners, Inc. was contracted on June 1, 2007 to be the Executive Secretary. She provides the physical location for the Board’s office in Sioux Falls along with all the office equipment, storage, and Staff. They are to be contacted with any board, licensing, regulatory, etc. types of inquiries. (return to top)
7. How many licenses has South Dakota currently issued?
As of October 15, 2007, there have been 554 licenses issued. Numerous licensees reside in neighboring States. They don’t all reside or practice in South Dakota. This number continues to change. A listing can be found on the homepage. (return to top)
8. What do I need to know about the continuing education requirement?
Eight hours of continuing education (CE) is required every two years (biennially) upon license renewal. Only 4 of those hours may be by electronic (computer / online) means. The 8 hours must be earned during the immediate last two years of licensure, and not from a time period prior to your licensure. According to Administrative Rule §20:76:03:05, “A licensee shall keep the following records: (1) A brochure or flyer showing the type of activity, sponsoring organization, location, duration, instructor’s or speaker’s name, and contact hours earned; and (2) Attendance verification records in the form of completion certificates or other documents supporting evidence of attendance.” At this time, the Board is no more specific about what qualifies as a compliant CE activity other than the following Administrative Rule §20:76:03:04, “A qualifying activity is any course with a clear purpose and objective which maintains, improves, or expands the skills and knowledge relevant to the licensee’s field of practice. Self-study activities include internet courses, reading books or articles, or video/audio tapes and are not allowed unless testing or examination with formal, recorded passing scores are obtained. Contact hours must be obtained in qualifying activities related to the licensee’s profession. Qualifying contact hours may be earned in any jurisdiction” (State). Since only 8 CE hours are now required, you will need to send a copy of your Certificates of Completion or Certificates of Attendance as supporting evidence along with your renewal every two years. So keep this information in a permanent, accessible record file. Do not send it into the office for record keeping. (return to top)
9. How often does the Board of Directors meet and where?
The Board does not have a set schedule but will meet whenever enough business warrants a meeting. They will conduct their meetings in Pierre whenever the services of the Assistant Attorney General is needed. They may also conduct meetings in Sioux Falls since the majority of the Board members and Staff are either in Sioux Falls or close to the area, which minimizes Board expenses. The greater part of their meetings will be in General Session, open to the public. They may also go into Executive Session – closed to the public – to discuss appropriate confidential business matters. (return to top)
10. The SD license requires professional liability insurance of at $250,000, where can I get it?
The Board cannot make a recommendation as to where to get your insurance. Acceptable proof of insurance that has come in with some applications has been issued by the national massage therapy associations. Proof of insurance has also been evidenced by local insurance agencies. (return to top)
