(a) Acceptable continuing education includes attendance at and completion of department-approved or -recognized institutes, seminars, workshops, state or national conferences, associations, courses provided by an approved massage therapy school, or college and university academic courses. These programs must be designed to increase and enhance professional knowledge, skills, or competence in the practice of massage therapy. The subject matter must be:
  (1) directly related to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to the practice of massage therapy and the manipulation of soft tissue, massage therapy laws and rules, business practices, professional ethics, anatomy, physiology, hydrotherapy, kinesiology, pathology, or health and hygiene;
  (2) first aid and/or CPR, not to exceed six hours total each renewal period; or
  (3) advanced massage therapy or bodywork techniques acceptable to the department.
(b) Continuing education approved or recognized by the department must be developed and presented by qualified persons.
  (1) Massage therapy techniques and courses involving the manipulation of soft tissue must be taught or presented by a licensed massage therapy instructor. Advanced massage therapy or bodywork techniques must be taught or presented by persons with licensure, registration, or education in the technique being presented.
  (2) Courses, other than techniques, may be taught or presented by persons with licensure, registration, education or practical experience in the subject being presented. Instructors teaching CPR or First Aid must be certified as CPR instructors or First Aid instructors by:
    (A) the American Heart Association;
    (B) the American Red Cross;
    (C) the National Safety Council; or
    (D) another provider with curriculum that is in compliance with nationally accepted guidelines established by the above referenced organizations.
  (3) Out-of-state instructors or presenters offering continuing education in Texas on massage therapy techniques or involving the manipulation of soft tissue must:
    (A) be in compliance with any licensure, registration or certification requirements for massage therapists and massage therapy instructors in the instructor or presenter's home state;
    (B) be licensed to practice medicine, occupational therapy, chiropractic, athletic training, physical therapy, or nursing; or
    (C) provide documentation of education or practical experience specific to the continuing education being offered if the instructor or presenter's home state does not have licensure, registration or certification requirements for massage therapists and massage therapy instructors.
(c) Continuing education which otherwise meets the standards of this section but is offered or presented online or by correspondence is acceptable only if the subject matter is not massage therapy techniques or manipulation of soft tissue.
(d) The department may approve out-of-state continuing education providers and programs. Continuing education completed out-of-state may be accepted by the department if it is approved by a national board such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
(e) Additional information regarding the continuing education may be required for departmental review.

Source Note: The provisions of this §117.31 adopted to be effective November 1, 2017, 42 TexReg 4991; amended to be effective February 1, 2020, 45 TexReg 543; amended to be effective April 1, 2021, 46 TexReg 2003