Massage Therapy Schools, Out of State Schools

The Board recognizes that registration, approval or licensing laws and standards or other states regulating limited branch schools may differ from Ohio laws and standards.  Therefore, the Board may recognize out-of-state schools as institutions in good standing for purposes of admitting graduates from those schools for examination for licensure in a limited branch of medicine or surgery if the Board determines that:

(1)        The out-of-state school satisfies the course of instruction period and clock hour requirements enumerated in paragraphs (A) and (B) of rule 4731-1-16 of the Administrative Code;

(2)        The other state of location has laws or rules governing its schools which are substantially similar to those contained in the Administrative Code;

(3)        The appropriate regulatory body of the state of location has recognized the school to provide a similar course of instruction; and

(4)        The state of location recognizes graduates of the school as eligible for a license, or eligible for examination for a license to practice a limited branch of medicine or health care profession in that state which is substantially similar in definition to one of the limited branches of medicine recognized by the Board. OAC § 4731-1-22  (A)

Upon the effective date of this rule, the Board will immediately require all out-of-state schools to satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph (A) of this rule whether the schools have or have not been recognized previously as an institution in good standing for purposes of admitting graduates from those schools for licensure examination in this state or their graduates have been recognized previously as eligible to sit for licensure examination in this state. OAC § 4731-1-22  (B)

After the Board receives a completed application from an out-of-state school, an investigation shall be conducted by the Board with respect to whether the requirements of this chapter of the Administrative Code have been met.   An on site inspection of the school may be conducted.  OAC § 4731-1-22  (C)

Recognition of an out-of-state school as an institution in good standing for purposes of admitting graduates from that school for licensure examination is not transferable.  OAC § 4731-1-22  (D)

A transfer of ownership of a limited branch school or a change in the location or locations of a limited branch school shall be reported to the Board prior to the change becoming effective.  OAC § 4731-1-22  (E)

Upon receipt of notice as provided in paragraph (E) of this rule, the Board shall forward the appropriate forms in order to initiate review and investigation to determine whether to recognize an out-of-state limited branch school as in institution in good standing for purposes of admitting graduates of that school for licensure examination.

An on site inspection may be conducted in the event of a change of school location.  OAC § 4731-1-22  (F)

Any of the following changes shall be reported to the Board by the limited branch school prior to their becoming effective, but shall not result in automatic suspension of recognition of an out-of-state school for licensure examination:

(1)        Change in subjects taught; or

(2)        Change in the administrative staff or instructors.

The Board may conduct an on site inspection or an investigation at any time and without notice to determine whether compliance with this chapter of the Administrative Code is being   maintained.  OAC § 4731-1-22  (G)

Massage Therapy Schools, Out of State Schools