§ 22-83. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following definitions apply:

Act means the Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act, enacted by and defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-24A-1 et seq. as amended.

Board means the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy, enacted by the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 43-24A-4.

For hire means a reasonable expectation that the person to whom the massage is provided, or some third person on his or her behalf, will pay money, give other consideration, or provide any gratuity therefore.

Licensed massage therapist means a person who holds a valid, current, unrevoked, and unsuspended state license in the practice of massage therapy issued by the board pursuant to the Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act.

Massage means any tactile stimulation of another person, for hire, below the collarbone on the front torso and the shoulder blades on the back torso including, but not limited to, touching, rubbing, probing, scrubbing, bathing, cleaning, rinsing, or otherwise applying hands or other body contact of the masseuse or a mechanical apparatus or appliance to the torso of another to clean, relieve tension or pain, stimulate blood flow, provide pleasurable sensation or for any other purposes.

Massage parlor means a business with a location in the city at which any person engages in or offers massage, regardless of the name of the business or the words used to describe the business through signage or advertisement or in filings with the Secretary of State. Massage parlors are subject to regulation by a local government, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 48-13-9(b)(17) and O.C.G.A. § 43-24A-22(a) as amended.

Masseuse, masseur, massage practitioner, or persons practicing massage means a person who performs or engages in the practice of massage.

State license means a license to practice massage therapy issued by the board, pursuant to the Act.

(Ord. No. 2013-0211, § 1, 2-11-13)