The purpose of this Article is to ensure the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this State receiving massage and bodywork therapy services. This purpose is achieved by:

(1)        Establishing education and testing standards that ensure competency in the practice of massage and bodywork therapy. Mandatory licensure of those engaged in the practice of massage and bodywork therapy assures the public that each individual has satisfactorily met the standards of the profession and continues to meet both the ethical and competency goals of the profession.

(2)        Establishing standards for establishments that provide massage and bodywork therapy services. Mandatory licensure of those who own or operate massage and bodywork therapy establishments assures the public that these establishments provide legal, professional services and employ licensed massage and bodywork therapists who have satisfactorily met the standards of the profession and continue to meet both the ethical and competency goals of the profession. ?(1998-230, s. 10; 2008-224, s. 1; 2017-151, s. 3(a).)