The board shall issue a license to engage in the practice of massage to any person who submits an application form and the nonrefundable application fee as approved in § 36-35-17 and who demonstrates the following qualifications:

(1) Eighteen years of age or older;

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 36-35-12

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.

(2) Completion of no less than five hundred hours of training or study in the practice of massage with a facility or instructor recognized by the board;

(3) Absence of unprofessional conduct;

(4) Professional liability insurance coverage pursuant to § 36-35-21; and

(5) Passing score on a nationally recognized competency examination approved by the board in rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26.

The board may refuse to grant a license to any person based on failure to demonstrate the requirements of this section. The board may grant a license, subdivision 36-35-13(1) notwithstanding, if the applicant has been convicted of, or pled guilty to a felony, any crime involving or relating to the practice of massage, or any crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude and the board determines that the plea or conviction is of a nature or is sufficiently remote in time that the applicant does not constitute a risk to public safety. An applicant may appeal the denial of a license in compliance with chapter 1-26.

Source: SL 2005, ch 206, § 12; SL 2007, ch 223, § 1; SL 2013, ch 184, § 5; SL 2015, ch 201, § 1.