go to gig, even though not licensed?

[Jeff T]

My employer has requested that I do chair massage at an event coming up. But neither one of us are licensed in that particular state. While we would be doing it for free I'm a little concerned. She is wanting to do it as a favor for a friend of hers that owns another company, to get people to come to their booth. She will not be taking a banner, but was planing on taking a tip jar and business cards.

On this particular licensing boards web site it states that no one is to refer to themselves as a licensed massage therapist, have banners or any other form of advertising of such if you are not licensed in that state.

Her and I are to split shifts. If it were my turn to take over, and I did not use the tip jar would I be safe?

 

[trillville]

It sounds like the business cards would be a lot more of a problem than the tip jar. In that situation, there is no need to refer to yourself as a licensed MT (or even as an MT, just invite them to have a massage w/no reference to yourself), so that shouldn't be an issue, either. You may have to tell the friend and anyone else working the booth to NOT refer to you as an MT, but just to invite them to have a massage.

But, why do YOU need to work free to help HER friend? Sometimes a bit of uncomfortable boundary setting early in a relationship will preserve that relationship for a nice, long time. If you would enjoy doing it, no problem. If there is an undercurrent of discomfort for any reason, just say no.

My 4 cents worth, when you only asked for 2...so feel free to ignore me.

 

[R-U-B]

She feels its a way to promote our massage business, but if thats illegal...

I may have to print off a copy of the licensing requirements and take it to her tomorrow.

The "friends" company and ours adjoins. We share a bathroom, and kitchen, and we can easily walk into each others establishment just through a very short hall way. I guess to keep the peace, and since the friend asked she didn't want to say no. And since I am very new, and very grateful for having the position I'm afraid to tell her no. While I know she wouldn't push the issue with me, I just don't want to upset her.

I guess I'm trying to find a middle ground.

 

[Steven Q. Urkel]

If the friend is in a different industry, she may just need to be educated on the massage industry a bit. Most likely - if she is really a friend - just being told that it would be illegal to promote your massage business or in any way present yourselves as MT's in that other state, she will quickly understand that it can't happen.

Possibly, nobody anywhere will ever ask any questions and all will be fine. But on the other hand, if there is any crossing of the line (such as handing out business cards) and someone does happen to report it, you could end up with your insurer getting involved, or even losing the right to ever get a massage license.

I think you are right, you just need to show her the licensing requirements for the other state. If she chooses to ignore them, I'd worry, but if she chooses to modify her plan and *just* help her friend without promoting her own business, it sounds like it would be within the law. The friend should be happy to compensate, either by paying for your time or by promoting your (boss's) business within your own state in some way.

 

[shadowweavers]

And in addition to Pete's question - as you may just be going over the border of a nearby state - If you can't hand out business cards, put up a banner, or say you're an MT,
etc. just how does that benefit you, or your boss's business??? :undecided:

 

[Ron]

It sounds to me that this is a boundary issue for your boss to address. Friends or not, chair massage should be a paid service. It's best to nip the freebie requests in the bud, the first time they come up.

 

[eunice]

I've turned down potentially lucrative paid gigs because of licensing issues. Why waste your time when the potential penalties outweigh the potential benefits?

 

[daa]

has there been any contact to that state's licensure board about out-of-town therapists that are in town for events? they might have some sort of reciprocity clause or something that is applicable to this situation.