Ohio licenses massage therapists statewide through the State Medical Board under ORC Chapter 4731, preempting most local licensing. Columbus regulates massage establishments through Title 33 zoning and human-trafficking ordinances, but individual practitioner credentials come from the state.
Ohio Revised Code 4731.15 places massage therapy under the State Medical Board's limited-branch licensure, requiring 750 hours of approved education, a passing MBLEx score, and continuing education. Local governments cannot create competing therapist licenses, but Columbus may zone massage establishments under Title 33 commercial-use rules and inspect for code compliance. House Bill 30 (2018) and ORC 2905.32 anti-trafficking provisions allow Columbus Police and Public Health to enter and shut down unlicensed massage parlors operating as fronts. Local sign limits, separation distances, and hours-of-operation rules in Title 33 commercial districts also apply. Reflexology, asian body work, and bodywork without state license remain illegal.
Practicing massage therapy without an Ohio Medical Board license is a first-degree misdemeanor under ORC 4731.41 with possible felony elevation. Operating an unlicensed establishment exposes owners to nuisance closure, trafficking charges under ORC 2905.32, and Title 33 zoning enforcement.
See how Columbus's massage establishments rules stack up against other locations.
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