Vanderburgh County, IN Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

030(A) bars any health club from operating without a permit and restricts ownership or management to a physician, a registered nurse with at least two years' experience, a licensed practical nurse with at least four years' experience, or a registered physical therapist; permit forms come from the county auditor's office. C. 35-42-4-1 through 35-49-3-3). Applicants are fingerprinted and photographed, and permits run one year, renewable on the same terms. The sheriff investigates every application and, after notice and a hearing, must deny or revoke a permit for a disqualifying conviction, forfeiture, or a false statement on the application; notice goes out by certified mail at least ten days before any hearing, and the sheriff must decide within five days of the hearing or thirty days of receiving the application, whichever comes first.

Two or more violations at one establishment within twelve months triggers automatic revocation of the owner's or manager's permit. Denials and revocations may be appealed to the Board of County Commissioners, which holds its own hearing under the same procedural rules. 100.