Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in Nebraska
1. State Overview of Reflexology
Under Nebraska law, reflexology is not exempt from massage-therapy licensure. The Massage Therapy Practice Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-1701 to 38-1715) defines “massage therapy” to include any manual manipulation of soft tissue—including reflexology on hands, feet, or ears—and requires practitioners to hold a state license govdocs.nebraska.govnebraskalegislature.gov.
Note: Attempts to carve out a reflexology exemption (e.g., LB 588 in 2017 or LB 347 in 2019) were indefinitely postponed and did not pass, so the requirement remains in force update.legislature.ne.govgovdocs.nebraska.gov.
2. Nebraska Massage Therapy Licensing
Anyone wishing to practice reflexology in Nebraska must become a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). Key requirements under 172 Neb. Admin. Code 81 and Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-1708 include:
Requirement | Details |
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Education | 500 hours of approved massage-therapy instruction, including anatomy, technique, ethics, and practicum nebraska.gov |
Examination | Pass the MBLEx (or Board-approved equivalent) |
Other Prerequisites | ≥ 18 years old; background check & fingerprints; liability insurance; CPR/First Aid certification |
Renewal & Continuing Education | Renew every 2 years with at least 12 CE hours as specified by the Nebraska Board of Massage Therapy |
Apply & Learn More →
https://www.nebraska.gov/nesos/rules-and-regs/regtrack/proposals/2075.pdf govdocs.nebraska.gov
3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy
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Reflexology (targeted pressure on feet, hands, or ears) is not separately regulated.
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Massage Therapy encompasses all soft-tissue modalities, including reflexology, and therefore requires state licensure.
You cannot legally offer reflexology in Nebraska without a valid LMT credential.
4. Local Business & Health-Department Permits
While Nebraska does not impose additional “body-works” licenses, many cities and counties require general business licenses or health-department permits for massage establishments:
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Omaha & Lincoln often mandate a massage-establishment permit through their health or business licensing departments.
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Smaller municipalities may require simple business-registration and zoning approval.
Tip: Always verify with your city or county clerk’s office for local permit, zoning, and inspection requirements before opening a practice.
5. Raynor Reflexology Guidance in Nebraska
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Raynor-trained reflexologists must obtain Nebraska LMT licensure to legally offer reflexology services.
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To open a footprint-based clinic, secure any required local business or health permits, and clearly advertise “Reflexology by Licensed Massage Therapist”.
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Raynor’s world-class curriculum remains fully applicable; just ensure you meet Nebraska’s licensing criteria.
- Learn More About Raynor Foot and Hand Reflexology Courses
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https://www.raynormassage.com/courseshttps://youtu.be/2lXowYXAqjo
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6. Quick Reference Table
Service Type | State License Required? | Local Permit Often Required? |
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Reflexology Only | Yes (LMT) | Yes (business/health permit) |
Massage Therapy (LMT) | Yes | Yes (establishment permit) |
Raynor Reflexologists | Yes | Yes |
7. FAQs
Q: Can I practice reflexology without an LMT license in Nebraska?
A: No—Nebraska law treats reflexology as massage therapy, so an LMT license is mandatory.
Q: Didn’t LB 588 aim to exempt reflexology?
A: Yes, but LB 588 (2017) and LB 347 (2019) were indefinitely postponed and never enacted update.legislature.ne.govgovdocs.nebraska.gov.
Q: Where do I find the full statutes and rules?
A:
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Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-1701–38-1715 (Massage Therapy Practice Act)
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172 Neb. Admin. Code 81 (Massage Therapist Regulations)
8. Resources & Links
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Raynor Massage State Overview (all states)
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us/?utm_source=raynormassage.com -
Nebraska Board of Massage Therapy (Licensure & Forms)
https://dhhs.nebraska.gov/licensure -
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-1708 (Exemptions & Definitions)
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/105/PDF/Intro/LB588.pdf?utm_source=raynormassage.com nebraskalegislature.gov -
Raynor Massage Courses
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses/ -
Testimonials – Hear from our happy clients!
https://www.raynormassage.com/testimonials
Disclaimer: Laws and local regulations change over time. Always confirm current requirements with the Nebraska Board of Massage Therapy and your local licensing authorities before opening or advertising your practice.