Raynor Naturopathic Massage

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in Rhode Island

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in Rhode Island

1. State Overview of Reflexology

  • In Rhode Island, reflexology is defined as a modality of massage therapy under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-20.8.

  • Any practitioner offering reflexology (feet, hands, or ears) for compensation must be licensed as a Massage Therapist by the Rhode Island Department of Health health.ri.gov.

Full state‐by‐state reflexology guide →
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us/

2. Rhode Island Massage Therapist Licensing

To practice reflexology or any soft-tissue modality in Rhode Island, you must hold a Massage Therapist license. Key requirements:

Requirement Details
Education Minimum 500 hours of in-class, hands-on instruction from a board-approved massage school mblexguide.com
Examination Pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Background Check & Fingerprints FBI and RI BCI criminal record checks; fingerprinting required
Renewal & Continuing Education 24 hours of CE every 2 years; includes ethics, blood-borne pathogen safety, and human-trafficking prevention
Fees Initial license fee $65; renewal fee $65 by June 30 each renewal cycle massageliabilityinsurancegroup.com

Apply & Renew Your License →
https://health.ri.gov/licensing/massage-therapy health.ri.gov

3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy

  • Reflexology: Targeted pressure on reflex points of the feet, hands, or ears—but under RI law, it’s always considered massage therapy.

  • Massage Therapy: Any manual manipulation of soft tissue (kneading, stretching, vibration, reflexology, etc.)—requires an active Massage Therapist license.

There is no separate exemption for reflexology in Rhode Island.

4. Local Business & Health-Department Permits

In addition to state licensure, many Rhode Island municipalities require:

  • A City or Town Business License (e.g., Providence, Warwick)

  • Health-Department inspections for establishments offering body-work services

Tip: Check with your local city or town clerk for exact application steps and fees before opening your practice.

5. Raynor® Reflexology Guidance in Rhode Island

  • Raynor-trained reflexologists must hold a Rhode Island Massage Therapist license to legally offer reflexology services.

  • For mobile or brick-and-mortar practices, secure any required local permits, and clearly advertise:

    “Certified Raynor Reflexology – Performed by Licensed Massage Therapist.”

  • Leverage our world-class curriculum to stand out while remaining fully compliant.

Explore Raynor Courses →
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses/

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6. Quick Reference Table

Service Type State License Required? Local Permit Often Required?
Reflexology Only Yes (Massage Therapist) Yes (business/health-dept permit)
Massage Therapy Yes Yes
Raynor Reflexologists Yes Yes

 

 

7. FAQs

Q: Can I practice “foot reflexology” without a massage license?
A: No—Rhode Island law classifies reflexology under massage therapy. An active Massage Therapist license is mandatory.

Q: How many hours of training do I need?
A: Rhode Island requires a minimum of 500 hours of board-approved massage-therapy education mblexguide.com.

Q: What counts toward CE requirements?
A: Ethics, blood-borne pathogens, human-trafficking prevention, and other board-approved topics.

Q: Where can I read the full statutes and regulations?
A:

  • R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-20.8 (Massage Therapy Law)

  • 216-RICR-40-05-10 (Board rules and regulations)

8. Resources & Links

Disclaimer: Laws and local ordinances change. Always verify current requirements with the Rhode Island Department of Health and your local licensing authorities before opening or advertising your practice.