Illinois has had a law in place since 2016 requiring certain types of businesses to post a notice informing the public and victims of human trafficking of telephone hotline numbers to seek help or report unlawful activity. Massage therapy establishments have now been added to the list of businesses that must post this notice. All massage therapy businesses (other than sole practitioners and some other state licensees) must now post this notice. Click here to read the amendment which adds massage therapy establishments to the law.
Who Must Post the Notice
Businesses owned by a sole licensed massage therapist are not required to post the notice.
Establishments in which massage is performed only by people licensed under the Illinois Medical Practice Act, Physical Therapy Act, or Naprapathic Practice Act are not required to post the notice.
State-registered cosmetology and esthetics salons are not required to post the notice.
All other businesses in which massage therapy is performed must post the notice.
How to Get a Copy of the Notice
You can download and print a copy of the notice from the Department of Human Services' website here (scroll down to Number 4).
Where the Notice Must Be Posted
The massage establishment must post the notice in a conspicuous place near the public entrance of the establishment or in another conspicuous location in clear view of the public and employees where similar notices are customarily posted.
What Languages the Notice Must Be Posted In
The Department of Human Services' website states: "The specified businesses and other establishments must post the notice in English, Spanish, and in one other language that is the most widely spoken language in the county where the establishment is located and for which translation is mandated by the federal Voting Rights Act, as applicable. This does not require a business or other establishment in a county where a language other than English or Spanish is the most widely spoken language to print the notice in more than one language in addition to English and Spanish."
Penalty for Failing to Post the Notice
Businesses that are required to post the notice but fail to do so are liable for a civil penalty of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
Questions?
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