Several changes to Oregon's massage therapy rules are going into effect on January 1, 2017. The changes which impact massage therapists the most are two additions to the disciplinary rules stating that the following acts constitute violations of the disciplinary rules:
- Misrepresentation or fraud in any aspect of the profession, including but not limited to charging for unnecessary services, charging for services not provided, failing to provide services that are paid in full, or failure to comply with Oregon insurance billing laws and rules.
- Splitting fees or giving or receiving a commission in the referral of patients for services.
If you bill clients' insurance as part of your practice, be aware that under the new rules you could be disciplined by the Board for failing to comply with Oregon insurance billing laws and rules when you do so, in addition to any other legal liability you could have. Also, splitting fees with another professional or giving or receiving a commission in the referral of clients for services is now expressly prohibited.
You can read the new rules here.
If you have specific questions about the rules, please contact the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists.