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Frequently
Asked Questions
If you have
questions, please read the documents on this website first. If you cannot
find your answer, send me an email
and I will do the best I can to address your issue.
--David Palmer
Question:
Can I get either of the practitioner permits (General or Advanced)
without working for a permitted massage business
Answer:
No. On your Practitioner Application form, the first entry under Work
History should be a business that holds a current massage permit as
a Massage Establishment, Solo Practitioner Massage Establishment, or
Outcall. DPH will check to see if that business has a current permit.
If not, they will deny your application
Question:
I have been doing massage without an permit in San Francisco
for the past ten years. Since DPH is asking for a work history, will
I get in trouble if I tell the truth?
Answer:
DPH has assured us on many occasions that they are not interested in
the past, but rather in bringing as many practitioners as possible into
the new system without penalty. Your history in massage will only count
in your favor.
Question:
After the changes, will we still be fingerprinted (something I'd like
to avoid if possible) upon licensing?
Answer:
After much back and forth, DPH is currently presuming that all practitioner
applicants will be screened for the required criminal background check
through fingerprinting.
Question:
Are any bodywork modalities (such as Trager and Feldenkrais) going to
be exempt from the law?
Answer:
DPH staff is working with the City Attorney's office to draft regulations
that will describe which modalities might be exempt from the definition
of "massage" that is written into the
ordinance. Check the Exemptions page
for updates.
Question:
I am nationally certified as a Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Practitioner.
Do I still need to take the DPH exam?
Answer:
Yes, everyone who applies for a permit must take the written exam. See
more about the exam here.
Question:
Can I do massage out of my home?
Answer:
The answer is currently, "At the moment, no, but probably yes by
the end of 2004." Please read the September
24th update for the most current information.
Question:
If I am renting a room in a salon, will all of the inspections be required?
Answer:
Yes.
Question:
Will massage establishments with current permits from SFPD be required
to have new reviews by the various city agencies?
Answer:
No, however, all establishments will still be subject to unannounced
inspections by the health department
Question:
If I move my massage establishment to a different location, can I transfer
my permit from the existing location?
Answer:
No. DPH treats it as a new business and you will be required to apply
for a new permit, much in the same way as a restaurant that is changing
locations.
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