Texas Revokes Massage Licenses for Violations, Trafficking Suspicions

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation maintains a database of all violations that resulted in administrative orders during the past two years – including penalties and license revocations and suspensions, as well as people who have been issued cease and desist orders because of unlicensed activity.

The most recent license revocations include:

• A massage establishment license in Plano was revoked and an administrative penalty of $13,500 was assessed after the establishment owner employed an unlicensed massage therapist and allowed an employee to engage in sexual contact in the massage establishment.
• A massage establishment license in Fort Worth was revoked and an administrative penalty of $4,500 was assessed after the establishment owner allowed an employee to engage in sexual contact in the massage establishment and failed to properly maintain and secure for each client the required initial consultation documents.
• A massage establishment license and a massage therapist license in San Antonio were permanently revoked and received a lifelong ban after the establishment was closed by an emergency order for suspected human trafficking activities.
• A massage establishment license and a massage therapist license in Austin were permanently revoked and received a lifelong ban after the establishment was closed by an emergency order for suspected human trafficking activities.
• A second massage establishment license and massage therapist license in Austin were permanently revoked and received a lifelong ban after the establishment was closed by an emergency order for suspected human trafficking activities.
• A massage therapy student permit in Irving was revoked after the student engaged in sexual contact with a client during a session and failed to immediately discontinue any activity or professional relationship after a client attempted sexual contact.
• A Texas massage therapist's license with an address in Flushing, New York, was revoked after the massage therapist engaged in sexual contact with a client during a session and failed to immediately discontinue any activity or professional relationship after a client attempted sexual contact.

The most recent cease and desist order:

• An Athletic Trainer's license in Jacksonville was suspended by operation of law and their certification as a Board-Certified Athletic Trainer was suspended, so they can no longer work as an athletic trainer.

Checking whether someone is licensed is an important part of determining whether to allow that person to provide a service or whether to allow them into your home.

Hiring someone who is properly licensed protects you because it ensures that the person has undergone either a fingerprint-based or name-based criminal background check and that they have completed any required training, exams, and continuing education covering important health and safety rules.

Most licensees are happy to provide their license numbers. If they are reluctant to share it with you, you may want to find another service provider who is willing to validate they are licensed.

Report unlicensed activity or file a complaint.