New Hampshire requires massage and bodywork business licenses starting July 2027

Covered massage businesses must obtain and publicly display a business license. Operating without one is a misdemeanor, a criminal offense. The definition covers commercial locations that advertise massage and have more than one licensed massage therapist performing it. Owners working alone without employees and independent contractors are exempt unless they serve customers without a prior appointment. Exceptions cover massage alongside medical care in facilities run by licensed health professionals, temporary and incidental massage offered openly in public accommodations, and licensed residential care or health facilities. State rules may allow other exceptions. A licensed massage therapist must directly supervise and manage the business at all times. An owner without a therapist license may receive a business license by employing a licensed therapist as manager. Applicants must pay a fee and meet state rules. The business license does not let an unlicensed owner perform massage. Only licensed establishments may use the names “massage establishment” or “licensed massage establishment.” The licensing provisions take effect July 1, 2027.

Covered bodywork businesses must obtain and publicly display a business license. Operating without one is a misdemeanor, a criminal offense. Covered businesses advertise reflexology, structural integration, or Asian bodywork therapy and have more than one person practicing those services. Exceptions cover bodywork alongside medical care in facilities run by licensed health professionals, temporary and incidental bodywork offered openly in public accommodations, and licensed residential care or health facilities. State rules may allow other exceptions. A practitioner licensed for the covered work must directly supervise and manage the business at all times. An owner without a practitioner license may receive a business license by employing a licensed practitioner as manager. That license does not allow the owner to practice bodywork. Applicants must pay a fee and meet state licensing rules. The licensing provisions take effect July 1, 2027.

State licensing officials must adopt rules for covered massage and bodywork businesses. The rules cover businesses that need massage or bodywork establishment licenses and qualifications for exemptions. Rules must cover health and safety, inspections, secure records, public license display, and opening, closing, moving, or renewing a business. Massage rules must also cover proof that workers qualify as sole proprietors or independent contractors and procedures for notifying police about suspected unlawful activity. Bodywork rules must cover inspections during the initial licensing process. The rulemaking provisions take effect July 1, 2027.

Massage advisory board members may receive compensation and serve up to three full consecutive terms. The advisory board has three massage therapists licensed in New Hampshire. Each term lasts three years. Members remain in office until their replacements are appointed. The advisory board provisions take effect July 1, 2027.