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Auditor Galloway releases Board of Therapeutic Massage audit

Galloway recommends improving procedures related to training and licensing requirements

 

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (Dec. 1, 2015) Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released an audit of the Board of Therapeutic Massage, which is responsible for the licensing and regulation of massage therapists and related businesses.

The audit found the board lacks proper follow-up procedures to ensure massage therapy businesses are meeting all license requirements to continue operations. Auditors found that due to inadequate follow-up procedures, one business was allowed to operate for nearly a year without a license. The board also does not have procedures in place to confirm continuing education requirements are being completed. Massage therapists are required to complete 12 hours of training every two years. As part of the license renewal process, the application asks whether the applicant has met those requirements, but the board relies on the responses provided by the massage therapist to confirm whether requirements were met, and does not require any documentation or proof.

 

Auditors also found the board had not established adequate procedures to protect against data security risks by ensuring only proper personnel have access to computer systems containing confidential licensee information. Auditors found that two employees terminated several years ago still had active user accounts, and 11 temporary user accounts were still active, despite not being used for at least the past two years.

In addition to licensure and regulation of massage therapists and businesses, the board also has oversight for investigating complaints and issuing disciplinary actions.

The board is overseen by the Division of Professional Registration within the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. The complete report of the Board of Therapeutic Massage audit, which received a performance rating of “good,” is online at auditor.mo.gov.