If a practitioner knows someone is practicing massage without a license in their jurisdiction, what action should they take?

Reporting an individual to the authorities when you know they are practicing massage without a license is the most responsible and ethical action to take. Practicing massage therapy without the appropriate licensure can pose significant risks not only to clients but also to the profession as a whole. Unlicensed individuals may lack the necessary training, knowledge, and adherence to safety and hygiene standards that are essential for providing safe and effective massage therapy.

By reporting the unlicensed practice to the appropriate regulatory body, a practitioner helps uphold the integrity of the profession, ensures public safety, and assists in maintaining the standards set forth by licensing boards. This action can help prevent potential harm to clients and deter others from practicing without proper credentials.

While other options may seem appropriate in certain contexts, they lack the proactive approach necessary to address the seriousness of unlicensed practice effectively. Ignoring the situation allows it to persist, confronting the individual could lead to conflict without resolving the issue, and merely advising someone to get licensed does not address the immediacy of the risk that unlicensed practice poses to clients and the profession.