Reverend Elizabeth Kapadia, D. N., Ph.D.,; The Notice of Petition for Declaratory Statement was published in Vol. 34, No. 39, of the September 26, 2008, Florida Administrative Weekly. The Board considered the Petition at a duly-noticed public ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Board of Massage

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT The Board of Massage Therapy hereby gives notice of the issuance of an Order regarding the Petition for Declaratory Statement for Reverend Elizabeth Kapadia, D. N., Ph.D., filed on July 28, 2008. The Notice of Petition for Declaratory Statement was published in Vol. 34, No. 39, of the September 26, 2008, Florida Administrative Weekly. The Board considered the Petition at a duly-noticed public meeting held on October 31, 2008. The petition requested the Board’s interpretation of Section 480.047(1), Florida Statutes, and whether practicing Reiki, Laying of the hands, cranial, and any other energy work that is deemed through God, Free without compensation, falls within the definition and scope of massage therapy, or if it is in fact separate and distinct from massage therapy for licensing purposes.

The Board’s Order, filed on February 16, 2009, answers the Petition for Declaratory Statement. The Board’s response to this Petition responds solely the question propounded by the Petitioner and only addresses the issues regarding the practice of massage therapy that are within the jurisdiction of the Board. The Board’s conclusion is based solely on the Board’s application of the factual circumstances outlined in the Petition of the pertinent statutory and rule provision set forth. The Board determined that Petitioner’s performance of Reiki and other healing work at GWAH does not violate Sections 480.37(1)(a) and (b), Florida Statutes (2008), as long as there is no compensation for the services.

A copy of the Board’s Order may be obtained by contacting: Anthony Jusevitch, Executive Director, Board of Massage Therapy, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C06, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3256.