Louisiana § RS 37:3553 - Application of Chapter; exceptions and exemptions
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 37:3553 — Application of Chapter; exceptions and exemptions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 37:3553. Application of Chapter; exceptions and exemptions
A. This Chapter shall apply to any person or massage establishment engaging in the practice of massage therapy within the state of Louisiana.
B.(1) This Chapter shall not apply to any services performed in hospitals licensed by the state.
(2) This Chapter shall also not apply to any of the following:
(a) Persons who are licensed, registered, or certified in another state, territory, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country when incidentally present in the state to teach a course of instruction related to massage and bodywork therapy as a continuing education course.
(b) Persons giving massage and bodywork to their immediate family without compensation.
(c) Persons incidentally present in the state to provide services as part of an emergency response team working in conjunction with relief officials during a disaster, provided such persons are properly licensed in the state from which they originate.
C. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as preventing or restricting the practice of any person licensed or certified in this state under any other law from engaging in the profession or occupation for which he is licensed or certified. However, a person licensed or certified in this state under any other law shall not hold himself out to the public as a licensed massage therapist under the provisions of this Chapter.
D. Nothing in this Title shall prohibit the board from adopting rules that are related to preventing fraud, abuse, human trafficking, or other criminal activity.
Acts 1992, No. 753, §2, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 567, §1, eff. July 3, 1997; Acts 2012, No. 605, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2013; Acts 2021, No. 324, §2, eff. June 14, 2021; Acts 2025, No. 453, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 37:3553
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 37:3553 cover?
Section RS 37:3553 ("Application of Chapter; exceptions and exemptions") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 37:3553?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 37:3553" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 37:3553 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.