Application Review, Approval, And Denial

(1) Completed applications received in the Board Administrative Office may be reviewed by any member of the Board, the Board’s consultant, or designee for initial determination. An initial determination as to acceptance or denial of the application shall be made prior to the end of the month in which the application is received. Each member of the Board and the Board’s consultant or designee is vested with the authority to make these initial determinations. (2) A temporary authorization may be issued pursuant to the initial approval determination made by the Board member or the Board’s consultant or designee reviewing the application. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPISTS CHAPTER 0870-01 AND ESTABLISHMENTS However, such determination shall not become fully effective until such time as the full Board ratifies it. (3) If an application is incomplete when received by the Board Administrative Office, or the reviewing Board member or the Board’s consultant or designee determines additional information is required from an applicant before an initial determination can be made, the Board Administrative Office shall notify the applicant of the information required. The applicant shall cause the requested information to be received by the Board Administrative office on or before the sixty-fifth (65th) day after the date of notification. (a) If the information is not received in a timely manner, then no further action shall take place until a new application is received pursuant to the rules governing the licensure process. (4) In order for an application to be scheduled for review by the Board at a Board meeting, all required documentation must be completed and submitted to the Board’s Administrative Office at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Board meeting. (5) If a completed application is denied by the Board, the applicant shall be informed of that decision and the following shall occur: (a) A notification of the denial shall be sent to the applicant by the Board Administrative Office by certified mail return receipt requested which shall contain the reasons for the denial and the specific statutory or rule authorities for the denial. (b) The notification, when appropriate, shall also contain a statement of the applicant’s right to request a contested case hearing under the Tennessee Administrative Procedures Act (T.C.A. §§ 4-5-101, et seq.) to contest the denial and the procedures necessary to accomplish that action. 1. An applicant has a right to a contested case hearing only if the licensure denial was based on subjective or discretionary criteria and only if the request for a contested case hearing is made in writing within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the denial notification. 2. An applicant may be granted a contested case hearing if licensure denial is based on an objective, clearly defined criteria only if after review and attempted resolution by the Board’s Administrative staff, the licensure application cannot be approved and the reasons for continued denial present a genuine issue of fact and/or law which is appropriate for appeal. (6) Any applicant who has successfully complied with all requirements of the rules governing the licensure process shall be entitled to its issuance with the following exceptions: (a) Applicants who by virtue of any criteria in the area of mental, physical, moral or educational capabilities, as contained in the application and review process, which indicates a potential risk to the public health, safety and welfare may be required to present themselves to the Board or selected member(s) of the Board for an interview before final approval may be granted. (b) The issuance of the license applied for may be withheld, restricted or conditioned for violation of the provisions of T.C.A. § 63-18-108 and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto or failure to fully comply with all application requirements. GENERAL RULES GOVERNING LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPISTS CHAPTER 0870-01 AND ESTABLISHMENTS (7) If the Board finds it has erred in the issuance of any type of license, the Board will give written notice by certified mail of its intent to revoke the license. The notice will allow the applicant the opportunity to meet the requirements for licensure within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the notification. If the applicant does not concur with the stated reason and the intent to revoke the license, the applicant shall have the right to proceed according to rule 0870-01-.08(5)(b).