PLANO — The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has issued an emergency order halting operations of the Greater DFW International Massage Academy LLC and revoking its massage school license.
In a press statement, TDLR said that the emergency order was issued after the agency found reasonable cause to believe the school engaged in serious violations of state law and rules, including falsifying student records and failing to meet required education and attendance standards. Additionally, licensing officials said that a TDLR inspection revealed that the school failed to terminate students who had not accrued any clock hours for months, granted academic credit before students obtained the required massage student permits, and submitted records showing attendance and hours for time periods that had not yet occurred.
“TDLR determined that immediate action was necessary to protect public health and safety,” officials said.
TDLR officials also said that they identified broader public safety concerns, such as school practices that enabled individuals to obtain massage therapy licenses without completing required training.
“TDLR further identified connections between individuals associated with the school and illicit massage businesses, including establishments where evidence of human trafficking was observed,” officials said.
As a result of the immediate closure, TDLR officials said they are working to assist legitimate students affected by the closure by providing guidance on verifying completed education hours and continuing the licensure process.
“Massage therapy is a respected profession that plays an important role in the health and wellness of Texans,” TDLR Executive Director Courtney Arbour said. “We will not tolerate fraudulent conduct that undermines that profession or puts the public at risk. At the same time, we are committed to supporting students who followed the law and holding bad actors accountable.”
Under the emergency order, TDLR said that the school must immediately cease operations and may not provide massage education services in the state unless otherwise authorized.