TCA 39-17-918
Massage or exposure of erogenous areas
MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal for a massage therapist to expose their own genitals or breasts or to touch, fondle, or massage a client's genitals or breasts in exchange for money or compensation. This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500; this law does not apply to licensed doctors, surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, or other authorized medical professionals acting within their scope of practice.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass A Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail11 months 29 days
Maximum Fine$2,500
Penalty SummaryClass A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500
(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) “Compensation” means payment, loan, advance, contribution, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value; (2) “Erogenous area” means the pubic area, penis, scrotum, vulva, vagina, perineum, anus or breast; (3) “Massage” means the art of body massage, by hand or with a mechanical or vibratory device, for the purpose of massaging, reducing, or contouring the body, and may include the use of oil rubs, heat lamps, hot and cold packs, tub, shower or cabinet baths. The procedures involved include, but are not limited to, touching, stroking, kneading, friction, vibration, percussion and medical gymnastics; and (4) “Masseur” or “masseuse” means a person engaged in the activities set forth in subdivision (a)(3). (b) It is unlawful for a masseur or masseuse to expose the masseur’s or masseuse’s erogenous area for compensation or to touch with any part of the masseur’s or masseuse’s body, or fondle in any manner or massage an erogenous area for compensation. This section shall not apply to any person authorized by the laws of this state to practice any branch of medicine, surgery, osteopathy, chiropractic or chiropody, any person holding a drugless practitioner’s certificate or any person licensed as a physical therapist, while such person is acting within the scope of the license. (c) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section39-17-918
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500