Is the Board establishing reporting procedures, or does each establishment write their own procedures?

The legislation allows each establishment to develop their own procedures for reporting suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline or a local law enforcement agency. The Department has posted examples of reporting procedures and signs outlining these procedures to help establishments get started developing their own procedures at www.flhealthsource.gov/humantrafficking/.

Can I have more than one DEM at a single establishment?

No. The DEM is defined as the manager of the establishment and responsible for operating the establishment in accordance with the laws and rules. This responsibility must belong to a single licensed massage therapist actively practicing in that establishment.

What are the requirements to become a DEM?

To qualify as a DEM a person must:

  1. Hold an active, clear license as a Massage Therapist in Florida
  2. Practice at the establishment for which they have been delegated
  3. Be designated as the manager of the establishment and responsible for operating the establishment in accordance with the laws and rules
  4. Not have criminal history as described in Section 480.043(8), F.S., nor disciplinary action taken for sexual misconduct involving prostitution or for crimes related to the practice of massage therapy involving prostitution.

What needs to be included on the human trafficking reporting procedure sign?

The law states that the sign must include “the relevant provisions of the reporting procedure.” The relevant provisions include, but are not limited to, the phone numbers and other contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline or for the local law enforcement agency where the suspected human trafficking should be reported to. The sign must also include any other procedures that the establishment requires its employees to follow when human trafficking is suspected. You can download a pdf of a sign which meets the requirements at: http://www.flhealthsource.gov/humantrafficking/

Can I be the DEM for multiple establishments?

A massage therapist must practice at the establishment for which they are serving as DEM. An individual is limited in the number of establishments they can serve as DEM for to the number of locations they can actively practice at.