Currently, in a massage practice or clinic, blankets are defined as a single service item, meaning that after every use, the blanket must be laundered.  The Board of Massage had considered changing how often a blanket must be laundered but decided in it's July 29, 2022 meeting to keep blankets a single service item.

WAC 246-830-005 Definitions subsection (12) defines linens.  The WAC currently states: 

"Linens" means sheets, blankets, towels, gowns, pillow cases, face cradle covers, and other nonimpervious fabrics used in the practice of massage.

WAC 246-830-500 Equipment and Sanitation subsections (5) and (6) currently state:

(5) A massage therapist must provide single service materials or clean linen such as sheets, towels, gowns, pillow cases, and all other linens used in the practice of massage.

(6) Linens must be stored in a sanitary manner. All towels and linens used for one client or patient must be laundered or cleaned before they are used on any other client or patient.

The Board of Massage has been in the process of amending 5 WACs, which also included WAC 246-830-500 Equipment and Sanitation.  The Board of Massage had planned to amend the language to read:

(5) A massage therapist must provide single service materials or clean ((linen such as sheets, towels, gowns, pillow cases, and all other)) linens used in the practice of massage. Linens must be stored in a sanitary manner.

(6) All ((towels and)) linens ((used for one))that come into direct contact with a client or patient must be laundered or cleaned before they are used on any other client or patient. Blankets used on a client or patient must be laundered at least once a day or when the blanket comes in direct contact with a client or patient or becomes soiled.

However, in the July 29, 2022 Board of Massage meeting, the Board of Massage decided to keep blankets a single service item, which requires laundering after each client use.