Overview of Requirements for the Practice of Reiki in Washington State
- License for Business
- Business Insurance
- License to Touch
The practice of Reiki is unregulated by state, local and federal agencies. The Reiki community is in favor of remaining unregulated by government entities, preferring instead to uphold the integrity of Reiki practice through observance to the precepts of the Usui Reiki Ryoho and by advocating standards for quality education. Reiki initiates of all levels are free to consensually share Reiki as a personal interaction with anyone and anything they choose. When offering Reiki as a professional skill and accepting money for your service the laws begin to change.
When a Reiki initiate chooses to practice Reiki professionally all the rules of business apply. Running a business, including a Reiki practice requires a business license, tax reporting, adherence to municipal zoning rules, etc. The application for a Washington State business license as a sole proprietorship is relatively inexpensive. Becoming a limited liability corporation LLC is more costly and involved. For more information visit the WA department of revenue at http://bls.dor.wa.gov/index.aspx . You may also need a city business license depending on your location.
For the protection of yourself and your clients the purchase of business insurance is advised. The Reiki Membership Association and is an affiliate member of the International Center for Reiki Training. It offers insurance for a wide range of modalities including Reiki practitioners. Membership comes with benefits to help build your Reiki practice. Insurance and membership program are purchased separately. Visit the website for details: http://www.reikimembership.com/. Use the Reiki Membership Association as a baseline to compare other insurance options, and then decide on your own best option for insuring your practice.
Healthcare and wellness professionals such as nurses, medical and naturopathic physicians, acupuncturists, licensed massage therapists and other personal care providers are registered with the state and posses the qualifications to physically interact with their clients and need no further certification before offering Reiki as a professional service. The Washington State Department of Health oversees all the professions and facilities concerning public health in the state. You can see the list of regulated healthcare occupations at: http://www.doh.wa.gov/licensing/ .
The other option for “license to touch” is to become and ordained minister and administer Reiki treatments as part of a spiritual healing practice. Circle Green Healing Arts is a spiritual healing center and recommends free ordination through ULC: http://www.ulchq.com. In existence since 1959, the Universal Life Church is headquartered in Modesto, California and has congregations in all 50 states and global representation. Becoming ordained by the Universal Life Church makes you an official part of this federally recognized nondenominational ministry. With divine ordination comes the full rights and responsibilities of ministry. The only guideline given by the ULC is the adherence to the universal doctrine of religious freedom: "Do only that which is right". As a member of the clergy you may lawfully practice spiritual healing and the laying on of hands in Washington State.
The above information was accurate at the time of posting and may change without notice.
