PLANO, Texas - The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has issued an emergency order shutting down two Plano massage schools and revoking the licenses of their owner following an investigation into alleged fraudulent practices and public safety concerns.
State regulators said the order immediately halts operations at Harvard Massage Institute Inc and American Massage Academy Inc. The order also revokes the massage therapist and massage therapist instructor licenses of owner Michael Chao Ma.
According to TDLR, investigators found reasonable cause to believe the schools committed serious violations of state law, including falsifying student attendance and internship records, using unlicensed instructors, and failing to properly supervise students performing massage services.
The agency said investigators discovered inconsistencies in school records, including documentation showing students completing training hours during periods when inspectors observed little or no activity at the schools.
Officials also reported that students were allegedly allowed to perform massage services without required licensed supervision and that online education practices prevented meaningful oversight of student participation.
TDLR investigators concluded the schools were operating in a manner consistent with diploma mills by issuing credentials to individuals who allegedly did not complete required education and training.
According to the investigation, many students enrolled at the schools lived outside Texas, particularly in New York and California. Regulators said it appeared unrealistic for many students to complete the in-person instruction and supervised internship hours reflected in school records.
The agency also noted that only a small percentage of graduates later applied for or obtained Texas massage therapist licenses.
Investigators further identified broader concerns involving illicit massage businesses and suspected human trafficking activity. TDLR said multiple students or graduates associated with the schools were connected to massage establishments previously targeted in enforcement actions.
In some cases, investigators reported finding indicators consistent with human trafficking, including people living inside massage businesses and evidence of illicit sexual activity occurring on-site.
“Massage therapy is a respected profession that plays an important role in the health and wellness of Texans,” Courtney Arbour, executive director of TDLR, said in a statement. “We will not tolerate fraudulent conduct that undermines that profession, puts the public at risk.”
TDLR is proactively working to assist legitimate students impacted by the closure by providing guidance on how to verify completed education hours and continue the licensure process. Any person who attended these schools should visit the Department’s website at www.tdlr.texas.gov/anti-trafficking-team/student-resources.htm for further information.
