The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved new requirements for massage businesses in the unincorporated parts of Los Angeles in an effort to prevent human trafficking, officials said Tuesday.

With the passage of the ordinance, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health requires an inspection and permit for all massage businesses in the unincorporated areas of the County of Los Angeles, including Castaic and Stevenson Ranch, according to officials.

“The purpose and intent of the ordinance is to recognize that, when operated professionally and legally, massage establishments provide valuable health and therapeutic services to the public. However, it also recognizes that massage establishments have a history of illegal activities,” according to the agenda.

The Board of Supervisors directed County counsel, in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Business License Division under the Treasurer and Tax Collector, to prepare an ordinance that creates health and safety requirements for massage establishments, requires a public health permit and sets a public health permit fee to recover program costs, according to officials.

The ordinance contains certain provisions that require a Public Health permit and a business license; set requirements for massage tables and sanitation of linens; prohibit advertising of unsolicited services; and require that a notice be posted regarding slavery and human trafficking.

With the passage of the law, Public Health inspections of massage businesses could begin early this year within the unincorporated areas of the County of Los Angeles.

Existing massage businesses now need to meet the new requirements of the ordinance by July 2, according to officials.

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