AR HB1440

Creates the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy within the Department of Health to regulate massage therapy, transferring authority from the Department of Health and abolishing the Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee effective July 1, 2021.

Allows massage therapy school curriculum to be completed through remote online education and in-person training with a master massage therapist or instructor in a licensed clinic or spa with a collaborative agreement with a massage therapy school.

Establishes a 7-member board appointed by the Governor for 3-year terms, with 6 members being licensees, only 1 being a massage therapy school owner, and 1 public representative, subject to Senate confirmation.

Modifies licensing requirements and definitions for massage therapists, master massage therapists, instructors, and schools while maintaining the 500-hour minimum in-classroom instruction curriculum requirement.

Creates temporary licenses for students training in massage therapy schools or clinics, effective for 2 years from issuance, and declares an emergency for the law to take effect July 1, 2021.