AR HB1217

Arkansas joins the Interstate Massage Compact, creating a multistate licensing pathway that allows licensed massage therapists to practice across all member states without obtaining separate licenses in each state

Applicants for a Multistate License must hold an active Single-State License, complete at least 625 clock hours of massage therapy education, pass a National Licensing Examination, and submit to a federal background check

Disqualifying factors include felony convictions within 5 years, massage-related misdemeanors within 2 years, and any convictions for kidnapping, human trafficking, human smuggling, or sexual offenses at any time

The compact creates the Interstate Massage Compact Commission, a joint government agency with authority to establish rules, maintain a data system for license tracking and adverse actions, and enforce compliance among member states

The Arkansas Department of Health serves as the compact administrator, and the compact becomes effective when enacted by 7 states, with member states retaining authority to take adverse action against licensees practicing within their borders