AR SB168

State Board of Health will administer a 100-question state examination for massage therapist licensure, covering anatomy/physiology (9 questions), kinesiology (9), pathology/contraindications (20), massage techniques (45), hydrotherapy/electrotherapy (5), hygiene/infection control (5), and law/business/ethics (7)

Passing score of 70% required for licensure, and the examination cannot be computer adaptive

Declared an emergency due to excessive costs of national licensing examinations hindering individuals from becoming licensed massage therapists

Intended to address Arkansas's shortage of massage therapists by providing a more accessible state-administered alternative to national exams

Takes effect immediately upon Governor's approval or veto override