AB 2194 Summary

• Extends the California Massage Therapy Council's operation from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2021, continuing state certification and oversight of massage professionals.

• Authorizes the council to discipline massage business owners or operators who are applicants for certification, in addition to current certificate holders, for the conduct of individuals providing massage on business premises.

• Changes judicial review timeline from one year to 90 days for applicants or certificate holders to challenge denial or discipline decisions, and establishes substantial evidence as the standard of review.

• Allows final disciplinary decisions to be based solely on written statements or declarations made under penalty of perjury without requiring the declarant to appear at a hearing.

• Prohibits local governments from requiring massage establishments to have showers or baths, and clarifies that background check restrictions include criminal background checks and fingerprint submissions.

• Requires local governments to impose only reasonable and necessary fees and regulations on massage businesses while protecting legitimate business owners and sole providers.