CT HB05455

Establishes that unlicensed massage therapy practice is a Class C misdemeanor, and adds new penalty making employers who knowingly employ unlicensed massage therapists guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.

Expands the definition of illegal massage advertising to include "shiatsu," "acupressure," "Thai massage," "Thai yoga massage," and "Thai yoga" services unless performed by licensed massage therapists.

Requires licensed massage therapists to include their license number in advertisements appearing in newspapers, telephone directories, or other advertising media.

Authorizes the Commissioner of Public Health to conduct formal investigations within 30 days of receiving credible information about violations, including comparing identification photos with photos from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork to verify licensure.

Establishes that mismatched photographs between identification and official certification records constitute prima facie evidence of unlicensed massage therapy practice.