CT HB06794

Requires massage therapist applicants to complete 500+ classroom hours at an accredited school and pass an examination prescribed by the department (rather than specifically the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork).

Sets application fee at $375 and renewal fee at $250 every two years for massage therapy licenses.

Allows the department to license out-of-state applicants with valid licenses from other states/jurisdictions, one year of practice experience, and completion of the department-prescribed examination.

Requires licensed massage therapists to refer clients with contraindications or conditions requiring care beyond massage therapy scope to licensed healing arts practitioners.

Prohibits use of massage therapist titles without proper licensure and makes violations a class C misdemeanor; employers knowingly hiring unlicensed massage therapists are also subject to class C misdemeanor charges.