IA HSB671

Requires massage establishments to obtain a biennial license from the board beginning July 1, 2027, with the owner applying on prescribed forms and paying a fee determined under section 147.80; the license is valid for two years and renewable.

Defines "establishment" as a location where massage therapy is practiced, but excludes customer-site services, self-operated massage devices (e.g., chairs), licensed health care facilities, board-approved student clinics, and sole practitioner locations.

Defines "sole practitioner" as a massage therapist who exercises physical control over a location and is the only person offering massage therapy from that location, exempting them from the establishment license requirement.

Authorizes the board to deny an establishment license if the applicant is a massage therapist not in good standing, has a suspended license, is under criminal investigation, or has a disqualifying criminal history including human trafficking, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, money laundering, child abuse, or dependent adult abuse.

Extends civil penalty authority to persons operating an establishment without a license, with penalties up to $1,000 per offense and up to $10,000 per day for continued violations after a board order or citation; failure to present a valid establishment license to a peace officer during an investigation constitutes a serious misdemeanor.