SB1627 - Asian Bodywork Therapy Licensing Act

• Creates the Asian Bodywork Therapy Licensing Act effective January 1, 2012, requiring persons to obtain state licensure from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to practice Asian bodywork therapy for compensation.

• Establishes licensure requirements including completion of 500 hours of training at an approved school, passing a competency exam (including NCCAOM ABT Exam Module), and meeting good moral character standards, with criminal background checks required.

• Creates a 7-member Asian Bodywork Therapy Licensing Board (6 licensed therapists with 3+ years experience and 1 public member) to advise the Department on professional standards, discipline, and qualifications.

• Authorizes the Department to impose fines up to $1,000 per violation, require 24 hours of continuing education per renewal period, and take disciplinary action for violations including unlicensed practice, false advertising, sexual misconduct, and incompetence.

• Preempts home rule authority over Asian bodywork therapy licensing and amends the Massage Licensing Act to exempt from massage licensing requirements persons licensed under this new Asian Bodywork Therapy Act.