MD SB419

Removes the October 31, 2026 deadline that would have required all massage therapists to be licensed, allowing registered massage practitioners to continue practicing in non-health care settings indefinitely

Establishes pathways for out-of-state massage therapy graduates to qualify for Maryland licensure, requiring 750 contact hours from programs approved by the state's higher education commission and accredited by recognized entities

Allows out-of-state applicants who fall short of the 750 contact hour requirement to supplement hours through Board-approved programs, continuing education, or documented evidence of at least 1,000 licensed hands-on massage therapy hours within the preceding 2 years

Requires criminal history records checks for reactivation from inactive status and removes the hearing requirement before imposing a $100 administrative penalty for failure to notify the Board of name/address changes

Former registered massage practitioners who fail to apply for reinstatement or reactivate within 5 years must meet current licensing requirements for a new license rather than registration requirements