MN HF1503

Establishes registration system for massage therapists under Minnesota Board of Nursing, effective August 1, 2010.

Requires applicants to complete approved 500+ contact hour massage therapy program, pass competency exam, maintain $1,000,000 professional liability insurance, and pay $272 initial registration fee plus $172 annual renewal fee.

Mandates 12 contact hours of continuing education every two years and restricts use of "registered massage therapist" or "RMT" titles to registered practitioners only.

Prohibits registered massage therapists from diagnosing illness, prescribing drugs, performing spinal manipulation, or practicing beyond scope; requires referral to health care providers when services exceed therapist competence.

Creates seven-member Registered Massage Therapist Advisory Council to advise Board of Nursing on standards, ethics, competency exams, and disciplinary matters, with grounds for discipline including fraud, sexual conduct with clients, incompetence, and unlicensed practice.