SF1792 Summary: Minnesota Massage and Bodywork Therapy Act

• Establishes state registration system for massage and bodywork therapists under the Minnesota Board of Nursing, effective August 1, 2014.

• Requires applicants to complete 500+ contact hours from approved education providers, pass a competency exam, maintain $1,000,000 professional liability insurance, and hold current CPR/first aid certification.

• Protects the titles "registered massage and bodywork therapist" (RMBT) for registered practitioners only; defines scope of practice including massage techniques, oils, and heat/ice applications while prohibiting diagnosis, drug prescription, and spinal manipulation.

• Establishes a 5-member Registered Massage and Bodywork Therapist Advisory Council with two public members and three practitioner members to advise the Board on standards, enforcement, and disciplinary matters.

• Sets registration fees of $285 initial and $185 annual renewal; preempts municipal licensing of individual therapists but allows municipalities to license massage business establishments and regulate health codes.