HF644 Bill Summary

• Establishes state registration system for massage and bodywork therapists under Minnesota Board of Nursing, effective August 1, 2016, with title "Registered Massage and Bodywork Therapist" (RMBT).

• Requires applicants to have high school diploma, CPR/first aid certification, $1,000,000 professional liability insurance, minimum 500 contact hours of training (120 science hours, 340 clinical hours), and pass competency exam or qualify by endorsement or grandfathering.

• Sets registration fees: initial application $285, annual renewal $185, with additional fees for duplicate certificates, late renewals, temporary permits, and inactive status.

• Denies registration to applicants with convictions for prostitution, human trafficking, sexual conduct crimes, or violent crimes; registered sex offenders; or those with prior disciplinary actions.

• Establishes 5-member advisory council (2 public members, 3 massage therapists) to advise Board of Nursing on standards, ethics, exam approval, and disciplinary matters; preempts municipal licensure authority while allowing business licensing and health code enforcement.