MN HF1275

Establishes state licensure for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists under the Board of Nursing, effective January 1, 2022, requiring completion of postsecondary education, credentialing examination passage, and professional liability insurance of $2,000,000 per occurrence and $6,000,000 annual aggregate.

Creates the Massage Therapy Advisory Council with five members (two public members and three licensed practitioners, two of whom must be massage therapists) to advise the board on standards, ethics, applications, and disciplinary matters.

Prohibits unlicensed practice and use of protected titles ("massage therapist," "MT," "Asian bodywork therapist," "ABT") effective January 1, 2022, making violations a gross misdemeanor.

Sets licensing fees including initial licensure application at $285, biennial renewal at $185, temporary permit at $50, and other miscellaneous fees, with all revenue deposited into the state government special revenue fund.

Establishes grounds for disciplinary action including sexual conduct with clients, malpractice, false advertising, conviction of serious crimes, failure to maintain client records per data privacy laws, and failure to report disciplinary actions taken in other jurisdictions.