HF 973 Summary

• Establishes state licensure requirements for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists under the Board of Nursing, effective January 1, 2024.

• Requires applicants to complete postsecondary education (minimum 625 contact hours by 2027), pass a credentialing examination, obtain professional liability insurance ($2,000,000 per occurrence), and submit to criminal background checks.

• Prohibits unlicensed practice of massage therapy or Asian bodywork therapy and use of protected titles (LMT, LABT) as of January 1, 2024, with violations classified as gross misdemeanor.

• Creates a Massage Therapy Advisory Council with five members (two public members and three licensed therapists) to advise the Board of Nursing on standards, practice codes, and disciplinary matters.

• Establishes licensing fees including initial licensure ($285 maximum), biennial renewal ($185 maximum), temporary permits ($50), and inactive status ($50 annually), with all fees deposited into the state government special revenue fund.