SB 687 Summary

• Creates the Massage Therapy Practice Act, establishing state licensing for massage therapists under the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision effective November 1, 2015.

• Requires massage therapists to be at least 18 years old, pass a standardized national examination requiring 750+ hours of formal education, maintain liability insurance, and disclose criminal history to obtain a license.

• Sets annual license fees at $50.00 (effective May 1, 2016), with temporary licenses at $25.00 available November 1, 2015 through May 1, 2016 for practitioners with prior experience or education.

• Prohibits unlicensed massage therapy practice and requires massage therapy schools to be licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools; bans use of "massage therapist" title by unlicensed individuals.

• Authorizes Board to take disciplinary action including denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses for unprofessional conduct; makes violations a misdemeanor; prohibits advertising massage therapy with escort or dating services.