SB 687 Summary

• Creates the Massage Therapy Practice Act establishing state licensure requirements for massage therapists under the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

• Requires massage therapists to be at least 18 years old, complete 500 hours of formal education from a state-licensed school, pass a nationally recognized competency examination, and maintain liability insurance.

• Establishes an Advisory Board on Massage Therapy with 5 members (3 licensed massage therapists with 3+ years Oklahoma experience, 1 school administrator/faculty member, 1 citizen member) appointed by the Governor for 4-year terms.

• Sets licensing fees at $25 (effective date to May 1, 2017) and $50 annually thereafter; authorizes Board disciplinary actions including denial, suspension, revocation of licenses, reprimands, and probation for unprofessional conduct.

• Prohibits unlicensed practice of massage therapy and operation of massage therapy schools without proper licensure; establishes criminal misdemeanor penalties and supersedes local ordinances while preserving zoning and occupational licensing authority.