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WV SB496

Bill

Official Source

Status

Passed

4/24/2025

Primary Sponsor

Darren Thorne

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2025 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends §30-37-2 of the West Virginia Code to clarify the definition of "massage therapy" for licensing purposes
  • Explicitly excludes reflexologists from massage therapy licensure requirements, allowing them to practice under their own professional credentials
  • Adds exemptions for energy work practitioners, specifically naming reiki, qigong, and sound healing as practices that do not constitute massage therapy
  • Takes effect July 9, 2025 (90 days after passage on April 10, 2025)
  • Maintains existing exemptions for nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and medical professionals practicing under their own licenses

Legislative Description

Removing reflexology and other energy-based work from definition of "massage therapy"

Professions and Occupations

Last Action

Approved by Governor 4/24/2025 - House Journal

4/12/2025

Committee Referrals

Government Organization3/4/2025
Government Organization2/14/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available