Bill > S168

This bill aims to regulate the practice of bodyworks in Massachusetts. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. Establishing a Board of Registration of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks within the Division of Professional Licensure, which will be responsible for licensing and regulating massage therapists, bodywork therapists, and bodyworkers. 2. Defining "bodywork", "bodyworks", and "bodywork therapy" to include various modalities like the Feldenkrais Method, Reflexology, and Acupressure, and differentiating them from massage therapy. 3. Requiring individuals to obtain a license from the Board in order to practice massage therapy or bodyworks therapy, with certain exceptions. 4. Outlining the requirements and application process for obtaining a license as a massage therapist or bodywork therapist. 5. Granting the Board authority to investigate complaints, conduct inspections, and take disciplinary action against licensed practitioners for misconduct. 6. Establishing standards for massage therapy and bodywork schools, and requiring them to obtain approval from the Board. 7. Prohibiting the use of certain terms like "bodywork therapist" by unlicensed individuals. The overall goal of the bill is to provide consumer protection and regulate the practice of bodyworks in Massachusetts, similar to the existing regulation of massage therapy.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S168