Bill
Bill > SB545
OK SB545
OK SB545Massage therapy; transferring certain powers and duties to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners; establishing and modifying certain licensure requirements. Effective date.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/17/2025
02/17/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act relating to the practice of massage therapy; transferring powers and duties under the Massage Therapy Practice Act from the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners; directing certain transfers; requiring the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to coordinate certain transfers; providing for transfer of administrative rules; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 4200.2, which relates to definitions used in the Massage Therapy Practice Act; modifying and adding definitions; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 4200.3, which relates to acts requiring licensure; conforming language; updating statutory reference; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 4200.4, which relates to powers and duties; conforming and updating language; adding and modifying powers and duties; modifying name of certain advisory board; removing obsolete language; increasing massage therapy license fee; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 4200.5, which relates to license requirements; conforming and updating language; modifying certain licensure qualifications; removing obsolete language; authorizing disciplinary action for certain violations; establishing and mandating massage therapy establishment license; prohibiting unlicensed establishments; creating certain temporary exception; providing for application and fee; requiring certain designation of massage therapist for specified purpose; requiring massage therapists to provide certain notice and information to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners; authorizing certain disciplinary actions; authorizing certain inspections; providing for promulgation of certain rules; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Sections 4200.6, 4200.8, and 4200.9, which relate to the practice of massage therapy; conforming and updating language; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 4200.11, which relates to disciplinary actions and proceedings; updating statutory language; stipulating certain investigative procedures; providing for informal complaint recommendations; providing for confidentiality of complaint and investigative information; limiting disclosure of complaint and investigative information; allowing respondent to acquire certain information under specified conditions; specifying effect of certain licensure actions; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Sections 4200.12 and 4200.13, which relate to the practice of massage therapy; conforming and updating language; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill transfers the regulation of massage therapy from the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, effectively moving all powers, duties, records, funds, and administrative rules related to massage therapy to the new oversight board. The bill updates and modifies several key aspects of massage therapy regulation, including licensing requirements, definitions, and disciplinary procedures. Notably, it establishes new educational and examination standards for massage therapists, with increasing education hour requirements over time (500 hours by 2017, potentially increasing to 600 hours by 2027). The bill also introduces a new requirement for massage therapy establishments to obtain a license beginning January 1, 2026, mandating that establishments designate a responsible massage therapist and allowing the Board to conduct inspections. License fees are increased from $50 to $75 per year, and the bill provides more detailed guidelines for investigating complaints, maintaining confidentiality of investigations, and taking disciplinary actions. The changes aim to professionalize and standardize massage therapy regulation in Oklahoma, with enhanced oversight and clearer standards for practitioners and businesses.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Failed in Committee - Health and Human Services (on 02/17/2025)
Official Document
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