Bill > SB221

This bill amends Louisiana's massage therapy regulations to enhance oversight, safety, and accountability in the industry. It empowers the Louisiana massage therapy board to adopt rules preventing fraud, abuse, human trafficking, and other criminal activities. The bill requires the board to conduct unannounced, in-person inspections within ten days of receiving complaints alleging illicit activity at massage establishments. It mandates criminal background checks for all licensed or applicant massage therapists and establishes that massage establishments cannot be used as residential spaces unless specifically zoned for such use. The bill also strengthens license renewal requirements, including mandatory state and federal background checks and prohibitions on renewing licenses for individuals with certain criminal convictions. Additionally, the legislation introduces automatic license revocation for massage establishments where owners or managers violate regulations, and prevents future licensing at the same premises after revocation. Importantly, the bill requires the board to submit an annual comprehensive report to the legislature detailing complaints, inspections, licensure information, investigation outcomes, and administrative actions, thereby increasing transparency and accountability in the massage therapy profession.

Business and Industry

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=SB221&sbi=y