summary
Introduced
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
In Committee
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to the practice of reflexology, defined in the bill as a protocol of manual techniques applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands of an individual. The bill requires the board of medicine (board) to issue a reflexologist certification to an applicant who submits proof of an active certification from the American reflexology certification board, or its successor organization, proof of completion of a reflexology education program approved by the board and described in the bill, proof of completion of an exam approved by the board, any other information required by the board, and an application fee. An applicant must be at least 18 years of age, submit to a criminal history check, and not have been subject to any form of professional or occupational discipline within the two years immediately preceding the submission of the application. The board shall also issue a certification to a person who has completed an education program that is substantially similar to an education program approved by the board and is certified as a reflexologist in another state or territory of the United States. The bill allows a person who has failed a reflexology exam to retake the exam two additional times. The bill also allows the board to require a person who failed the reflexology exam three times to complete further educational coursework prior to taking the exam again. If an applicant has completed an approved reflexology education program and practiced reflexology as part of the applicant’s profession for the last five years, the bill allows the board to waive the reflexology examination requirement. This provision of the bill is repealed effective July 1, 2028. The bill establishes fees for the issuance and renewal of a reflexology certification. The bill requires the board to adopt rules for the administration of the bill.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a certification process for reflexologists, defining reflexology as manual techniques applied to specific reflex areas, primarily on the feet and hands, to support optimal body function, and explicitly excluding diagnosis, treatment of diseases, or joint manipulation. To become a certified reflexologist, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal history check, and have no recent professional discipline, in addition to providing proof of active certification from the American Reflexology Certification Board (or its successor), completing an approved reflexology education program of at least 200 credit hours covering anatomy, physiology, reflexology techniques, critical thinking, business practices, and supervised practical experience, and passing a board-approved exam. Alternatively, individuals with substantially similar education and active certification in another state can be certified, and the board will establish rules for the administration of these requirements, including fees for initial certification and renewals. Applicants who fail the exam can retake it twice, and those who fail a third time may be required to complete additional education, though a waiver for the exam is available for those with five years of practice and an approved education program, which expires on July 1, 2028.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Subcommittee recommends amendment and passage. (on 02/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2178 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2178.html |
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