The proposed bill amends the Massage Therapy Act in Arkansas to establish a comprehensive registration system for massage therapy establishments. It introduces key definitions, such as "massage therapy establishment" and "massage therapy establishment registration," which require these locations to register with the Department of Health. The bill outlines the responsibilities of stakeholders involved in the registration process, including the submission of a completed application and a list of licensed massage therapists. Additionally, it mandates criminal background checks for applicants and grants the Department of Health the authority to inspect these establishments, thereby enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring compliance with public safety standards.

Further amendments include requirements for each establishment to provide a business license from the relevant municipality and stipulate that registrations are valid for two years. Registered establishments must submit all necessary documentation within 90 days of the bill's effective date, and any changes to registration information must be reported within ten business days. The bill also details disciplinary actions that the Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee can impose for infractions, including malpractice and unprofessional conduct, with penalties ranging from $25 to $1,000. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a professional therapist-patient relationship and outlines conditions for license revocation, particularly concerning inappropriate practices.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1440 V2 - 2-24-2025 10:33 AM: 17-86-102, 02-24-2025, 17-86-306(e), 17-86-306, 17-86-101, 17-86-104, 17-86-203(b), 17-86-203(e), 17-86-204(a), 17-86-301(a), 17-86-301(c), 17-86-302(a)
Old version HB1440 Original - 2-10-2025 01:27 PM: 17-86-102, 17-86-306(e), 17-86-306, 17-86-101, 17-86-104, 17-86-203(b), 17-86-203(e), 17-86-204(a), 17-86-301(a), 17-86-301(c), 17-86-302(a)
HB 1440: 17-86-102, 17-86-306(e), 17-86-306, 17-86-101, 17-86-104, 17-86-203(b), 17-86-203(e), 17-86-204(a), 17-86-301(a), 17-86-301(c), 17-86-302(a)
Act 629: 17-86-102, 02-24-2025, 17-86-306(e), 17-86-306, 17-86-101, 17-86-104, 17-86-203(b), 17-86-203(e), 17-86-204(a), 17-86-301(a), 17-86-301(c), 17-86-302(a)