This bill establishes new licensing requirements for massage therapy establishments in Iowa, effective July 1, 2027. It defines an "establishment" as a location where massage therapy is practiced, with specific exemptions for massage therapists providing services at a customer's location, operators of stand-alone devices, certain licensed health care professionals, student clinics, and sole practitioners. The bill mandates that all establishments must obtain a license from the board of massage therapy, which includes submitting an application and a biennial fee. The board is authorized to conduct sanitary inspections prior to issuing a license and biennially thereafter, as well as to deny applications based on the applicant's standing with the board or any disqualifying criminal history.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of licensed establishments, including maintaining records for three years related to massage therapists and clients. It also stipulates that individuals under investigation for illegal services must present their establishment license, if applicable, with violations resulting in serious misdemeanor charges. The board has the authority to revoke licenses based on public complaints or evidence of misconduct, and it can take emergency action to suspend licenses if criminal charges are pending against an owner or officer. The bill requires the board to adopt rules for implementation, covering various aspects such as sanitation, safety, and record retention.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 152C.1, 152C.9, 152C.5B, 152C.7