This bill establishes new licensing requirements for massage therapy establishments in Iowa, effective January 1, 2027. It defines an "establishment" as a location where massage therapy is practiced, with specific exemptions for certain scenarios, such as massage therapy provided at a customer's location or by licensed health care professionals within their facilities. The bill mandates that owners of massage establishments must obtain a license from the board of massage therapy, which includes submitting an application, paying a fee, and undergoing a sanitary inspection. Additionally, owners are required to provide fingerprints for a national criminal history check, although exemptions may apply for those who have previously submitted fingerprints for a massage therapy license.

The bill also outlines the conditions under which the board can deny or revoke an establishment license, including instances of criminal investigations or disqualifying criminal histories. Establishments must maintain records for three years, detailing the massage therapists employed and the clients served. Furthermore, individuals under investigation for illegal services must present their establishment license, with violations resulting in serious misdemeanor charges. The board is tasked with adopting rules to ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and record-keeping standards, thereby enhancing the regulation of massage therapy practices in the state.

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