The proposed Massage Therapist Licensure Act in Kansas establishes a comprehensive framework for the licensure of massage therapists, detailing the necessary qualifications and regulations for applicants. To be eligible for licensure, individuals must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a minimum of 625 hours of approved massage therapy education, and pass a nationally recognized competency examination. The bill includes a grandfathering provision for currently practicing massage therapists, allowing them to obtain licensure based on their prior experience. Additionally, it creates a Massage Therapy Advisory Committee to assist in the implementation of the act and outlines the fees for licensure, renewal, and reinstatement, as well as continuing education requirements.

The bill also introduces several new provisions, including mandatory fingerprinting and criminal history checks for initial applicants, with the board authorized to set associated fees. It specifies grounds for disciplinary action against licensees, such as incompetence and criminal convictions, and establishes procedures for investigating complaints. Furthermore, massage therapists are required to maintain professional liability insurance, and local governments are prohibited from creating their own licensing requirements. The act also clarifies the board's authority to seek injunctions against violations and ensures that fees collected are allocated to both the state general fund and the healing arts fee fund. Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Kansas Statutes Annotated related to licensing processes for other professions, emphasizing confidentiality of criminal history records and criminalizing unauthorized disclosure of such information.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 22-4714
As introduced: 22-4714