The proposed Massage Therapist Licensure Act in Kansas establishes a comprehensive framework for the licensure of massage therapists, detailing the necessary qualifications, including age, education, and completion of a board-approved training program of at least 625 hours. The bill includes a grandfathering provision for current practitioners, allowing them to obtain a license based on their experience or training. It also sets forth the licensing process, including the issuance of temporary permits, the formation of a massage therapy advisory committee, and the establishment of fees for licensing and renewal. Additionally, the act prohibits unlicensed individuals from presenting themselves as licensed massage therapists and outlines penalties for violations.

The bill further mandates that initial applicants undergo fingerprinting and criminal history checks, with the board authorized to set associated fees. It specifies grounds for license refusal or revocation, such as incompetence or criminal convictions, and establishes procedures for investigating complaints. Moreover, massage therapists are required to maintain professional liability insurance, and local governments are prohibited from creating their own licensing requirements. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of criminal history records obtained during the licensing process and includes provisions for the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, while repealing certain existing statutes related to criminal history checks.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 22-4714