The bill amends and reenacts several sections of Louisiana's massage therapy regulations, specifically R.S. 37:3552, 3555, 3556, 3559, 3561, and 3564, while repealing R.S. 37:3556.1. It introduces new definitions such as "applicant," "asynchronous distance learning," and "licensure," which clarify the licensure process and educational requirements for massage therapists. Applicants are now required to complete a minimum of 625 hours of instructor-supervised coursework, with a portion of these hours permitted to be completed through distance learning. The bill also outlines the requirements for license renewal, including mandatory state and federal background checks for renewing applicants, and establishes that licenses not renewed within 24 months will be considered lapsed.

Additionally, the bill revises advertising regulations for massage therapists, prohibiting unlicensed individuals or entities from using terms related to "massage" in advertising. Licensed massage therapists and establishments must include their name and license number in advertisements, which can now encompass various forms of media, including building signs and websites. The bill mandates that all advertisements avoid appealing to prurient interests and prohibits licensed therapists from advertising in publications that market such services. The amended regulations will take effect once a related federal amendment regarding educational requirements for licensure is enacted, and the bill will become effective upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
SB353 Original: 37:3552(11), 37:3555(A)(14), 37:3556(A)(1), 37:3559(A), 37:3561(A)(2), 37:3564(A)
SB353 Engrossed: 37:3552(11), 37:3555(A)(14), 37:3556(A)(1), 37:3559(A), 37:3561(A)(2), 37:3564(A)
SB353 Reengrossed: 37:3555(A)(14), 37:3556(A)(1), 37:3559(A), 37:3561(A)(2), 37:3564(A)
SB353 Enrolled: 37:3555(A)(14), 37:3556(A)(1), 37:3559(A), 37:3561(A)(2), 37:3564(A)
SB353 Act : 37:3555(A)(14), 37:3556(A)(1), 37:3559(A), 37:3561(A)(2), 37:3564(A)