Senate Bill No. 39, introduced by Senator Mizell, aims to establish a provisional licensing system for graduates of state-approved massage therapy schools in Louisiana. The bill enacts R.S. 37:3556(F), which allows graduates to obtain a provisional license for immediate use upon graduation at registered massage therapy businesses. This provisional license will be valid for a single three-month term and cannot be renewed.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any facility employing a provisionally licensed massage therapist must inform clients of the therapist's licensure status before any services are provided. Furthermore, provisionally licensed therapists are restricted to working only at facilities that employ fully licensed massage therapists. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB39 Original: 37:3556(F)