The proposed bill establishes a regulatory framework for the licensure of massage therapy and Asian bodywork therapy in Minnesota, introducing the "Minnesota Massage Therapy and Asian Bodywork Therapy Act." It outlines the responsibilities of the commissioner of health, including issuing licenses, enforcing standards, and adopting rules. The bill sets specific licensure requirements, such as completion of a postsecondary program with a minimum of 625 contact hours, including 500 hours of instruction and 125 hours of supervised clinical practice, as well as mandatory professional liability insurance coverage. It also prohibits unlicensed practice of these therapies effective January 1, 2027, and restricts the use of certain titles to licensed individuals, while providing exemptions for other healthcare providers.

Additionally, the bill introduces new grounds for disciplinary action against licensed practitioners and establishes the Massage Therapy Advisory Council to advise the commissioner on standards and ethics. It preempts municipal regulation of massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists effective July 1, 2027, while allowing municipalities to require business licenses for therapy establishments. The bill also includes provisions for licensure by endorsement, temporary permits for applicants, and specific disciplinary actions for licensees who fail to meet standards. A new subdivision is added to current law, prohibiting individuals with suspended or revoked licenses from practicing as unlicensed complementary and alternative health care practitioners during their suspension or revocation period, effective July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 146A.01, 146A.06, 146A.09