This bill establishes a licensure requirement for operating massage establishments and facilities offering massage, reflexology, structural integration, and Asian bodywork. It defines "massage establishment" as a commercial location where massage is performed by multiple individuals, excluding certain medical and public accommodation scenarios. The bill introduces the term "massage establishment proprietor," who is responsible for the establishment's operations and must ensure that all employed or contracted massage therapists hold valid licenses. Additionally, it outlines prohibited acts for proprietors and includes new provisions for exemptions and qualifications for proprietors, including background checks.
The bill also amends definitions and requirements for bodywork establishments, mirroring the structure established for massage establishments. It includes similar provisions for proprietors of bodywork facilities, requiring them to hold appropriate licenses and ensuring compliance with background checks. The advisory board of massage therapists is tasked with reviewing qualifications and exemptions related to these establishments. The bill further stipulates that all licenses will expire in accordance with RSA 310:8, and it is set to take effect on July 2, 2027. The fiscal impact of the legislation is projected to be less than $10,000 for the fiscal years 2028 through 2029.
Statutes affected: As Amended by the House: 328-B:4, 328-B:5, 328-B:7, 328-H:2, 328-H:4, 328-H:5