Existing law authorizes the Board of Massage Therapy to issue licenses to practice massage therapy, reflexology or structural integration. (Chapter 640C of NRS) Section 1 of this bill authorizes the Board, after conducting a review of the credentials of an applicant who does not otherwise satisfy the requirements for the issuance of a license to practice massage therapy, reflexology or structural integration, to grant such a license to a person who: (1) has legally practiced massage therapy, reflexology or structural integration in another state, territory or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia for not less than 3 years; (2) submits certain information and documents to the Board; and (3) passes certain examinations. Sections 5-7 of this bill make conforming changes to indicate that the provisions of section 1 are exceptions to the general requirements for the issuance of a license to practice massage therapy, a license to practice reflexology and a license to practice structural integration. Section 2 of this bill revises the definition of the term “reflexology” to include the application of a system of pressure to the face of the human body. Section 3 of this bill eliminates the requirement that the Board alternate the location of its meetings between the southern and northern districts of this State. Existing law requires the Board to adopt regulations that prescribe the requirements for the certification and operation of a massage, reflexology and structural integration establishment. (NRS 640C.330) Section 4 of this bill requires the Board to adopt regulations which include the grounds for the imposition of disciplinary action against the holder of a certificate of a massage, reflexology and structural integration establishment and the disciplinary actions which the Board may impose. Existing law sets forth various requirements for a person to be issued a temporary license to practice massage therapy, reflexology or structural integration. (NRS 640C.590, 640C.610, 640C.630) Sections 8 and 11 of this bill revise those requirements to instead authorize the Board to issue a temporary license to practice massage therapy, reflexology or structural integration in this State to a person: (1) who holds an active license in good standing to practice massage therapy, reflexology or structural integration issued by another state, territory or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia; and (2) who satisfies the requirements for a temporary license set forth in regulations adopted by the Board. Section 8 prohibits those regulations from requiring a person to take or pass a written examination concerning his or her qualifications to practice massage therapy, reflexology or structural integration to be issued a temporary license. Existing law provides that a temporary license expires 90 days after issuance and is not renewable. (NRS 640C.590, 640C.610, 640C.630) Section 8 authorizes a person who has been issued a temporary license to apply for a new temporary license not less than 3 months after the expiration of the temporary license most recently issued to the person. Existing law authorizes the Board or any member thereof to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers. (NRS 640C.750) Section 9 of this bill additionally authorizes the Executive Director of the Board to issue such subpoenas. Existing law prohibits: (1) an unlicensed person from advertising as a massage therapist, reflexologist or structural integration practitioner; and (2) a licensed person from using any false or misleading statement or representation in advertising that is intended to induce another person to use the services of the massage therapist, reflexologist or structural integration practitioner. Existing law also requires certain advertising by a licensed massage therapist, reflexologist or structural integration practitioner to include certain information. (NRS 640C.930) Section 10 of this bill sets forth similar prohibitions and requirements applicable to massage, reflexology and structural integration establishments.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 640C.080, 640C.180, 640C.330, 640C.580, 640C.600, 640C.620, 640C.630, 640C.750, 640C.930
Reprint 1: 640C.080, 640C.180, 640C.330, 640C.580, 640C.600, 640C.620, 640C.630, 640C.750, 640C.930
BDR: 640C.080, 640C.180, 640C.330, 640C.580, 640C.600, 640C.620, 640C.630, 640C.750, 640C.930