BILL NUMBER: S1271
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a licensed
massage therapist to display such licensed massage therapist's license
when practicing and the required contents of such license
 
PURPOSE:
To require that a license with photo be on display when a massage thera-
pist licensed by the State of New York is practicing.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. amends section 7802 of the education law, to require that a
person who is licensed by the state under this section, using the title
of "masseur", "masseuse", or "massage therapist" shall conspicuously
display such license when practicing.
Section 2. amends section 7804 of the education law by adding a new
closing paragraph to state that a license issued pursuant to this
section shall at a minimum, include the licensee's name, license number
and a non-removable photograph of such license.
Section 3. Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
There has been a substantial increase in the amount of illegal practices
that have set up under the guise of 'massage therapy' and promoting
prostitution or other illegal activities. In addition, consumers have
sustained injuries as a result of treatment from unlicensed practition-
ers.
Massage therapy has been practiced for centuries and is known to relieve
the effects of many illnesses such as stress and pain, and is routinely
used in the healing of injuries. The study of massage therapy is rigor-
ous, and consumers who utilize this treatment have a right to know that
their practitioner has indeed studied massage at a certified massage
therapy school, and that they are licensed by the state to practice the
various techniques that are utilized.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019: S.3097- Referred to Senate Higher Education.
2020: S.3097- Referred to Senate Higher Education.
2021: S.375 -Referred to Senate Higher Education.
2022: S.375 -Referred to Senate Higher Education.
2023: S.1961- Referred to Senate Higher Education.
2024: S.1961- Referred to Senate Higher Education.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
On the sixtieth day after it has become a law.