Bill No. 2233 amends the Massage Therapy Practice Act in Oklahoma by transferring regulatory authority from the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. This transition is reflected throughout the bill, where references to the previous board are deleted and replaced with the new board's name. The legislation outlines definitions related to massage therapy, establishes licensure requirements, and specifies the scope of practice for licensed massage therapists. It also details the disciplinary actions that the new board can impose on licensees for unprofessional conduct and violations of the law.
Furthermore, the bill introduces an Advisory Board on Massage Therapy to assist in regulating and setting standards for the profession. It sets forth requirements for obtaining a massage therapy license, including age, education, examination, and liability insurance, while emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a current license and the consequences of practicing without one. Additionally, the bill prohibits advertising massage therapy services in conjunction with escort or dating services to clarify professional boundaries. The act is scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2025, allowing time for compliance within the massage therapy profession.