DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 498 Original 2017 Regular Session Pearson
Abstract: Exempts certain registered nurses from the massage therapy licensure requirement.
Present law prohibits any person from engaging in the practice of massage therapy without a current
license issued by the La. Board of Massage Therapy.
Proposed law retains present law but provides an exception for a licensed registered nurse if both
of the following conditions are met:
(1)The massage services provided to a patient are incidental to the nursing services provided
to the patient.
(2)The licensed registered nurse providing the massage services does not advertise as a massage
therapist otherwise required to be licensed as such.
Present law prohibits a person not holding a license as a massage therapist, physical therapist, or
chiropractor, a certificate to practice athletic training, or a license as a massage establishment from
using the words "massage", "body work", or any derivative or variation of the word "massage",
including specific bodywork or massage modalities, on any sign or other form of advertising.
Proposed law retains present law but adds registered nurses to the list of exempted occupations.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 37:3564(A); Adds R.S. 37:3553(B)(2)(d))