AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1440

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1440

Introduced
2/10/25  
Refer
2/10/25  
Report Pass
2/25/25  
Engrossed
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  
Report Pass
4/7/25  
Enrolled
4/10/25  
Chaptered
4/16/25  

Caption

To Amend The Massage Therapy Act; And To Establish Registration For Massage Therapy Establishments.

Impact

The bill's impact on state law is profound as it requires all massage therapy clinics and spas to register with the Department of Health, ensuring compliance with established state health standards. This registration includes a review of criminal background checks for applicants, which is intended to safeguard clients against potential malpractices. The bill also mandates annual inspections, adding a layer of accountability that is expected to lead to safer and more regulated massage therapy services across the state.

Summary

House Bill 1440 introduces significant amendments to the Massage Therapy Act in Arkansas, primarily establishing a formal registration requirement for massage therapy establishments. This change aims to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure that massage therapists meet certain educational and professional standards before operating a business. By implementing a structured registration process, the bill seeks to protect public health and safety, thereby promoting high standards within the industry.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1440 appears to favor the need for stricter regulations and improved oversight to ensure the safety and transparency of massage therapy practices. Supporters believe that the bill will provide public assurance regarding the professionalism and qualifications of massage therapists. However, there may also be concerns regarding the administrative burden placed on small business owners and the potential for increased costs associated with compliance. As a result, sentiment within various stakeholder groups is likely to vary.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the perspective of established practitioners and new entrants into the industry. Some may argue that the increased regulatory framework could stifle entrepreneurship by adding cumbersome procedures that may not significantly enhance public safety. Additionally, the requirement for criminal background checks could be perceived as a barrier for applicants who have past misdemeanors but are otherwise qualified, raising discussions about fairness and access in licensing practices.

Latest HB1440 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1115

To Amend The Definition And Requirements Of A Master Massage Therapist Within The Massage Therapy Act.

AR SB58

To Create A Student And Apprentice Level Of Licensing In The Massage Therapy Profession.

AR HB1729

To Name A Licensed Massage Therapist As A Mandated Reporter Under The Child Maltreatment Act.

AR HB1082

To Establish The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact In Arkansas.

AR SB586

To Amend The Law Concerning Inmates Of State Facilities; To Establish Parameters Regarding The Use Of Segregated Confinement; And To Establish Alternative Therapeutic And Rehabilitative Confinement Options.

AR SB139

To Require That The Arkansas Medicaid Program Cover Authorized Prescription Digital Therapeutics.

AR HB1705

To Amend The Telemedicine Act To Clarify That A Professional Relationship For Physical Therapy Services Shall Be Established Only By An In-person Examination.

AR SB192

To Amend The Law Concerning Coverage Of Biosimlar Medical Products Under Step Therapy Protocols; And To Amend Exceptions To Step Therapy Protocols.

AR SB42

To Amend The Practice And Regulation Of Counseling And Marriage And Family Therapy; And To Remove The Requirements For Full-time Employment And For Seeking Additional Training And Specializations.

AR HB1276

To Exclude Antipsychotic Prescription Drugs From Step Therapy.

Similar Bills

LA SB286

Provides for licensure and qualifications of massage therapists. (8/1/22)

AL HB453

Massage Therapy, Board of, board authorized to grant executive director the authority to approve licenses, require massage therapy establishments and schools to carry liability insurance, definitions further provided, Sec. 34-43-10 repealed; Secs. 34-43-3, 34-43-6, 34-43-7, 34-43-8, 34-43-9, 34-43-11, 34-43-12, 34-43-14, 34-43-15, 34-43-20, 34-43-21 am'd.

TX HB461

Relating to the regulation of dyslexia practitioners and therapists; providing penalties.

AL SB137

Alabama Board of Massage Therapy, terminated pursuant to the Sunset law and replaced by the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board

AL SB350

Relating to the practice of Massage Therapy; to add Chapter 43A to Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to create the State Board of Licensure for Massage Therapists in the office of the Secretary of State; to provide for the membership of the new board and duties of the Secretary of State and that board; to provide for the transfer of the powers, duties, rights, records, and property of the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy to the State Board of Licensure for Massage Therapists and the Chief Examiner of Public Accounts temporarily during the transition; to preserve existing regulatory law; to extend the expiration date of licenses issued by the former board until the membership of the new board is established; to repeal Chapter 43 of Title 34, Code of Alabama 1975, providing for the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

AL SB253

Massage Therapy Licensing Board temporarily under Board of Nursing; authorize Executive Director of the Board of Nursing, or designee to perform certain functions; define and provide for emergency order; clarify status of practice with a temporary permit; provide for annual meeting; require a majority vote to discipline licensee; provide further for the qualifications for licensing and the contents of an application; outcall massage therapy services and inspections of massage therapy establishments; to authorize the board, by rule, to establish and collect reasonable fees; to provide further for investigations, discipline, and fingerprinting of licensees and applicants for licensing; and to provide further for massage therapy schools.

MI HB6036

Health occupations: massage therapists; massage therapist apprenticeship program; provide for. Amends secs. 16334, 17951, 17957 & 17959 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16334 et seq.) & adds sec. 17959a.

MS SB2681

Certified Academic Language Therapists; allow to help instruct students with dyslexia in schools.