THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

599

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO MASSAGE THERAPISTS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the practice of massage therapy in the State affects public health and safety.  As a matter of public interest and concern, massage therapist licensees should regularly maintain their knowledge and education and receive basic first aid and emergency-related training through mandatory continuing education requirements, in addition to understanding the ethical implications of advertising and promoting the practice of massage.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require massage therapist licensees, beginning with the renewal for the licensing biennium commencing on July 1, 2024, and every biennial renewal thereafter, to complete twelve hours of continuing education within the two-year period preceding the renewal date, two hours of which shall include first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or emergency-related course; and

     (2)  Modify and update advertising limitations and penalties.

     SECTION 2.  Section 452-16, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§452-16  Renewal of license; fees[.]; continuing education.  (a)  Massage therapist and massage therapy establishment licenses shall expire on June 30 of each even-numbered year following the date of issuance unless renewed for the next biennium.  These licenses may be renewed by filing an application therefor, accompanied by a renewal fee[.] and submitting proof of compliance with the continuing education requirements established by subsection (b).  The application shall be made between May 1 and June 30 of each even-numbered year.  Failure to apply for renewal as provided in this section shall constitute a forfeiture of the license as of the date of expiration.  Any license so forfeited may be restored within one year after expiration upon the filing of an application in the same manner, submitting proof of compliance with the continuing education requirements established by subsection (b), and payment of a penalty fee in addition to all delinquent fees.  Thereafter, the person shall apply as a new applicant and the board may require the person to take and pass the examination and satisfy all requirements for the examination, including training, if the board is not satisfied that the person possesses current knowledge and skills for the practice of massage therapy.

     (b)  Beginning with the renewal for the licensing biennium commencing on July 1, 2024, and every biennial renewal thereafter, each massage therapist licensee shall submit proof of completing twelve hours of continuing education within the two-year period preceding the renewal date, two hours of which shall include first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or emergency-related courses.  The board shall adopt rules relating to the requirements and standards that continuing education programs shall meet to obtain recognition and approval from the board.

     (c)  The board may conduct random audits of licensees to determine compliance with the continuing education requirements of subsection (b).  The board shall provide written notice of an audit to a licensee randomly selected for audit.  Within sixty days of notification, the licensee shall provide the board with documentation verifying compliance with the continuing education requirement established by subsection (b)."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.


 


 

Report Title:

Massage Therapists; Licenses; Renewals; Continuing Education

 

Description:

Beginning July 1, 2024, requires massage therapy licensees to complete twelve hours of continuing education within the two-year period preceding the renewal date, two hours of which shall include first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or emergency related courses.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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