HB310 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Joe Hubbard
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Massage Therapy, Board of, massage therapists further regulated, penalties increased, Secs. 34-43-3, 34-43-5, 34-43-6, 34-43-7, 34-43-9, 34-43-10, 34-43-11, 34-43-12, 34-43-14, 34-43-15, 34-43-17, 34-43-20, 34-43-21 am'd.
Summary: HB310 would overhaul Alabama's Massage Therapy Licensure Act by relaxing some school accreditation rules, expanding board powers, raising licensure requirements, and stiffening penalties.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, the bill would remove the Alabama Department of Education accreditation requirement for massage therapy schools in-state, broaden exemptions, and eliminate temporary practice permits. It would rename the executive secretary to executive director, allow compensation for board members, and specify excused absences. The bill would raise licensure requirements (650 hours of supervised instruction, age 18, high school diploma or equivalent, and background check), remove the US citizenship requirement, and allow the board to assess fees and impose stricter enforcement, including elevating penalties for violations from Class C to Class A misdemeanors.

Who It Affects
Prospective and current massage therapy students and license applicants, who would face higher education hour requirements, background checks, and age/citizenship changes.
Massage therapy establishments, licensees, and the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy, which would gain expanded licensing authority, broader grounds for discipline, new fee authority, and greater ability to revoke or suspend licenses.

Key Provisions
Delete the requirement that Alabama massage therapy schools be accredited by the State Department of Education; allow board-approved Alabama schools or regionally/nationally recognized programs, including out-of-state options.
Eliminate temporary permits to practice massage therapy and remove antiquated language; delete Senate confirmation for board appointees.
Rename the executive secretary to executive director; provide board compensation; specify excused absences for board members.
Increase the minimum hours of supervised instruction for licensure to 650 hours (with specified breakdown) and require applicants to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, plus a criminal history background check; remove US citizenship requirement.
Allow the board to assess and collect various fees (exams, licenses, renewals, establishment licenses, school registrations, instructor registrations, etc.) and give the board broader authority to license establishments and revoke/suspend licenses.
Raise penalties for violations from Class C to Class A misdemeanors; expand grounds for discipline (fraud, unprofessional conduct, sexual offenses, practicing without a license, operating without proper licensure, etc.).
Require licensed massage therapists to carry professional liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 with an A-rated carrier and show proof if requested.
Update definitions for terms such as board-approved school, establishment, examination, licensee, and massage therapy to reflect new standards and authorities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Massage Therapy, Board of