HB290 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Joe Hubbard
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2013
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34-43-6, 34-43-7, 34-43-9, 34-43-11, 34-43-12, 34-43-14, 34-43-15, 34-43-17, 34-43-20, 34-43-21 am'd; Sec. 34-43-10 repealed
Summary: HB290 overhauls Alabama's Massage Therapy Licensure Act by broadening protections, increasing licensure and education requirements, expanding board powers, and raising penalties and oversight of massage establishments.
What This Bill Does
The bill expands exemptions and removes temporary permits, tightens board governance (compensation, name change to executive director, excused absences, and oath procedures), and increases licensing discipline powers. It raises entry requirements for therapists (18+, high school diploma or equivalent, background check) and increases the minimum training hours to 650, with a national certification exam required. It broadens board authority over establishments and schools, enhances continuing education regulations (16 hours per biennium), and elevates penalties for violations from Class C to Class A misdemeanor, while repealing the state exam requirement in favor of national or board-approved testing; it also includes animal massage training and an annual funding mechanism for the board under a sunset framework.

Who It Affects
Licensed massage therapists and licensure applicants who would face higher entry standards (age, education, background check), longer required training (650 hours with detailed hour breakdown), a national certification exam, ongoing continuing education, and stricter penalties for violations.
Massage therapy establishments, schools, and instructors who would be subject to new licensing/registration rules, stricter oversight, new or increased fees, and potential license revocation or suspension; schools and instructors would face new approval, registration, and continuing education provisions.

Key Provisions
Repeals Section 34-43-10 (massage therapist examination) and ties licensure to national certification (with board authority to administer its own exam as needed).
Requires applicants to be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a criminal history background check.
Increases minimum licensure hours to 650, with a specified breakdown: 100 hours anatomy/physiology (plus myology/osteology/others), 250 hours basic massage therapy, 50 hours business/ethics/etc., and 250 hours electives; adds 100 hours of postgraduate animal massage training.
Maintains and expands continuing education requirements to 16 hours per biennium, with approved providers and audit provisions; permits certain broad topics related to massage therapy for credit.
Raises penalties for violations to Class A misdemeanor and adds options for civil penalties, cease-and-desist orders, and enforcement through circuit court.
Modifies board structure and duties: compensation for board members, renaming executive secretary to executive director, allows excused absences, removes Governor-filed oath requirement, and enhances licensing/suspension authority over therapists and establishments.
Gives the board greater control over licensing establishments, requires licensed therapists for establishments, and prohibits license transfer; expands background checks for establishment licensees and outlines renewal and delinquency penalties.
Regulates massage therapy schools and instructors with registration, school approval processes, instructor licensure requirements, and a dedicated board fund; sets fee schedules for exams, licenses, and renewals.

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