SB382 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

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34-43-6, 34-43-7, 34-43-9, 34-43-11, 34-43-12, 34-43-14, 34-43-15, 34-43-17, 34-43-20, 34-43-21 am'd; Sec. 34-43-10 repealed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

SB382 would overhaul Alabama's Massage Therapy Licensure Act by expanding exemptions, strengthening regulation, and updating board governance.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill would delete the temporary permit and antiquated language and expand exemptions. It would raise licensure standards to at least 650 hours of supervised instruction, require applicants to be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED, and require a criminal history background check while removing the citizenship requirement. It would empower the board to assess and collect various fees, license establishments, and suspend or revoke licenses, and it would raise penalties for violations to a Class A misdemeanor. It would also repeal the current massage therapist examination and replace it with board-approved national exams, rename the executive secretary to executive director, adjust attendance and oath requirements, and require continuing education for license renewal.

Who It Affects

• Massage therapists, massage therapy students, instructors, schools, and establishments would face higher licensure requirements (650 hours), background checks, new fee schedules, and ongoing continuing education, with stricter enforcement and penalties.
• The Alabama Board of Massage Therapy and, more broadly, the state’s regulatory framework would see governance changes (compensation, role of executive director, excused absences, and enhanced licensing and enforcement authority) and updated local-funding considerations.

Key Provisions

• Repeals Section 34-43-10 (examination) and replaces with board-approved national or equivalent examinations for licensure.
• Deletes the temporary permit and expands exemptions from licensure to include more categories of individuals and activities (e.g., students, visiting instructors, certain healthcare professionals, disaster relief personnel, and certain hospital settings).
• Raises licensure hours to a minimum of 650 hours, with a detailed breakdown across anatomy/physiology, basic massage therapy, and electives; requires 18 years of age and a high school diploma or GED plus a background check.
• Boards may assess and collect various fees, license establishments, and regulate renewals and delinquent licenses; license non-transferability for establishments.
• Expands the board’s authority to suspend or revoke licenses and imposes stronger disciplinary provisions for violations, including revocation for sexual offenses and other misconduct.
• Increases penalties for violations of the act from Class C to Class A misdemeanor.
• Renames the executive secretary to executive director; clarifies attendance, oath, and appointment procedures; authorizes compensation for board members and sets per diem and travel allowances.
• Continuing education requirement set at 16 hours per renewal biennium, with audit provisions and approved providers; outlines acceptable CE activities and record-keeping.

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