TITLE: Relating to the provision of certain massage therapy instruction using distance learning.

SUMMARY: Relating to the provision of certain massage therapy instruction using distance learning.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the provision of certain massage therapy instruction using distance learning. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 455.156, Occupations Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: (b) An applicant for a license under this section must be an individual and: (1) present evidence satisfactory to the department that the person has satisfactorily completed massage therapy studies in a 500-hour minimum, supervised course of instruction in a manner provided by Subsection (c) [provided by a massage therapy instructor at a massage school, a licensed massage school, a state-approved educational institution, or any combination of instructors or schools],in which at least: (A) 200 hours are taught by a licensed massage therapy instructor and dedicated to the study of massage therapy techniques and theory and the practice of manipulation of soft tissue, with at least 125 hours dedicated to the study of Swedish massage therapy techniques; (B) 50 hours are dedicated to the study of anatomy; (C) 25 hours are dedicated to the study of physiology; (D) 50 hours are dedicated to the study of kinesiology; (E) 40 hours are dedicated to the study of pathology; (F) 20 hours are dedicated to the study of hydrotherapy; (G) 45 hours are dedicated to the study of massage therapy laws and rules, business practices, and professional ethics standards; (H) 20 hours are dedicated to the study of health, hygiene, first aid, universal precautions, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and (I) 50 hours are spent in an internship program; (2) pass the required examinations; and (3) be at least 18 years of age. (c) The hours of instruction required by Subsection (b) must be provided by a massage therapy instructor at a massage school, licensed massage school, state-approved educational institution, or any combination of instructors or schools. The hours of instruction required by Subsections (b)(1)(B)-(H) may be provided using distance learning. Distance learning is not limited to live instruction. SECTION 2. An applicant for a massage therapist license may satisfy the requirements of Sections 455.156(b)(1)(B)-(H), Occupations Code, using distance learning as provided by Section 455.156(c), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, regardless of whether the application is submitted before, on, or after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. Not later than December 1, 2021, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation shall adopt rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.