The California Massage Therapy Council.

Existing law, the Massage Therapy Act, until January 1, 2022, establishes the California Massage Therapy Council, and tasks it with, among other things, issuing certificates to practice as a massage therapist and approving massage therapy schools. Existing law authorizes the board of directors, which governs the council, to establish fees for initial certification, and renewal of certification, in an amount sufficient to support the functions of the council. This bill would extend the operation of the Massage Therapy Act to January 1, 2023, and make conforming changes relating to massage therapist certification requirements. The bill would state that it is the intent of the Legislature, in extending the operation of the act, that there be subsequent consideration of legislation to create a new state board and a new category of licensed professional, as specified.