State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners - Scope of Practice, Reinstatements, and Examinations by Health Care Providers

This Maryland bill expands the legal definition of massage therapy to include specific instrument-assisted techniques like cupping and muscle scraping, provided practitioners complete additional training. It also streamlines the process for restoring licenses to massage therapists who have let their credentials lapse, as long as they apply within five years and meet standard renewal requirements. Furthermore, the legislation requires the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners to mandate a physical examination by a designated healthcare provider if there is evidence that a therapist or applicant might harm clients. Finally, the bill establishes that refusing such an examination will be treated as proof of incompetence unless the refusal was beyond the individual's control.