An Act regulating alternative healing therapies

This bill creates a new Board of Registration of Massage Therapy and Alternative Healing Therapies within the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure to oversee these professions. The seven-member board will include licensed massage therapists, alternative healing practitioners, a law enforcement representative focused on human trafficking, and a consumer representative, all appointed by the governor. The board is authorized to set licensure rules, define the scope of practice for various alternative therapies, establish ethical standards, and investigate complaints regarding unsafe or incompetent practices. Additionally, the legislation establishes an advisory council composed of experienced alternative healing therapists to study the field and make recommendations to the board on regulation standards.