Professions of occupations; Massage Therapy Act; Oklahoma Massage Therapy Board; effective date.

HB 1606 establishes the Oklahoma Massage Therapy Board to regulate the profession and updates licensing requirements for massage therapists. The bill requires anyone practicing massage therapy to hold a license, prohibits unlicensed individuals from using the title "massage therapist" or advertising massage services, and defines the scope of practice to exclude medical diagnoses, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or breaking the skin. It clarifies that licensed health professionals (like doctors) can refer patients to massage therapists without needing separate licensing and allows exceptions for students, visiting instructors, and emergency response teams. The law aims to standardize qualifications, prevent unlicensed practice, and ensure public safety through board oversight.