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H 623

An act relating to licensure of massage therapists

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Conor Casey

The bill replaces registration with a state licensure regime for massage therapists and establishments to strengthen consumer protection through education, exams, insurance, and en

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
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Bill Summary · H 623

Overview

H.623 (2025-2026, Vermont) proposes to replace the current massage therapy registration regime with a licensure regime for massage therapists, and to require licensure for massage therapy establishments. The bill gradually phases in the new system, with full licensure taking effect July 1, 2027, and a transitional pathway for certain experienced practitioners. The Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) would administer the licensure program, set rules, and oversee disciplinary matters.

Purpose and intent

  • Repeal the existing Registration regime for massage therapists, bodyworkers, and touch professionals.
  • Create a dedicated licensure regime for massage therapists and licensing for massage therapy establishments.
  • Strengthen consumer protection by imposing formal licensure, continuing education requirements, and enforcement mechanisms.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions and scope (Chapter 105):
    • Establishes “establishment” as any place of business where massage is practiced, with criteria for multiple practitioners or public representation using massage-related terms.
    • Defines “massage therapist,” “massage,” and related terms; clarifies that massage does not involve diagnosing illness.
  • Licensure and practice (Subchapter 3):
    • Requirements to become a licensed massage therapist: minimum age 18, completion of a 650-hour accredited education program, passing an approved exam, and proof of professional liability insurance.
    • Licensure by endorsement for out-of-state or Canadian licensees with substantially equivalent requirements.
    • Establishment licensure: multiple-practitioner establishments must obtain an establishment license; sole practitioners may operate without an establishment license. Establishments must meet standards set by the Director and display licenses prominently; a designated licensed massage therapist is responsible for sanitation and legal compliance.
    • Inspections: authorized inspectors may enter establishments; inspections are not charged.
  • Fees and renewal:
    • Licenses are renewed biennially; continuing education hours are required (as determined by rule).
    • Establishment licenses include fee requirements and annual or as-set rules.
  • Prohibitions and unprofessional conduct:
    • Prohibits unlicensed practice and false use of credential titles.
    • Defines unprofessional conduct, including sexual misconduct, criminal convictions related to practice, practicing in an unlicensed establishment, and other deceptive or harmful behaviors.
  • Administration and transition:
    • Director of the OPR to oversee applications, licensing, renewals, disciplinary actions, and consumer complaint processes.
    • Advisors: three licensed massage therapists will advise the Director on practice matters; five-year staggered terms.
    • Disclosure rules: licensees and establishments must disclose qualifications, unprofessional conduct, complaint processes, and consumer inquiries to clients, with required display and client acknowledgment.
  • Transitional provisions:
    • By July 1, 2026, a process will allow certain experienced practitioners to become licensed via a peer-review process without meeting traditional education/exam requirements if they demonstrate equivalent competency.
    • Transitional licenses expire July 1, 2028 for those individuals, after which standard licensure rules apply.

Who is affected

  • Massage therapists: must obtain and renew a state license (beginning with education, exam, and insurance requirements; transitional pathway available).
  • Massage therapy establishments: must obtain an establishment license if employing or contracting more than one therapist; subject to inspection and display rules.
  • Consumers: benefit from enhanced disclosures, clear licensing status, and established complaint processes.
  • Administrative and regulatory bodies: OPR gains new authority, rules, and enforcement mechanisms.

Timeline and effective dates

  • Transitional provisions: by July 1, 2026, a peer-review pathway may allow eligible practitioners to become licensed without standard education/exam prerequisites.
  • Full licensure regime: remains in effect with all sections taking effect on July 1, 2027.
  • Transitional licenses under the peer-review option expire July 1, 2028.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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