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HB 5947

Health occupations: massage therapists; massage therapist apprenticeship program; provide for. Amends secs. 16334, 17951, 17957 & 17959 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16334 et seq.) & adds sec. 17959a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5946'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Breen and 8 co-sponsors

Establishes an apprenticeship pathway and licensing framework for massage therapists, with hours, supervision, fees, and program rules.

bill electronically reproduced 05/12/2026
#healthoccupations:massagetherapists #occupations:individuallicensingandregistration
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Bill Summary · HB 5947

Overview

HB 5947 (Michigan, 2025-2026) expands regulation of the massage therapy profession to include an apprenticeship pathway and related licensing provisions. The bill ties in conceptually with HB 5946 and provides fees, definitions, and operational rules for apprenticeship programs within the massage therapy licensing framework.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create and regulate an apprenticeship pathway for becoming a licensed massage therapist.
  • Establish the criteria, oversight, and fee structure for licenses, apprentice permits, and apprenticeship programs.
  • Clarify what practices are considered massage therapy versus related modalities that do not require a massage therapist license.

Key provisions and changes

  • Fees (Sec. 16334):

    • Application processing fee: $75
    • License fee (per year): $75
    • Apprenticeship permit: $75

  • Definitions and scope (Sec. 17951):

    • Apprentice: someone learning massage therapy through an approved apprenticeship.
    • Apprenticeship program: meets the requirements of Sec. 17959a.
    • Several listed modalities (Feldenkrais method, Trager approach, polarity therapy, Asian bodywork, Reiki, Shiatsu, reflexology, structural integration) are defined or referenced to distinguish practices not requiring a massage therapy license when used within certain contexts.

  • Licensing requirements (Sec. 17957):

    • Individuals must be licensed to practice massage therapy.
    • Certain activities and modalities may fall outside the licensing requirement if not labeled as massage therapy (e.g., Feldenkrais, Trager) and if performed within other professional standards.
    • A 3-year license cycle is established.
    • Students or interns may receive massage therapy education or services as part of a school program or apprenticeship under supervision.

  • Licensure qualifications (Sec. 17959):

    • To obtain a license, applicants must:
    • Be of good moral character and at least 18 years old.
    • Pass an examination meeting Sec. 17961 requirements.
    • Complete an approved education pathway:
      • A massage education program with 500 hours (before Aug 1, 2017) or 625 hours (on/after Aug 1, 2017) of classroom instruction, plus hands-on (psychomotor) components.
      • Or a substantially equivalent program from another state/jurisdiction with the corresponding hours.
      • Or an apprenticeship program with at least 625 hours.
    • If already licensed in another state with equivalent standards, a license may be issued.

  • Apprenticeship program rules (Sec. 17959a):

    • Apprenticeship programs may be operated by a licensed massage therapist or in conjunction with a school or a U.S. Department of Labor-approved program.
    • Apprenticeship constraints:
    • Max 40 hours/week.
    • Maintain daily attendance records; records may be requested by the department.
    • Establish a grading system.
    • Apprentices must practice under supervision and meet the trainer’s qualifications.
    • Apprenticeship permits must be issued and displayed similarly to a licensure certificate.
    • Fees: no charge to the apprentice for training by the mentor (except costs from the U.S. Department of Labor or a school).
    • A single licensed therapist may train additional apprentices but not more than two concurrently after one apprentice has completed licensure.
    • The department may suspend or revoke apprenticeship permits for violations or grounds listed in applicable statutes.
    • By one year after enactment, the department, with board input, must promulgate implementing rules.

  • Effective and concurrent enactment:

    • The act enacts with provisions contingent on related bills (HB 5946 or S03128’25), ensuring alignment with other health occupations changes.

Who is affected

  • Individuals seeking licensure as massage therapists in Michigan.
  • Massage therapists who operate or wish to operate apprenticeship programs.
  • Schools offering massage therapy education and those cooperating with apprenticeships.
  • Applicants in related modalities that are listed as not requiring a massage therapy license when practiced under appropriate contexts.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • 3-year license cycle referenced for licensure.
  • Apprenticeship program rules to be promulgated within one year after the amendatory act’s effective date.
  • The act’s enactment depends on passage of HB 5946 or S03128’25, indicating a tie-bar arrangement with that companion bill.

This summary provides a clear view of HB 5947’s aims to formalize apprenticeship pathways, establish licensure standards, and regulate related fees and program requirements for Michigan’s massage therapy profession.

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

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