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HB 136

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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shaw Blackmon and 5 co-sponsors

HB 136 strengthens licensing and ethical standards for massage therapists in Delaware, enhancing consumer protection and ensuring safer practices in the industry.

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Bill Summary · HB 136

Summary of HB 136: An Act to Amend Title 24 of the Delaware Code Relating to Massage and Bodywork

Overview

Bill Number: HB 136
Title: An Act to Amend Title 24 of the Delaware Code Relating to Massage and Bodywork
Status: Signed by Governor
Introduced: May 06, 2025

HB 136 aims to update and enhance the regulatory framework governing the practice of massage and bodywork in Delaware. The bill seeks to ensure higher standards of practice, improve public safety, and protect the integrity of the profession.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 136 is to:
- Strengthen the licensing requirements for massage therapists and bodyworkers.
- Enhance consumer protection by ensuring that practitioners meet specific educational and ethical standards.
- Address public health concerns related to the practice of massage and bodywork.

Key Provisions

HB 136 includes several significant changes to the existing regulations under Title 24 of the Delaware Code:

  1. Licensing Requirements:

    • Establishes stricter educational criteria for obtaining a massage therapy license, including a minimum number of training hours from accredited institutions.
    • Introduces a mandatory continuing education requirement for license renewal to ensure practitioners stay updated on best practices and safety protocols.

  2. Ethical Standards:

    • Implements a code of ethics that all licensed massage therapists must adhere to, promoting professionalism and accountability within the industry.
    • Outlines specific grounds for disciplinary action against practitioners who violate ethical standards or engage in misconduct.

  3. Consumer Protection Measures:

    • Mandates clear disclosure of services and pricing to clients before treatment begins, enhancing transparency in the profession.
    • Establishes a complaint process for clients to report unethical practices or misconduct by licensed practitioners.

  4. Enforcement and Compliance:

    • Grants the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork the authority to enforce compliance with the new regulations and to impose penalties for violations.

Impact

The enactment of HB 136 is expected to have several implications:

  • For Practitioners: Licensed massage therapists and bodyworkers will need to comply with the new educational and ethical standards, which may require additional training and ongoing education.
  • For Consumers: Clients will benefit from increased protections and transparency, leading to a higher level of trust in the services provided by licensed professionals.
  • For the State: The Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork will have enhanced authority to regulate the profession, which may lead to improved public health outcomes and safety standards.

Procedural Aspects

  • Timeline: The bill was introduced on May 06, 2025, and has since been signed into law by the Governor, indicating swift legislative action and support for the proposed changes.
  • Implementation: Specific timelines for the implementation of the new regulations and compliance requirements will be determined by the Delaware Board of Massage and Bodywork following the bill's enactment.

In summary, HB 136 represents a significant step towards modernizing the regulation of massage and bodywork in Delaware, aiming to enhance the professionalism and safety of the industry for both practitioners and consumers.

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

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