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Bill

SB 386

Revises provisions relating to massage therapy. (BDR 54-891)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Skip Daly and 3 co-sponsors

Creates a credential-review licensing pathway for experienced out-of-state massage therapists to practice in Nevada (≥3 years, verified, exam) with updated minimum hours.

Approved by the Governor. Chapter 207.
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Bill Summary · SB 386

SB 386 — Revises provisions relating to massage therapy (BDR 54‑891)

Status: Approved by the Governor (Chapter 207, 2025). Introduced: Feb. 14, 2025.

Purpose

Modernize Nevada’s regulation of massage therapy, reflexology, and structural integration by:
- Creating a credential‑review pathway to license experienced out‑of‑state practitioners who do not meet current education-hour thresholds;
- Expanding Board authority to regulate establishments and streamline enforcement; and
- Updating temporary licensure, advertising, meeting, and subpoena procedures.

Key provisions

  • Credential‑review licensing pathway

    • The Board of Massage Therapy may, after reviewing credentials, issue a standard license to an applicant who otherwise does not meet statutory requirements if the applicant:
    • Has legally practiced the relevant modality (massage therapy, reflexology, or structural integration) in another U.S. state/territory/DC for at least 3 years; and
    • Submits application, fees, certified verification from prior licensing authorities (confirming no disciplinary history), fingerprints/background check authorization, a statement permitting credential investigation, and official transcripts showing minimum instruction hours (amended minimums below).
    • In addition to any state exam, applicants under this pathway must pass a nationally recognized competency exam approved by the Board.

  • Minimum training hours (as amended)

    • Massage therapy: at least 500 hours
    • Structural integration: at least 700 hours
    • Reflexology: at least 200 hours
    • (These replace prior language and formalize minimum transcript requirements for the credential pathway.)

  • Temporary licensure

    • The Board may issue temporary licenses to active, good‑standing licensees from other jurisdictions under Board regulations.
    • Regulations may not require a temporary applicant to take or pass a written qualifying examination.
    • Temporary licenses previously expired after 90 days; the bill allows applicants to apply for a new temporary license provided at least three months have passed since prior expiration.

  • Regulation and discipline of establishments

    • The Board must adopt regulations establishing grounds and types of disciplinary actions against holders of certificates to operate massage/reflexology/structural integration establishments.
    • Certificate holders may be disciplined consistent with those regulations.

  • Advertising and identification requirements

    • Prohibits advertising for an establishment without a valid establishment certificate.
    • Prohibits false or misleading advertising by certificate holders.
    • Requires establishment advertising to include identifying information (e.g., establishment certificate number) rather than individual license numbers where impractical.

  • Administrative and procedural changes

    • Authorizes the Board’s Executive Director (in addition to Board members) to issue subpoenas to support investigations and enforcement.
    • Removes the statutory requirement that Board meetings alternate between northern and southern districts of Nevada (allows more flexibility, including remote meetings).
    • Directs the Board to undertake rulemaking to implement new temporary licensure, credential review, and establishment discipline procedures; Section 12 (in the bill) provides time to develop regulations before certain changes take effect.

Who is affected

  • Out‑of‑state practitioners seeking Nevada licensure (may gain a new pathway if they have ≥3 years practice and meet other documentary/exam requirements).
  • Current Nevada licensees and establishment certificate holders (new advertising and establishment discipline rules).
  • The Nevada Board of Massage Therapy (new regulatory responsibilities, expanded subpoena authority).
  • Consumers (potentially increased transparency and regulated oversight of establishments).

Fiscal/timeline notes

  • Bill directed the Board to adopt implementing regulations; the enactment includes provisions to allow time for rulemaking before full implementation.
  • Effective timing: enacted by the 2025 Legislature and approved by the Governor (Chapter 207, 2025). Specific dates for regulatory compliance and phased implementation depend on subsequent Board rulemaking.

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

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