Maryland2026Enacted
HB0042
Massage Therapy Licensing and Registration Changes
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:24 AM
In one sentence
This law sets a deadline for registered massage practitioners to become fully licensed, updates education requirements for new applicants including out-of-state graduates, removes hearing rules for certain address update fines, and stops the issuance of new registrations.
What it does
- Sets October 31, 2026, as the final date individuals can practice with only a registration instead of a full license; after November 1, 2026, all practitioners must be licensed.
- Requires applicants to complete at least 750 contact hours in an approved program covering specific subjects like anatomy and ethics.
- Allows out-of-state graduates who lack the required training hours to make up missing time through extra classes or documented hands-on experience from the last two years.
- Removes the requirement for a formal hearing before the Board can fine someone $100 for failing to update their address within 60 days.
- Stops the Board from issuing new registrations after October 1, 2024.
Who it affects
- People who want to become licensed massage therapists in Maryland
- Current registered massage practitioners who must convert their registration to a license by late 2026
- Graduates of out-of-state massage therapy programs applying for a Maryland license
Limits and unknowns
- The specific regulations the Board will create for converting registrations to licenses are not listed in this text.
- Details about reinstating expired licenses or renewals beyond a general requirement to apply within 5 years are cut off in the provided source.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Contact hour
- 50 minutes of actual instructional time that counts as one hour toward education requirements.
- Registered massage practitioner
- A person allowed to practice massage therapy in non-health care settings under a registration system that is being replaced by full licensing after October 31, 2026.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Authorizing an individual registered by the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners to practice massage therapy in the State to continue to practice massage therapy beyond October 31, 2026; altering the requirements an individual must meet to qualify for a massage therapy license; repealing obsolete qualifications for registered massage practitioners; repealing the requirement that the imposition of a certain administrative penalty be subject to certain hearing requirements; etc.
Official activity
Bill history
- Approved by the Governor - Chapter 192