HB1440

House Bill 1440 amends the Arkansas Massage Therapy Act to introduce a mandatory state registration requirement for massage therapy establishments. It defines a massage therapy establishment to include clinics, spas, and entities that contract therapists to work in alternate locations like homes or hotels. The bill grants the Department of Health the authority to inspect these establishments and requires principals of these entities to undergo criminal background checks. It also clarifies definitions, including updating the scope of practice and the qualifications for various massage therapist roles. Additionally, the bill updates record-keeping requirements for the Department of Health and maintains existing prohibitions against practicing without proper licensure. It ensures that the state board adheres to general licensing restrictions regarding criminal records.