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MarylandHB 00422026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Health Occupations - State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners - Revisions

Sponsored By: Heather Bagnall (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsAccreditationApplicants and ApplicationsCommittees and CommissionsCriminal Background InvestigationsHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)HearingsHigher Education CommissionJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMassagePenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

More licensing paths for out-of-state therapists

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland accepts qualifying out-of-state massage education toward a license. Programs need approval from the state's higher education authority or a similar regulator. They also need endorsement by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation or an equivalent body. Accreditation must come from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor or another entity that accredits massage therapy programs. Programs generally need 750 contact hours covering Maryland's required subjects. Graduates can fill missing hours with Board-approved massage study or continuing education, one hour for each missing hour. Alternatively, they can document at least 1,000 licensed, out-of-state hands-on massage hours in the immediately preceding 2 years.

Registered massage practitioners keep working

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland's registered massage practitioners can keep working outside health care settings after October 31, 2026. They do not have to become licensed by November 1, 2026, to work in those settings. The State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners must convert registrations to licenses when practitioners meet its conversion rules. The law removes the October 31, 2026, conversion deadline.

Massage practitioners face late-reporting penalties

Beginning July 1, 2026, licensed massage therapists and registered practitioners must report name or address changes in writing within 60 days. The Board may impose a $100 administrative penalty for missing that deadline. The law also removes the prior law's express reference to hearing procedures for this penalty.

Tighter return-to-work rules for massage practitioners

Beginning July 1, 2026, reactivating an inactive massage license or registration requires satisfactory proof of State and national criminal history checks. Applicants must meet continuing education and CPR requirements for the current renewal period and pay the Board's reactivation fee. Former registered practitioners who do not apply for reinstatement within 5 years after expiration must meet current new-license requirements. Registered practitioners who do not reactivate within 5 years after first entering inactive status must also meet current new-license requirements. Both groups must meet any additional requirements set by the Board.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Heather Bagnall

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 132 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 192

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/6/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/31/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/30/2026Senate

  6. Referred Finance

    2/20/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (132-0)

    2/19/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed

    2/17/2026House

  9. Favorable Adopted

    2/17/2026House

  10. Favorable Report by Health

    2/16/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/22/2026House

  12. First Reading Health

    1/14/2026House

  13. Pre-filed

    10/14/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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