AB 870

This bill authorizes the practice of massage therapy or bodywork therapy by a

massage therapy or bodywork therapy extern or intern under the supervision of a

licensed massage therapist or bodywork therapist. The bill requires the Massage

Therapy and Bodywork Therapy Affiliated Credentialing Board to establish

standards for that practice.

The bill also expands the scope of the practice of massage therapy or bodywork

therapy to include all of the following:

1. The application of structural and elastic supportive tape to the skin.

2. The provision of body spa services, as defined by the board by rule, including

the application of body wraps and scrubs.

3. Active and passive stretching.

4. Moving a body part through assisted range of motion.

5. Instruction on the self-application outside of the treatment setting of certain

massage therapy and bodywork therapy techniques.

Finally, the bill provides that the penalty for the unauthorized practice of

massage therapy or bodywork therapy is a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for

up to 90 days or both.