Professions of occupations; Massage Therapy Act; Oklahoma Massage Therapy Board; effective date.

HB 1606 establishes the Oklahoma Massage Therapy Board to regulate the profession and amends Oklahoma's Massage Therapy Practice Act. The bill sets licensing requirements for massage therapists and schools, prohibits unlicensed practice using terms like "massage therapist," and defines the scope of practice (e.g., therapists cannot diagnose illness, use ultrasound, or prescribe medicine). It clarifies that physicians and other licensed health professionals providing services within their scope do not need additional massage therapy licensing, and permits limited exceptions for students, visiting instructors, and emergency response teams. The bill is currently pending after being withdrawn from committees in February 2025.