88R8682 MAW-F
 
  By: Button H.B. No. 1951
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the regulation of massage therapy.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 455.001, Occupations Code, is amended by
  amending Subdivision (8) and adding Subdivision (14) to read as
  follows:
               (8)  "Massage therapy" means the manipulation of soft
  tissue by hand or through a mechanical or electrical apparatus for
  the purpose of body massage and includes effleurage (stroking),
  petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression,
  vibration, friction, nerve strokes, reflexology, and Swedish
  gymnastics. The terms "massage," "therapeutic massage," "massage
  technology," "myotherapy," "body massage," "body rub," or any
  derivation of those terms are synonyms for "massage therapy."
               (14)  "Reflexology" means the application of pressure
  to areas on a person's hands, feet, or head for the purpose of
  relieving tension or stress throughout the person's body.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.