1. (a) The department shall do all of the following:

   1. (1) Establish qualifications for licensing and issue licenses to successful applicants.
   2. (2) Adopt a seal and affix the seal to all licenses issued by the department.
   3. (3) Create application forms for examination and licensing and assess and collect fees pursuant to this chapter.
   4. (4) Maintain a complete record of all massage therapists.
   5. (5) Provide for the investigation of any individual or entity who is suspected of violating this chapter.
   6. (6) By rule, require massage therapists, massage therapy establishments, and massage therapy schools to carry professional and general liability insurance with an “A” rated or better insurance carrier in the amount of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000). Proof of coverage shall be provided to the department upon request.
   7. (7) Perform other functions necessary and proper for the performance of official duties.

2. (b) The department may do any of the following:

   1. (1) Examine, license, and renew the licenses of qualified applicants applying for a license as a massage therapist, massage therapy establishment, or massage therapy instructor.
   2. (2) Conduct investigations, hearings, and proceedings concerning alleged violations of this chapter or rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.
   3. (3) Issue subpoenas, compel the attendance of witnesses, and administer oaths to individuals giving testimony at hearings.
   4. (4) Refer individuals to law enforcement for prosecution of violations of this chapter.
   5. (5) Keep a public record of all proceedings.
   6. (6) Prescribe standards and approve curricula for educational programs that prepare individuals for licensing under this chapter.
   7. (7) Provide for surveys and evaluations of educational programs as the department determines necessary.
   8. (8) By rule, establish criteria for certifying massage therapy instructors.
   9. (9) Adopt an annual budget and authorize necessary expenditures from fees and other available appropriations.
   10. (10) Adopt a code of ethics for massage therapists, massage therapy instructors, and massage therapy establishments.
   11. (11) Provide for the inspection of the business premises of any licensee, applicant, or individual or entity advertising, offering to perform, or performing massage therapy in the state during normal business hours.
   12. (12) Establish standards for approved massage therapy schools and a list of approved massage therapy schools.
3. (c) The committee shall adopt and revise rules pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act as necessary for the department to implement this chapter. All administrative rules of the former Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board existing on October 1, 2026, which reference Chapter 43A, unless in conflict with existing law, shall remain in effect as rules of the Alabama Massage Therapy Advisory Council until amended or repealed by the committee.

(Act 2024-361, §3; Act 2025-395, §2; Act 2026-162, §3.)