Virginia SB 795: Licensed massage therapists; moves oversight and licensure to Board of Physical Therapy.

Bill Text

2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104335D

SENATE BILL NO. 795

Offered January 23, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 54.1-3473, 54.1-3474, and 54.1-3475 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 34.1 of Title 54.1 an Article numbered 3, consisting of sections numbered 54.1-3497 through 54.1-3499.1; and to repeal Article 5 (§§ 54.1-3029, 54.1-3029.1, and 54.1-3029.2) of Chapter 30 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to licensure of massage therapists.

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Patron—Peake

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Referred to Committee on Education and Health

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §§ 54.1-3473, 54.1-3474, and 54.1-3475 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 34.1 of Title 54.1 an Article numbered 3, consisting of sections numbered 54.1-3497 through 54.1-3499.1, as follows:

§ 54.1-3473. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Board" means the Board of Physical Therapy.

"Licensed massage therapist" means any person licensed by the Board to practice massage therapy.

"Physical therapist" means any person licensed by the Board to engage in the practice of physical therapy.

"Physical therapist assistant" means any person licensed by the Board to assist a physical therapist in the practice of physical therapy.

"Practice of physical therapy" means that branch of the healing arts that is concerned with, upon medical referral and direction, the evaluation, testing, treatment, reeducation, and rehabilitation by physical, mechanical, or electronic measures and procedures of individuals who, because of trauma, disease or birth defect, present physical and emotional disorders. The practice of physical therapy also includes the administration, interpretation, documentation, and evaluation of tests and measurements of bodily functions and structures within the scope of practice of the physical therapist. However, the practice of physical therapy does not include the medical diagnosis of disease or injury, the use of Roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, or the use of electricity for shock therapy and surgical purposes including cauterization.

§ 54.1-3474. Unlawful to practice without license; continuing competency requirements.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to practice physical therapy or as a physical therapist assistant or licensed massage therapist in the Commonwealth without a valid unrevoked license issued by the Board.

B. The Board shall promulgate regulations establishing requirements to ensure continuing competency of physical therapists and, physical therapist assistants, and licensed massage therapists which may include continuing education, testing, or such other requirements as the Board may determine to be necessary.

C. In promulgating continuing competency requirements, the Board shall consider (i) the need to promote ethical practice, (ii) an appropriate standard of care, (iii) patient safety, (iv) application of new medical technology, (v) appropriate communication with patients, and (vi) knowledge of the changing health care system.

D. The Board may approve persons who provide or accredit programs to ensure continuing competency.

§ 54.1-3475. Board of Physical Therapy; appointment; qualifications; officers; nominations.

A. The Board of Physical Therapy shall regulate the practice of physical therapy and carry out the provisions of this chapter regarding the qualifications, examination, licensure, and regulation of physical therapists and, physical therapist assistants, and licensed massage therapists and shall have the general powers and duties of a health regulatory board pursuant to § 54.1-2400.

B. The Board shall be appointed by the Governor and shall be composed of seven members, five four of whom shall be physical therapists who have been in active practice for at least seven years prior to appointment with at least three of such years in Virginia; one shall be a licensed physical therapist assistant; one shall be a licensed massage therapist; and one shall be a citizen member. Members shall be appointed for terms of four years and shall serve until their successors are appointed. The initial appointments shall provide for staggered terms with two members being appointed for a one-year term, two members being appointed for a two-year term, two members being appointed for a three-year term, and one member being appointed for a four-year term. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term. No person shall be eligible to serve on the Board for more than two successive full terms.

C. The Board shall annually elect a president and a vice-president.

D. Nominations for the professional members of the Board may be chosen by the Governor from a list of at least three names for each vacancy submitted by the Virginia Physical Therapy Associatio