Governor Wes Moore signed into law Senate Bill 419, bringing several updates for massage therapists practicing in Maryland. These amendments are intended to support a transition to full licensure while providing flexibility and clarity for current registered massage practitioners (RMPs). Effective July 1, 2026.
Extended Transition for RMPs
The bill allows current RMPs to continue practicing massage therapy beyond October 31, 2026—the original sunset date. No new RMP registrations will be issued. The State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners (Board) will begin converting existing RMP registrations to massage therapy licenses under Board-approved rules. There is no immediate change to RMP practice status because of this law.
Transition Pathway to Licensure
The new law removes the October 31, 2026, deadline for this registration-to-license conversion. Although the deadline has been lifted and there is no fixed conversion timeline, the intent is to eventually transition registrations to licenses in a streamlined and organized manner.
Reinstatement and Inactive Status Updates
The bill updates how lapsed RMPs may reinstate and reactivate their status with the Board. Under the new law:
- RMPs who do not reinstate their registration within five years must meet the licensing requirements in effect at the time they apply.
- A criminal history records check will be required for reactivation.
New Standards for Out-of-State Applicants
As Maryland continues toward full licensure, out-of-state applicants will be held to the same education standards as Maryland licensed massage therapists, including the 750-hour education requirement. This supports greater consistency across the profession in the state. Specific documentation remains headed up by the Board.