2017 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 23 - Health and Safety
Chapter 23-20.8 - Licensing of Massage Therapists
Section 23-20.8-2.1 - Board of massage therapists.
§ 23-20.8-2.1. Board of massage therapists.
(a) Within the division of professional regulation of the department of health, there shall be a state board of massage therapy examiners to be appointed by the director of the department of health with the approval of the governor. The board shall consist of seven (7) members who reside in the state of Rhode Island, four (4) of whom shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter and one of whom shall be a member of the general public, and who does not have financial interest in the profession, or is married to someone in the profession. At no time shall more than one board member be an owner of, an instructor of, or otherwise affiliated with a board-approved massage therapy school or course of instruction. The four (4) members who are licensed pursuant to this chapter shall represent both solo practitioners as well as members of a group practice.
(b) The initial board shall be appointed for staggered terms, the longest of which shall not exceed three (3) years. After the initial appointments, all terms shall be for two (2) years and a member may be reappointed for a second (2nd) term. No member shall serve more than three (3) consecutive terms. Upon the death, resignation or removal of any member, the director of the department of health, with the approval of the governor, shall appoint to fill vacancies, as they occur, a qualified person to serve on the board for the remainder of his or her term or until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.
(c) The board shall meet at least quarterly thereafter, shall hold a meeting and elect a chairman. The board may hold additional meetings at the call of the chair or at the written request of any three (3) members of the board. The board may appoint such committees as it considers necessary to carry out its duties. A majority of the sitting members of the board shall constitute a quorum.
(d) The director of the department of health may remove any member of the board for the neglect of any duty required by law or for any incompetent, unprofessional, or dishonorable conduct. Before beginning his or her term of office, each member shall take the oath prescribed by law, a record of which shall be filed with the secretary of state.
History of Section.
(P.L. 2013, ch. 165, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 222, § 2.)
