Committee adopts emergency measure to continue and study the Massage Therapy Board amid audit concerns

The committee adopted a strike‑everything amendment to the continuation bill for the Arizona Board of Massage Therapy and voted to return the bill as amended. The amendment continues the board for two years under an emergency clause and creates a study committee to review the board’s future structure and oversight.

Auditor General materials and committee discussion showed the board had widespread administrative problems, including delayed complaint investigations and insufficient documentation. Witness Deborah Persinger, executive director of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, told the committee the profession faces additional protection challenges because of illicit massage businesses and human‑trafficking networks. "Massage is unique in that it also has the legitimate profession hijacked by a network of organized crime elements involved in human trafficking," Persinger said, and recommended an evidence‑based review by a stakeholder group.

Committee members debated the study timeline. Some members pressed for a one‑year study and expedited action; others, including the chair, said a two‑year emergency continuation would let the study committee complete comprehensive review and recommendations. A motion to adopt the strike‑everything amendment passed by voice vote; the committee then approved the amended continuation bill on roll call, 9 ayes and 3 nays. Several members said they expect floor amendments to shorten the study timetable.