requires two-thirds majority vote (§§ 12, 13, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 31)                                                                          

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                 S.B. 338

 

Senate Bill No. 338–Senator Tiffany

 

March 17, 2003

____________

 

Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor

 

SUMMARY—Provides for licensing and regulation of massage therapists. (BDR 54‑1104)

 

FISCAL NOTE:    Effect on Local Government: Yes.

                             Effect on the State: No.

 

~

 

EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted.

Green numbers along left margin indicate location on the printed bill (e.g., 5-15 indicates page 5, line 15).

 

AN ACT relating to massage therapy; creating the Board of Massage Therapists; prescribing the powers and duties of the Board; requiring massage therapists to be licensed by the Board; prescribing the requirements for the issuance or renewal of a license; providing the grounds for disciplinary action against a massage therapist; providing the actions the Board may take against a person who commits certain acts; providing a penalty; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN

SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

 

1-1  Section 1. Title 54 of NRS is hereby amended by adding

1-2  thereto a new chapter to consist of the provisions set forth as

1-3  sections 2 to 33, inclusive, of this act.

1-4  Sec. 2.  The Legislature finds and declares that:

1-5  1.  The practice of massage therapy by persons who do not

1-6  possess sufficient knowledge of anatomy and physiology or an

1-7  understanding of the relationship between the structure and

1-8  function of the tissues being treated and the total function of the

1-9  body may endanger the health, welfare and safety of the residents

1-10  of this state.

1-11      2.  To protect the residents of this state, it is necessary to

1-12  license and regulate the practice of massage therapy.


2-1  Sec. 3.  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise

2-2  requires, the words and terms defined in sections 4 to 7, inclusive,

2-3  of this act have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

2-4  Sec. 4.  “Board” means the Board of Massage Therapists.

2-5  Sec. 5.  “License” means a license issued by the Board.

2-6  Sec. 6.  “Massage therapist” means a person who is licensed

2-7  pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

2-8  Sec. 7.  1.  “Massage therapy” means the application of a

2-9  system of pressure to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the

2-10  human body for therapeutic purposes, including, without

2-11  limitation:

2-12      (a) Effleurage;

2-13      (b) Petrissage;

2-14      (c) Tapotement;

2-15      (d) Compressions;

2-16      (e) Vibration;

2-17      (f) Friction;

2-18      (g) Nerve strokes; and

2-19      (h) Movements applied manually or mechanically with or

2-20  without superficial heat, cold, water or lubricants for the purpose

2-21  of maintaining good health and establishing and maintaining

2-22  good physical condition.

2-23      2.  The term does not include diagnosis, adjustment or

2-24  manipulation of any articulations of the body or spine or the

2-25  mobilization of articulations by a thrusting force.

2-26      Sec. 8. 1.  The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:

2-27      (a) A person licensed pursuant to chapter 630, 630A, 632, 633,

2-28  634, 634A, 635 or 640 of NRS if the massage is performed in the

2-29  course of the practice for which he is licensed.

2-30      (b) A person who is an employee of an athletic department of

2-31  any high school, college or university in this state and who, within

2-32  the scope of that employment, practices massage therapy on

2-33  athletes.

2-34      (c) A person who is:

2-35          (1) Licensed by another state or territory of the United

2-36  States or a foreign country to practice massage therapy; and

2-37          (2) Temporarily in this state, for a period of less than 30

2-38  days, for the purposes of:

2-39              (I) Presenting educational demonstrations on massage

2-40  therapy; or

2-41              (II) Consulting with a massage therapist regarding

2-42  massage therapy.

2-43      (d) Students enrolled in a school of massage therapy approved

2-44  by the Board.


3-1  (e) A person who practices massage therapy solely on members

3-2  of his immediate family.

3-3  (f) A person who performs any activity in a licensed brothel.

3-4  2.  Except as provided in subsection 3, the provisions of this

3-5  chapter preempt the licensure and regulation of a massage

3-6  therapist by a county, city or town.

3-7  3.  The provisions of this chapter do not prohibit a county, city

3-8  or town from requiring a massage therapist to obtain a license or

3-9  permit to transact business generally, if the license or permit is

3-10  required of other persons, regardless of occupation or profession,

3-11  who transact business within the jurisdiction of the county, city or

3-12  town.

3-13      4.  As used in this section, “immediate family” means persons

3-14  who are related by blood, adoption or marriage, within the second

3-15  degree of consanguinity or affinity.

3-16      Sec. 9. 1.  The Board of Massage Therapists, consisting of

3-17  five members appointed by the Governor, is hereby created.

3-18      2.  The Governor shall appoint to the Board:

3-19      (a) Four members who:

3-20          (1) Are licensed to practice massage therapy in this state,

3-21  two of whom represent northern Nevada and two of whom

3-22  represent southern Nevada; and

3-23          (2) Have engaged in the practice of massage therapy for the

3-24  2 years immediately preceding their appointment.

3-25      (b) One member who is a representative of the general public.

3-26      3.  The Governor may, in making his appointments to the

3-27  Board pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 2, consider for

3-28  appointment to the Board a person recommended to him by any

3-29  person or group, including, but not limited to, the American

3-30  Massage Therapy Association, Associated Bodywork and Massage

3-31  Professionals or a successor organization of the American

3-32  Massage Therapy Association or Associated Bodywork and

3-33  Massage Professionals.

3-34      4.  The members who are appointed to the Board must

3-35  continue to practice massage therapy while they are members of

3-36  the Board.

3-37      5.  The Governor may remove any member of the Board for

3-38  incompetence, neglect of duty, moral turpitude, misfeasance,

3-39  malfeasance or nonfeasance in office.

3-40      6.  No member of the Board may be held liable in a civil

3-41  action for an act that he performs in good faith in the execution of

3-42  his duties pursuant to this chapter.

3-43      7.  Upon appointment, new members must be provided

3-44  training that includes, but is not limited to, the:

3-45      (a) Licensure and discipline of massage therapists; and


4-1  (b) Rules and procedures of the Board.

4-2  Sec. 10.  1.  At the first meeting of each year, the members

4-3  of the Board shall elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman and

4-4  Secretary-Treasurer from among its members.

4-5  2.  After the initial terms, the term of each member of the

4-6  Board is 2 years. The members shall continue in office until their

4-7  successors are appointed. No member of the Board may serve

4-8  more than two consecutive terms. A former member of the Board

4-9  is eligible for reappointment to the Board if that person has not

4-10  served on the Board during the 2 years immediately preceding the

4-11  reappointment. A vacancy must be filled by appointment for the

4-12  unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

4-13      Sec. 11. 1.  The Board shall meet at least quarterly and may

4-14  meet at other times at the call of the Chairman or upon the written

4-15  request of a majority of the members of the Board. The Board

4-16  shall alternate the location of its meetings between northern

4-17  Nevada and southern Nevada. A meeting of the Board may be

4-18  conducted telephonically.

4-19      2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a majority of

4-20  the members of the Board constitutes a quorum for the transaction

4-21  of the business of the Board.

4-22      3.  Four members of the Board constitute a quorum for the

4-23  purposes of issuing, suspending or revoking a license issued

4-24  pursuant to this chapter.

4-25      Sec. 12.  The Board shall:

4-26      1.  Review and evaluate applications for the licensing of

4-27  massage therapists;

4-28      2.  Determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants;

4-29      3.  Issue, renew, reinstate, revoke, suspend and deny licenses,

4-30  as appropriate;

4-31      4.  Investigate any complaints filed with the Board;

4-32      5.  Impose any penalties it determines are necessary for the

4-33  administration of the provisions of this chapter; and

4-34      6.  Transact any other business necessary to carry out its

4-35  duties.

4-36      Sec. 13. 1.  The Board shall prepare and maintain a

4-37  separate list of:

4-38      (a) Persons issued a license.

4-39      (b) Applicants for a license.

4-40      (c) Persons whose licenses have been revoked or suspended by

4-41  the Board.

4-42  The Board shall, upon request, disclose the information included

4-43  in each list and may charge a fee for a copy of such a list.

4-44      2.  The Board shall:


5-1  (a) Prepare and maintain a record of its proceedings and

5-2  transactions;

5-3  (b) Adopt a seal of which each court in this state shall take

5-4  judicial notice; and

5-5  (c) Enforce the provisions of this chapter and any regulations

5-6  adopted pursuant thereto.

5-7  Sec. 14.  The Board shall adopt regulations to carry out the

5-8  provisions of this chapter, including, without limitation,

5-9  regulations that:

5-10      1.  Establish the requirements for continuing education for

5-11  the renewal of a license to practice massage therapy; and

5-12      2.  Prescribe the requirements for any practical, oral or

5-13  written examination for a license to practice massage therapy that

5-14  the Board may require, including, without limitation, the passing

5-15  grade for such an examination.

5-16      Sec. 15.  1.  The Board may employ an Executive Secretary

5-17  and any other persons necessary to carry out its duties.

5-18      2.  While engaged in the business of the Board, each member

5-19  and employee of the Board is entitled to receive a per diem

5-20  allowance and travel expenses at a rate fixed by the Board. The

5-21  rate must not exceed the rate provided for officers and employees

5-22  of this state generally.

5-23      Sec. 16.  The Board shall adopt a fiscal year beginning on

5-24  July 1 and ending on June 30.

5-25      Sec. 17. 1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, all

5-26  reasonable expenses incurred by the Board in carrying out the

5-27  provisions of this chapter must be paid from the money that it

5-28  receives. No part of any expenses of the Board may be paid from

5-29  the State General Fund.

5-30      2.  The Board may accept grants, gifts, donations and

5-31  contributions from any source to assist in carrying out the

5-32  provisions of this chapter.

5-33      3.  All money received by the Board must be deposited in a

5-34  bank or other financial institution in this state and paid out on its

5-35  order for its expenses.

5-36      4.  The Board may delegate to a hearing officer or panel its

5-37  authority to take any disciplinary action pursuant to this chapter,

5-38  impose and collect fines and penalties therefor, and deposit the

5-39  money therefrom in a bank or other financial institution in this

5-40  state.

5-41      5.  If a hearing officer or panel is not authorized to take

5-42  disciplinary action pursuant to subsection 4 and the Board

5-43  deposits the money collected from the imposition of fines with the

5-44  State Treasurer for credit to the State General Fund, it may

5-45  present a claim to the State Board of Examiners for


6-1  recommendation to the Interim Finance Committee if money is

6-2  required to pay attorney’s fees or the costs of an investigation, or

6-3  both.

6-4  Sec. 18.  1.  A person who is not licensed pursuant to this

6-5  chapter to practice massage therapy or whose license has been

6-6  suspended or revoked by the Board or has expired and who:

6-7  (a) Engages in the practice of massage therapy; or

6-8  (b) Uses in connection with his name the words or letters

6-9  “L.M.T.,” “licensed massage therapist,” “licensed massage

6-10  technician,” “M.T.,” “massage technician” or “massage

6-11  therapist,” or any other letters, words or insignia indicating or

6-12  implying that he is licensed to practice massage therapy, or who in

6-13  any other way, orally, or in writing or print, or by sign, directly or

6-14  by implication, uses the word “massage” or represents himself as

6-15  licensed or qualified to engage in the practice of massage

6-16  therapy,

6-17  is guilty of a misdemeanor.

6-18      2.  If the Board determines that a person has violated or is

6-19  about to violate the provisions of subsection 1, the Board may

6-20  bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin that

6-21  person from engaging in or continuing the violation. An

6-22  injunction:

6-23      (a) May be issued without proof of actual damage sustained by

6-24  any person.

6-25      (b) Does not prevent the criminal prosecution and punishment

6-26  of a person who violates those provisions.

6-27      Sec. 19.  1.  The Board may issue a license to practice

6-28  massage therapy.

6-29      2.  An applicant for a license to practice massage therapy

6-30  must:

6-31      (a) Be at least 18 years of age.

6-32      (b) Submit to the Board:

6-33          (1) A completed application on a form prescribed by the

6-34  Board;

6-35          (2) The fees prescribed by the Board pursuant to section 25

6-36  of this act;

6-37          (3) Proof that he has successfully completed at least 500

6-38  hours of instruction in a program of massage therapy approved by

6-39  the Board;

6-40          (4) A certification by the licensing entity in each state,

6-41  territory or possession of the United States or the District of

6-42  Columbia in which the applicant is or has been licensed to

6-43  practice massage therapy which states that no disciplinary

6-44  proceedings relating to his license to practice massage therapy are

6-45  pending; and


7-1       (5) A full set of fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a

7-2  background check of the applicant.

7-3  (c) Pass any other examination prescribed by the Board

7-4  pursuant to the regulations adopted by the Board under section 14

7-5  of this act.

7-6  (d) Pass a written examination administered by the National

7-7  Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or

7-8  any other organization approved by the Board.

7-9  3.  The Board shall approve a program of massage therapy

7-10  that is, including, but not limited to, a program:

7-11      (a) Approved by the Commission on Postsecondary Education;

7-12  or

7-13      (b) Offered by a public community college in this state.

7-14      Sec. 20. If the National Certification Board for Therapeutic

7-15  Massage and Bodywork or any other organization that is approved

7-16  by the Board to administer the written examination required by

7-17  section 19 of this act ceases to offer such a written examination,

7-18  the Board shall prepare or cause to be prepared a written

7-19  examination that is:

7-20      1.  Substantially equivalent to the written examination that

7-21  was administered by the National Certification Board for

7-22  Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or any other organization

7-23  approved by the Board; and

7-24      2.  Offered not less than two times each year at a location in

7-25  northern Nevada and southern Nevada.

7-26      Sec. 21.  1.  The Board may issue a temporary license to

7-27  practice massage therapy.

7-28      2.  An applicant for a license to practice massage therapy

7-29  pursuant to this section must:

7-30      (a) Be at least 18 years of age.

7-31      (b) Submit to the Board:

7-32          (1) A completed application on a form prescribed by the

7-33  Board;

7-34          (2) The fees prescribed by the Board pursuant to section 25

7-35  of this act;

7-36          (3) Proof that he has successfully completed at least 500

7-37  hours of instruction in a program of massage therapy approved by

7-38  the Board;

7-39          (4) A certification by the licensing entity in each state,

7-40  territory or possession of the United States or the District of

7-41  Columbia in which the applicant is or has been licensed to

7-42  practice massage therapy which states that no disciplinary

7-43  proceedings relating to his license to practice massage therapy are

7-44  pending; and


8-1       (5) A full set of fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a

8-2  background check of the applicant.

8-3  3.  A license issued pursuant to this section shall expire 1 year

8-4  from the date the license is issued and the Board shall not renew

8-5  the license.

8-6  4.  The Board shall approve a program of massage therapy

8-7  that is, including, but not limited to, a program:

8-8  (a) Approved by the Commission on Postsecondary Education;

8-9  or

8-10      (b) Offered by a public community college in this state.

8-11      Sec. 22.  1.  In addition to the requirements set forth in

8-12  sections 19, 21 and 24 of this act, a natural person who applies for

8-13  the issuance or renewal of a license as a massage therapist shall

8-14  submit to the Board:

8-15      (a) In any application for issuance of a license, the social

8-16  security number of the applicant and the statement prescribed by

8-17  the Welfare Division of the Department of Human Resources

8-18  pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and

8-19  signed by the applicant.

8-20      (b) In any application for renewal of a license, the statement

8-21  prescribed by the Welfare Division of the Department of Human

8-22  Resources pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be

8-23  completed and signed by the applicant.

8-24      2.  The Board shall include the statement required pursuant to

8-25  subsection 1 in:

8-26      (a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted

8-27  for the issuance or renewal of the license; or

8-28      (b) A separate form prescribed by the Board.

8-29      3.  The Board shall not issue or renew a license as a massage

8-30  therapist if the applicant is a natural person who:

8-31      (a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to

8-32  subsection 1; or

8-33      (b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to

8-34  subsection 1 that he is subject to a court order for the support of a

8-35  child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved

8-36  by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order

8-37  for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order.

8-38      4.  If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted

8-39  pursuant to subsection 1 that he is subject to a court order for the

8-40  support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a

8-41  plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency

8-42  enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed

8-43  pursuant to the order, the Board shall advise the applicant to

8-44  contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the


9-1  order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to

9-2  satisfy the arrearage.

9-3  Sec. 23.  1.  If the Board receives a copy of a court order

9-4  issued pursuant to NRS 425.540 that provides for the suspension

9-5  of all professional, occupational and recreational licenses,

9-6  certificates and permits issued to a person who is the holder of a

9-7  license as a massage therapist, the Board shall deem the license

9-8  issued to that person to be suspended at the end of the 30th day

9-9  after the date on which the court order was issued unless the

9-10  Board receives a letter issued to the holder of the license by the

9-11  district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550

9-12  stating that the holder of the license has complied with the

9-13  subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to

9-14  NRS 425.560.

9-15      2.  The Board shall reinstate a license as a massage therapist

9-16  that has been suspended by a district court pursuant to NRS

9-17  425.540 if:

9-18      (a) The Board receives a letter issued by the district attorney or

9-19  other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 to the person whose

9-20  license was suspended stating that the person whose license was

9-21  suspended has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has

9-22  satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560.

9-23      (b) The licensee pays the fee for reinstatement of the license

9-24  prescribed by the Board pursuant to section 25 of this act.

9-25      Sec. 24. 1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3,

9-26  the Board may issue a license to practice massage therapy, without

9-27  examination, to an applicant who:

9-28      (a) Is licensed to practice massage therapy in another state,

9-29  territory or possession of the United States or the District of

9-30  Columbia;

9-31      (b) Has practiced massage therapy in another state, territory or

9-32  possession of the United States or the District of Columbia in

9-33  which he has been licensed for at least 5 consecutive years; and

9-34      (c) Complies with the provisions of subsection 2.

9-35      2.  An applicant for a license issued by the Board pursuant to

9-36  subsection 1 must submit to the Board:

9-37      (a) A completed application on a form prescribed by the

9-38  Board;

9-39      (b) The fees prescribed by the Board pursuant to section 25 of

9-40  this act;

9-41      (c) A notarized statement signed by the applicant that states

9-42  whether any disciplinary proceedings relating to his license to

9-43  practice massage therapy have ever been instituted against him;

9-44  and


10-1      (d) A certification by the licensing entity in each state, territory

10-2  or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia in

10-3  which the applicant is or has been licensed to practice massage

10-4  therapy which states that no disciplinary proceedings relating to

10-5  his license to practice massage therapy are pending.

10-6      3.  The Board shall not issue a license pursuant to this section

10-7  unless the state, territory or possession of the United States or the

10-8  District of Columbia in which the applicant is licensed had

10-9  requirements at the time the license was issued that the Board

10-10  determines are substantially equivalent to the requirements for a

10-11  license to practice massage therapy set forth in this chapter.

10-12     Sec. 25.  1.  The Board shall, by regulation, prescribe the

10-13  fees for:

10-14     (a) Any examination for a license required by the Board.

10-15     (b) An application for a license.

10-16     (c) An application for a license without examination.

10-17     (d) A background check of an applicant for a license.

10-18     (e) The issuance of a license.

10-19     (f) The annual renewal of a license.

10-20     (g) The restoration of an expired or revoked license.

10-21     (h) The reinstatement of a suspended license.

10-22     (i) The issuance of a duplicate license.

10-23     2.  In addition to the fees prescribed pursuant to subsection 1,

10-24  the Board may charge and collect a fee for any other service it

10-25  provides.

10-26     3.  The total fees collected by the Board pursuant to this

10-27  section must not exceed the amount of money necessary for the

10-28  operation of the Board.

10-29     Sec. 26.  Each licensee shall display his license conspicuously

10-30  at each place where he practices massage therapy.

10-31     Sec. 27. 1.  Each license to engage in the practice of

10-32  massage therapy expires on the last day of the month in which it

10-33  was issued in the next succeeding calendar year and may be

10-34  renewed if, before the license expires, the licensee submits to the

10-35  Board:

10-36     (a) A completed application for renewal on a form prescribed

10-37  by the Board;

10-38     (b) Proof of his completion of the requirements for continuing

10-39  education prescribed by the Board pursuant to the regulations

10-40  adopted by the Board under section 14 of this act; and

10-41     (c) The fee for renewal of the license prescribed by the Board

10-42  pursuant to section 25 of this act.

10-43     2.  A license that expires pursuant to the provisions of this

10-44  section may be restored if the applicant:

10-45     (a) Complies with the provisions of subsection 1;


11-1      (b) Submits to the Board proof of his ability to engage in the

11-2  practice of massage therapy; and

11-3      (c) Submits to the Board the fees prescribed by the Board

11-4  pursuant to section 25 of this act:

11-5          (1) For the restoration of an expired license; and

11-6          (2) For each year that the license was expired, for the

11-7  renewal of a license.

11-8      3.  If the Board determines that an applicant has not

11-9  submitted satisfactory proof of his ability to engage in the practice

11-10  of massage therapy, the Board may require the applicant to pass:

11-11     (a) The written examination required by paragraph (d) of

11-12  subsection 2 of section 19 of this act; and

11-13     (b) Any practical examination prescribed by the Board

11-14  pursuant to the regulations adopted by the Board under section 14

11-15  of this act.

11-16     4.  The Board shall send a notice of renewal to each licensee

11-17  not later than 60 days before his license expires. The notice must

11-18  include a statement of the provisions of this section and the

11-19  amount of the fee for renewal of the license.

11-20     Sec. 28. The Board may refuse to issue a license to an

11-21  applicant, or may initiate disciplinary action against a licensee, if

11-22  the applicant or licensee:

11-23     1.  Has submitted false or misleading information to the

11-24  Board or any agency of this state, any other state, a territory or

11-25  possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or the

11-26  Federal Government.

11-27     2.  Has violated any provision of this chapter or any

11-28  regulation adopted pursuant thereto.

11-29     3.  Has been convicted of a felony, a sexual offense, a crime

11-30  relating to a controlled substance or a crime involving moral

11-31  turpitude.

11-32     4.  Has engaged in or solicited sexual activity during the

11-33  course of practicing massage on a person, with or without

11-34  the consent of the person, including, without limitation, if the

11-35  applicant or licensee:

11-36     (a) Made sexual advances toward the person.

11-37     (b) Requested sexual favors from the person.

11-38     (c) Massaged, touched or applied any instrument to the

11-39  genitals or breasts of the person, unless the person has signed a

11-40  written consent form provided by the Board.

11-41     5.  Has habitually abused alcohol or is addicted to a

11-42  controlled substance.

11-43     6.  Is, in the judgment of the Board, guilty of gross negligence

11-44  in his practice of massage therapy.


12-1      7.  Is determined by the Board to be professionally

12-2  incompetent to engage in the practice of massage therapy.

12-3      8.  Has failed to provide information requested by the Board

12-4  within 60 days after he received the request.

12-5      9.  Has, in the judgment of the Board, engaged in unethical or

12-6  unprofessional conduct as it relates to the practice of massage

12-7  therapy.

12-8      10.  Has been disciplined in another state, a territory or

12-9  possession of the United States or the District of Columbia for

12-10  conduct that would be a violation of the provisions of this chapter

12-11  or any regulations adopted pursuant thereto if the conduct were

12-12  committed in this state.

12-13     11.  Has solicited or received compensation for services

12-14  relating to the practice of massage therapy that he did not provide.

12-15     12.  If the licensee is on probation, has violated the terms of

12-16  his probation.

12-17     13.  Has engaged in false, deceptive or misleading advertising.

12-18     Sec. 29.  1.  The Board or any of its members who become

12-19  aware of any ground for initiating disciplinary action against a

12-20  licensee shall, and any other person who is so aware may, file a

12-21  written complaint with the Board.

12-22     2.  The complaint must specifically:

12-23     (a) Set forth the relevant facts; and

12-24     (b) Charge one or more grounds for initiating disciplinary

12-25  action.

12-26     3.  As soon as practicable after the filing of the complaint, the

12-27  Board shall set a date for a hearing on the matter. The date must

12-28  not be later than 30 days after the complaint is filed, except that

12-29  the date may be extended upon agreement of the person against

12-30  whom the complaint is filed and the Board.

12-31     4.  The Board shall:

12-32     (a) Notify the person that a complaint against him has been

12-33  filed;

12-34     (b) Inform that person of the date, time and place set for the

12-35  hearing; and

12-36     (c) Include a copy of the complaint with the notice.

12-37     5.  The notice and complaint may be served on the person by

12-38  delivery to him personally or by registered or certified mail at his

12-39  last known address.

12-40     Sec. 30.  1.  The person against whom the complaint is filed:

12-41     (a) May appear in person or through the representation of

12-42  legal counsel;

12-43     (b) Must be given adequate opportunity to confront any

12-44  witness against him;


13-1      (c) May testify and introduce the testimony of witnesses in his

13-2  behalf; and

13-3      (d) May submit arguments and briefs in person or through his

13-4  counsel.

13-5      2.  The Board shall issue its decision within 30 days after the

13-6  hearing.

13-7      3.  The failure of the person charged to attend the hearing or

13-8  defend himself must not delay and does not void the proceedings.

13-9  The Board may, for good cause shown, continue any hearing from

13-10  time to time.

13-11     Sec. 31.  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, if

13-12  the Board determines, after notice and hearing, that an applicant

13-13  for a license or a licensee has committed any of the acts charged

13-14  in the complaint, it may:

13-15     (a) Place him on probation for a specified period or until

13-16  further order of the Board;

13-17     (b) Administer to him a public or private reprimand;

13-18     (c) Refuse to renew, reinstate or restore his license;

13-19     (d) Suspend or revoke his license;

13-20     (e) Impose an administrative fine of not more than $5,000;

13-21     (f) Require him to pay the costs incurred by the Board to

13-22  conduct the investigation and hearing; or

13-23     (g) Impose any combination of actions set forth in paragraphs

13-24  (a) to (f), inclusive.

13-25     2.  The order of the Board may contain such other terms,

13-26  provisions or conditions as the Board deems proper.

13-27     3.  The Board may, if the Board finds that the action is

13-28  necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of the public,

13-29  upon notice to the licensee, temporarily suspend or refuse to

13-30  renew his license for a period not to exceed 30 days. For good

13-31  cause, the Board may extend the period of suspension of the

13-32  license or continue to refuse to renew the license if the Board

13-33  deems such action to be necessary to protect the health, safety or

13-34  welfare of the public. In any such case, a hearing must be held

13-35  and a final decision rendered within 30 days after the Board

13-36  notifies the licensee of the temporary suspension.

13-37     Sec. 32.  1.  The Board may conduct investigations and hold

13-38  hearings to carry out its duties pursuant to the provisions of this

13-39  chapter.

13-40     2.  In such a hearing:

13-41     (a) Any member of the Board may administer oaths and

13-42  examine witnesses; and

13-43     (b) The Board or any member thereof may issue subpoenas to

13-44  compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books

13-45  and papers.


14-1      3.  Each witness who is subpoenaed to appear before the

14-2  Board is entitled to receive for his attendance the same fees and

14-3  mileage allowed by law to a witness in a civil case. The amount

14-4  must be paid by the party who requested the subpoena. If any

14-5  witness who has not been required to attend at the request of any

14-6  party is subpoenaed by the Board, his fees and mileage must be

14-7  paid from the money of the Board.

14-8      4.  If any person fails to comply with the subpoena within 10

14-9  days after it is issued, the Chairman of the Board may petition a

14-10  court of competent jurisdiction for an order of the court

14-11  compelling compliance with the subpoena.

14-12     5.  Upon such a petition, the court shall enter an order

14-13  directing the person subpoenaed to appear before the court at a

14-14  time and place to be fixed by the court in its order, the time to be

14-15  not more than 10 days after the date of the order, and to show

14-16  cause why he has not complied with the subpoena. A certified copy

14-17  of the order must be served upon the person subpoenaed.

14-18     6.  If it appears to the court that the subpoena was regularly

14-19  issued by the Board, the court shall enter an order compelling

14-20  compliance with the subpoena. The failure of the person to obey

14-21  the order is a contempt of the court that issued the order.

14-22     Sec. 33. 1.  Any records or information obtained during the

14-23  course of an investigation by the Board are confidential until the

14-24  investigation is completed. Upon completion of the investigation,

14-25  the records and information are public records if:

14-26     (a) Disciplinary action was taken by the Board as a result of

14-27  the investigation; or

14-28     (b) The person who was investigated submits a written request

14-29  to the Board asking that the information and records be made

14-30  public records.

14-31     2.  The provisions of this section do not prohibit the Board

14-32  from cooperating with another licensing board or any agency that

14-33  is investigating a licensee, including, without limitation, a law

14-34  enforcement agency.

14-35     Sec. 34.  NRS 622.010 is hereby amended to read as follows:

14-36     622.010  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise

14-37  requires, “occupational licensing board” includes, without

14-38  limitation:

14-39     1.  The State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and

14-40  Residential Design.

14-41     2.  The State Board of Landscape Architecture.

14-42     3.  The State Contractors’ Board.

14-43     4.  The State Board of Professional Engineers and Land

14-44  Surveyors.

14-45     5.  The Board of Registered Environmental Health Specialists.


15-1      6.  The Nevada State Board of Accountancy.

15-2      7.  The Board of Medical Examiners.

15-3      8.  The Board of Homeopathic Medical Examiners.

15-4      9.  The Board of Dental Examiners of Nevada.

15-5      10.  The State Board of Nursing.

15-6      11.  The State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

15-7      12.  The Chiropractic Physicians’ Board of Nevada.

15-8      13.  The State Board of Oriental Medicine.

15-9      14.  The State Board of Podiatry.

15-10     15.  The Nevada State Board of Optometry.

15-11     16.  The Board of Dispensing Opticians.

15-12     17.  The Board of Hearing Aid Specialists.

15-13     18.  The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech

15-14  Pathology.

15-15     19.  The Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

15-16     20.  The State Board of Pharmacy.

15-17     21.  The State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

15-18     22.  The Board of Occupational Therapy.

15-19     23.  The Board of Psychological Examiners.

15-20     24.  The Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family

15-21  Therapists.

15-22     25.  The Board of Examiners for Social Workers.

15-23     26.  The Board of Examiners for Alcohol and Drug Abuse

15-24  Counselors.

15-25     27.  The State Board of Funeral Directors, Embalmers and

15-26  Operators of Cemeteries and Crematories.

15-27     28.  The State Barbers’ Health and Sanitation Board.

15-28     29.  The State Board of Cosmetology.

15-29     30.  The Real Estate Division of the Department of Business

15-30  and Industry.

15-31     31.  The Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

15-32     32.  The Private Investigator’s Licensing Board.

15-33     33.  The Health Division of the Department of Human

15-34  Resources.

15-35     34.  The Nevada State Board of Examiners for Administrators

15-36  of Facilities for Long-Term Care.

15-37     35.  The Certified Court Reporters’ Board of Nevada.

15-38     36.  The Board of Massage Therapists.

15-39     Sec. 35.  NRS 218.825 is hereby amended to read as follows:

15-40     218.825  1.  Each of the boards and commissions created by

15-41  the provisions of chapters 623 to 625A, inclusive, 628 to 644,

15-42  inclusive, [and 641C,] 654 and 656 of NRS and sections 2 to 33,

15-43  inclusive, of this act, shall engage the services of a certified public

15-44  accountant or public accountant, or firm of either of such

15-45  accountants, to audit all its fiscal records once each year for the


16-1  preceding fiscal year or once every other year for the 2 preceding

16-2  fiscal years. The cost of the audit must be paid by the board or

16-3  commission audited.

16-4      2.  A report of each such audit must be filed by the board or

16-5  commission with the Legislative Auditor and the [Director] Chief of

16-6  the Budget Division of the Department of Administration on or

16-7  before December 1 of each year in which an audit is conducted. All

16-8  audits must be conducted in accordance with generally accepted

16-9  auditing standards and all financial statements must be prepared in

16-10  accordance with generally accepted principles of accounting for

16-11  special revenue funds.

16-12     3.  The Legislative Auditor shall audit the fiscal records of any

16-13  such board or commission whenever directed to do so by the

16-14  Legislative Commission. When the Legislative Commission directs

16-15  such an audit, it shall also determine who is to pay the cost of the

16-16  audit.

16-17     Sec. 36.  NRS 284.013 is hereby amended to read as follows:

16-18     284.013  1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, this

16-19  chapter does not apply to:

16-20     (a) Agencies, bureaus, commissions, officers or personnel in the

16-21  Legislative Department or the Judicial Department of State

16-22  Government, including the Commission on Judicial Discipline;

16-23     (b) Any person who is employed by a board, commission,

16-24  committee or council created in chapters 590, 623 to 625A,

16-25  inclusive, 628, 630 to 644, inclusive, 648, 652, 654 and 656 of NRS

16-26  [;] and sections 2 to 33, inclusive, of this act; or

16-27     (c) Officers or employees of any agency of the Executive

16-28  Department of the State Government who are exempted by specific

16-29  statute.

16-30     2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the terms and

16-31  conditions of employment of all persons referred to in subsection 1,

16-32  including salaries not prescribed by law and leaves of absence,

16-33  including, without limitation, annual leave and sick and disability

16-34  leave, must be fixed by the appointing or employing authority

16-35  within the limits of legislative appropriations or authorizations.

16-36     3.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, leaves of

16-37  absence prescribed pursuant to subsection 2 must not be of lesser

16-38  duration than those provided for other state officers and employees

16-39  pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The provisions of this

16-40  subsection do not govern the Legislative Commission with respect

16-41  to the personnel of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

16-42     4.  Any board, commission, committee or council created in

16-43  chapters 590, 623 to 625A, inclusive, 628, 630 to 644, inclusive,

16-44  648, 652, 654 and 656 of NRS and sections 2 to 33, inclusive, of

16-45  this act which contracts for the services of a person, shall require the


17-1  contract for those services to be in writing. The contract must be

17-2  approved by the State Board of Examiners before those services

17-3  may be provided.

17-4      Sec. 37.  NRS 353.005 is hereby amended to read as follows:

17-5      353.005  The provisions of this chapter do not apply to boards

17-6  created pursuant to chapters 623 to 625A, inclusive, 628, 630 to

17-7  640A, inclusive, 641 to 644, inclusive, 654 and 656 of NRS and

17-8  sections 2 to 33, inclusive, of this act and the officers and

17-9  employees thereof.

17-10     Sec. 38.  NRS 353A.020 is hereby amended to read as follows:

17-11     353A.020  1.  The Director, in consultation with the

17-12  Committee and Legislative Auditor, shall adopt a uniform system of

17-13  internal accounting and administrative control for agencies. The

17-14  elements of the system must include, without limitation:

17-15     (a) A plan of organization which provides for a segregation of

17-16  duties appropriate to safeguard the assets of the agency;

17-17     (b) A plan which limits access to assets of the agency to persons

17-18  who need the assets to perform their assigned duties;

17-19     (c) Procedures for authorizations and recordkeeping which

17-20  effectively control accounting of assets, liabilities, revenues and

17-21  expenses;

17-22     (d) A system of practices to be followed in the performance of

17-23  the duties and functions of each agency; and

17-24     (e) An effective system of internal review.

17-25     2.  The Director, in consultation with the Committee and

17-26  Legislative Auditor, may modify the system whenever he considers

17-27  it necessary.

17-28     3.  Each agency shall develop written procedures to carry out

17-29  the system of internal accounting and administrative control adopted

17-30  pursuant to this section.

17-31     4.  For the purposes of this section, “agency” does not include:

17-32     (a) A board created by the provisions of chapters 623 to 625A,

17-33  inclusive, 628, 630 to 640A, inclusive, 641 to 644, inclusive, 654

17-34  and 656 of NRS[.] and sections 2 to 33, inclusive, of this act.

17-35     (b) The University and Community College System of Nevada.

17-36     (c) The Public Employees’ Retirement System.

17-37     (d) The Housing Division of the Department of Business and

17-38  Industry.

17-39     (e) The Colorado River Commission of Nevada.

17-40     Sec. 39.  NRS 353A.025 is hereby amended to read as follows:

17-41     353A.025  1.  The head of each agency shall periodically

17-42  review the agency’s system of internal accounting and

17-43  administrative control to determine whether it is in compliance with

17-44  the uniform system of internal accounting and administrative control

17-45  for agencies adopted pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 353A.020.


18-1      2.  On or before July 1 of each even-numbered year, the head of

18-2  each agency shall report to the Director whether the agency’s

18-3  system of internal accounting and administrative control is in

18-4  compliance with the uniform system adopted pursuant to subsection

18-5  1 of NRS 353A.020. The reports must be made available for

18-6  inspection by the members of the Legislature.

18-7      3.  For the purposes of this section, “agency” does not include:

18-8      (a) A board created by the provisions of chapters 623 to 625A,

18-9  inclusive, 628, 630 to 640A, inclusive, 641 to 644, inclusive, 654

18-10  and 656 of NRS[.] and sections 2 to 33, inclusive, of this act.

18-11     (b) The University and Community College System of Nevada.

18-12     (c) The Public Employees’ Retirement System.

18-13     (d) The Housing Division of the Department of Business and

18-14  Industry.

18-15     (e) The Colorado River Commission of Nevada.

18-16     4.  The Director shall, on or before the first Monday in

18-17  February of each odd-numbered year, submit a report on the status

18-18  of internal accounting and administrative controls in agencies to the:

18-19     (a) Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to

18-20  the:

18-21         (1) Senate Standing Committee on Finance; and

18-22         (2) Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means;

18-23     (b) Governor; and

18-24     (c) Legislative Auditor.

18-25     5.  The report submitted by the Director pursuant to subsection

18-26  4 must include, without limitation:

18-27     (a) The identification of each agency that has not complied with

18-28  the requirements of subsections 1 and 2;

18-29     (b) The identification of each agency that does not have an

18-30  effective method for reviewing its system of internal accounting and

18-31  administrative control; and

18-32     (c) The identification of each agency that has weaknesses in its

18-33  system of internal accounting and administrative control, and the

18-34  extent and types of such weaknesses.

18-35     Sec. 40.  NRS 353A.045 is hereby amended to read as follows:

18-36     353A.045  The Chief shall:

18-37     1.  Report to the Director.

18-38     2.  Develop long-term and annual work plans to be based on the

18-39  results of periodic documented risk assessments. The annual work

18-40  plan must list the agencies to which the Division will provide

18-41  training and assistance and be submitted to the Director for

18-42  approval. Such agencies must not include:

18-43     (a) A board created by the provisions of chapters 623 to 625A,

18-44  inclusive, 628, 630 to 640A, inclusive, 641 to 644, inclusive, 654

18-45  and 656 of NRS[.] and sections 2 to 33, inclusive, of this act.


19-1      (b) The University and Community College System of Nevada.

19-2      (c) The Public Employees’ Retirement System.

19-3      (d) The Housing Division of the Department of Business and

19-4  Industry.

19-5      (e) The Colorado River Commission of Nevada.

19-6      3.  Provide a copy of the approved annual work plan to the

19-7  Legislative Auditor.

19-8      4.  In consultation with the Director, prepare a plan for auditing

19-9  executive branch agencies for each fiscal year and present the plan

19-10  to the Committee for its review and approval. Each plan for auditing

19-11  must:

19-12     (a) State the agencies which will be audited, the proposed scope

19-13  and assignment of those audits and the related resources which will

19-14  be used for those audits; and

19-15     (b) Ensure that the internal accounting, administrative controls

19-16  and financial management of each agency are reviewed periodically.

19-17     5.  Perform the audits of the programs and activities of the

19-18  agencies in accordance with the plan approved pursuant to

19-19  subsection 5 of NRS 353A.038 and prepare audit reports of his

19-20  findings.

19-21     6.  Review each agency that is audited pursuant to subsection 5

19-22  and advise those agencies concerning internal accounting,

19-23  administrative controls and financial management.

19-24     7.  Submit to each agency that is audited pursuant to subsection

19-25  5 analyses, appraisals and recommendations concerning:

19-26     (a) The adequacy of the internal accounting and administrative

19-27  controls of the agency; and

19-28     (b) The efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the

19-29  agency.

19-30     8.  Report any possible abuses, illegal actions, errors, omissions

19-31  and conflicts of interest of which the Division becomes aware

19-32  during the performance of an audit.

19-33     9.  Adopt the standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors for

19-34  conducting and reporting on audits.

19-35     10.  Consult with the Legislative Auditor concerning the plan

19-36  for auditing and the scope of audits to avoid duplication of effort

19-37  and undue disruption of the functions of agencies that are audited

19-38  pursuant to subsection 5.

19-39     11.  Appoint a Manager of Internal Controls.

19-40     Sec. 41.  NRS 608.0116 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19-41     608.0116  “Professional” means pertaining to an employee who

19-42  is licensed or certified by the State of Nevada for and engaged in the

19-43  practice of law or any of the professions regulated by chapters 623

19-44  to 645, inclusive, and 656A of NRS[.] and sections 2 to 33,

19-45  inclusive, of this act.


20-1      Sec. 42.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 2 of

20-2  section 15 of this act, a member or employee of the Board of

20-3  Massage Therapists shall not be eligible for payment of any per

20-4  diem allowance or travel expense until July 1, 2004.

20-5      Sec. 43.  1.  By October 1, 2004, a person licensed to practice

20-6  massage therapy by a county, city or town in this state must become

20-7  licensed pursuant to the provisions of sections 2 to 33, inclusive, of

20-8  this act to practice massage therapy in this state.

20-9      2.  Until a person licensed to practice massage therapy by a

20-10  county, city or town in this state becomes licensed to practice

20-11  massage therapy pursuant to the provisions of sections 2 to 33,

20-12  inclusive, of this act, the person shall comply with:

20-13     (a) All ordinances and regulations of the county, city or town

20-14  that issued a license to the person until the person becomes licensed

20-15  pursuant to the provisions of sections 2 to 33, inclusive, of this act;

20-16  and

20-17     (b) The provisions of sections 2 to 18, inclusive, 20, 22, 23 and

20-18  25 to 33, inclusive, of this act.

20-19     Sec. 44.  As soon as practicable after October 1, 2003, the

20-20  Governor shall appoint to the Board of Massage Therapists:

20-21     1.  Two members whose term expires on June 30, 2004.

20-22     2.  Three members whose terms expire on June 30, 2005.

20-23     Sec. 45. 1.  This act becomes effective on October 1, 2003.

20-24     2.  Sections 22 and 23 of this act expire by limitation on the

20-25  date on which the provisions of 42 U.S.C. § 666 requiring each state

20-26  to establish procedures under which the state has authority to

20-27  withhold or suspend, or to restrict the use of professional,

20-28  occupational or recreational licenses of persons who:

20-29     (a) Have failed to comply with a subpoena or warrant relating to

20-30  a proceeding to determine the paternity of a child or to establish or

20-31  enforce an obligation for the support of a child; or

20-32     (b) Are in arrears in the payment for the support of one or more

20-33  children,

20-34  are repealed by the Congress of the United States.

 

20-35  H