FAQ on HB22-1300 Local Enforcement to Prevent Human Trafficking
The HB22-1300 provides guidance for local enforcement to prevent human trafficking. Municipalities in Colorado already have the authority to enact ordinances to establish licensing authorities to regulate massage businesses and to deter and shut down illicit massage businesses. Here are Frequently Asked Questions and answers surrounding HB22-1300.
Revised Rules Effective May 30, 2021
Revised rules for the Office of Massage Therapy Licensure went into effect on May 30, 2021. The revisions to Rules 1.4 and 1.14, corrected language in the rules that conflicted with portions of the statutes in Colorado House Bill 20-1326 and Colorado Senate Bill 20-102 (sections 12-20-202(3) and 12-30-115, C.R.S.).
To view the details of this rulemaking project and track all rule changes, see Tracking Number 2021-00118. The Office encourages all licensees and stakeholders to read the revised and published Rules 1.4 and 1.14. Please direct any questions to dora_massagetherapists@state.co.us.
New Rules Effective December 15, 2020
The new rules for the Office of Massage Therapy Licensure went into effect on December 15, 2020. The adopted new rules implement:
- Colorado House Bill 20-1326: Concerning an expansion of an individual's ability to practice an occupation in Colorado through creation of an occupational credential portability program; and
- Colorado Senate Bill 20-102: Concerning required disclosures to patients regarding formal actions based on sexual misconduct.
To view the details of this rulemaking project and track all rule revisions, follow Tracking Number 2020-00654. The Office encourages all licensees and stakeholders to read the final, published New Rules. Please direct any questions to dora_massagetherapists@state.co.us.
Sunset Review
The Colorado Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform is conducting a sunset review of the massage therapy licensing program. Analysis in a sunset review is performed to determine whether the regulatory program is necessary and should be continued, modified or eliminated. This review will produce a report to the Colorado General Assembly and result in subsequent legislation based on the recommendations in the report. If you would like to submit comments online, please visit COPRRR's website.
CDPHE Public Health Order, Closing Non-Essential Public Services Through April 30, 2020
On March 19, 2020, Governor Jared Polis announced a number of state actions to further address the spread and impact of COVID-19. Among those actions is an updated order from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) mandating that all businesses conducting “nonessential personal services” close to entry, exit, use, and occupancy by members of the public through April 30, 2020.
This order, effective immediately, impacts DORA licensees in the Barber/Cosmetology and Massage Therapy fields. Hair stylists, nail technicians, barbers, estheticians, cosmetologists, massage therapists, and shop owners in the barber/cosmetology industry licensed by the Division of Professions and Occupations are impacted.
Updated Public Health Order 20-22 defines nonessential personal services as “services and products that are not necessary to maintain an individual’s health or safety, or the sanitation or essential operation of a business or residence. Nonessential personal services include, but are not limited to, hair or nail salons, spas, or tattoo or massage parlors.”
The order strictly mandates closure of businesses falling under the definition of “non-essential personal services,” and not individuals who provide these services outside of a business; however, DORA strongly recommends all licensed professionals adhere to CDPHE’s guidance regarding social distancing. Under this guidance, individuals are advised not to invite visitors or non-essential service workers into their homes.
The CDPHE order also includes previous statewide closures of other multiple business types, including bars, restaurants, theaters, gymnasiums, casinos, and other nonessential personal services facilities in Colorado in an effort to protect and preserve the public health. The Order has been deemed necessary to control any potential transmission of disease to others and to avoid overwhelming the state’s healthcare system.
Licensees should check their email and the DORA COVID-19 Updates for Licensees and Consumers site for additional updates, as they become available.
General information on symptoms, testing, prevention, quarantine measures and more related to the Coronavirus is available on the Centers for Disease Control and CDPHE websites.
New Surprise/Balance Billing Disclosure Form
As part of the implementation of House Bill 19-1174 Out-of-network Surprise Billing, the Division of Professions and Occupations is providing a sample disclosure form that meets the requirements of the bill and associated Rules adopted by the Division's Director.