Health occupations: massage therapists; massage therapist apprenticeship program; provide for. Amends secs. 16334, 17951, 17957 & 17959 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16334 et seq.) & adds sec. 17959a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5946’26
Key claim: Michigan HB 5947 would amend the Public Health Code to establish a massage therapist apprenticeship program as an additional path to licensure.
Abstract
(HB5947 · 103rd Legislature) Health occupations: massage therapists; massage therapist apprenticeship program; provide for. Amends secs. 16334, 17951, 17957 & 17959 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16334 et seq.) & adds sec. 17959a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5946’26 Sponsor: Rep. Veronica Paiz (D) + 8 co-sponsors In committee: H Regulatory Reform Latest action (2026-05-13): Bill Electronically Reproduced 05/12/2026
Why this matters
Creating an apprenticeship pathway to massage therapist licensure lowers the entry cost for workers pursuing this occupation and expands employer options for training on the job. It fits a broader Michigan pattern of adjusting occupational-licensing routes to widen labor supply while retaining state oversight of health professions.