§6–301.

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, before an individual may practice massage therapy in the State, the individual shall be:

        (1)    On or before October 31, 2026:

            (i)    Licensed by the Board; or

            (ii)    Registered by the Board to practice massage therapy in a setting that is not a health care setting; or

        (2)    On or after November 1, 2026, licensed by the Board.

    (b)    This section does not apply to:

        (1)    A student enrolled in an approved education program as determined by the Board while practicing massage therapy in the State;

        (2)    An individual permitted to practice massage therapy under regulations adopted by the Board, if the individual otherwise has qualified to practice massage therapy in any other state or country that has substantially similar requirements for authorization to practice massage therapy and the individual is in the State for no more than 7 days;

        (3)    A family member practicing massage therapy on another family member;

        (4)    An athletic trainer while functioning in the course of the athletic trainer’s professional capacity;

        (5)    An individual employed by the federal government to practice massage therapy while practicing within the scope of the individual’s employment; or

        (6)    An individual working in a beauty salon:

            (i)    For which the person who operates the beauty salon has obtained a permit from the State Board of Cosmetology as required under § 5–501 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; and

            (ii)    In which the individual is providing cosmetology and esthetic services, including the application and removal of skin or skin care products.