(A) The state medical board shall appoint a massage therapy advisory council for the purpose of advising the board on issues relating to the practice of massage therapy. The advisory council shall consist of not more than seven individuals knowledgeable in the area of massage therapy.

A majority of the council members shall be individuals licensed to practice massage therapy under this chapter who are actively engaged in the practice of massage therapy. The board shall include all of the following on the council:

(1) One physician who is a member of the state medical board;

(2) One massage therapy educator;

(3) One individual who is not affiliated with any health care profession, who shall be appointed to represent the interest of consumers.

The American massage therapy association, or its successor organization, may nominate not more than three individuals for consideration by the board in appointing the educator member described in division (A)(2) of this section.

Associated bodywork and massage professionals (ABMP), or its successor organization, may nominate not more than three individuals for consideration by the board in appointing any member of the council other than the physician member described in division (A)(1) of this section or the educator member described in division (A)(2) of this section.

(B) Not later than ninety days after the effective date of this section , the board shall make initial appointments to the council. Initial members shall serve terms of office of one, two, or three years, as selected by the board. Thereafter, terms of office shall be for three years, with each term ending on the same day of the same month as the term that it succeeds. A council member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member’s term until a successor is appointed and takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. Each council member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed.

(C) Members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing their official duties.

(D) The council shall meet at least four times each year and at other times as may be necessary to carry out its responsibilities.

(E) The council may submit to the board recommendations concerning all of the following:

(1) Requirements for issuing a license to practice as a licensed massage therapist, including the educational and experience requirements that must be met to receive the license;

(2) Existing and proposed rules pertaining to the practice of massage therapy and the administration and enforcement of this chapter as it pertains to massage therapy;

(3) Standards for the approval of educational programs required to qualify for licensure;

(4) Policies related to the issuance and renewal of a license to practice massage therapy;

(5) Fees for the issuance and renewal of a license to practice massage therapy;

(6) Standards of practice and ethical conduct in the practice of massage therapy;

(7) The safe and effective practice of massage therapy, including scope of practice and minimal standards of care.