(225 ILCS 57/35)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2027)

Sec. 35. Massage Licensing Board.

(a) The Secretary shall appoint a Massage Licensing Board, which shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary. The Board shall consist of 7 members, of whom 6 shall be massage therapists with at least 3 years of experience in massage. One of the massage therapist members shall represent a massage therapy school from the private sector and one of the massage therapist members shall represent a massage therapy school from the public sector. One member of the Board shall be a member of the public who is not licensed under this Act or a similar Act in Illinois or another jurisdiction. Membership on the Board shall reasonably reflect the various massage therapy and non-exempt bodywork organizations. Membership on the Board shall reasonably reflect the geographic areas of the State. The Board shall meet annually to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson. The Board shall hold regularly scheduled meetings during the year. A simple majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum at any meeting. Any action taken by the Board must be on the affirmative vote of a simple majority of members. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted. In the case of an emergency where all Board members cannot meet in person, the Board may convene a meeting via an electronic format in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

(b) Members shall be appointed to a 3-year term, except that initial appointees shall serve the following terms: 2 members shall serve for one year, 2 members shall serve for 2 years, and 3 members shall serve for 3 years. A member whose term has expired shall continue to serve until his or her successor is appointed. No member shall be reappointed to the Board for a term that would cause his or her continuous service on the Board to exceed 9 years. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be made in the same manner as the original appointments for the unexpired portion of the vacated term.

(c) The members of the Board are entitled to receive compensation for all legitimate and necessary expenses incurred while attending Board and Department meetings.

(d) Members of the Board shall be immune from suit in any action based upon any disciplinary proceedings or other activities performed in good faith as members of the Board.

(e) The Secretary shall consider the recommendations of the Board on questions involving the standards of professional conduct, discipline, and qualifications of candidates and licensees under this Act. Nothing shall limit the ability of the Board to provide recommendations to the Secretary in regard to any matter affecting the administration of this Act. The Secretary shall give due consideration to all recommendations of the Board.

(f) The Secretary may terminate the appointment of any member for cause which, in the opinion of the Secretary reasonably justifies termination, which may include, but is not limited to, a Board member who does not attend 2 consecutive meetings.

(Source: P.A. 97-514, eff. 8-23-11.)