| SUMMARY OF: | Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Board of Massage Therapists |
Purpose of the Report
The audit was performed to determine if there is a continued need for the board and if its termination date should be extended. The board is set to sunset on June 30, 2024, and will have one year from that date to conclude its administrative operations.
Report Conclusions
Overall, the audit concluded that the board operated in the public’s interest by conducting its meetings in an effective manner; and actively amending regulations to address statutory changes, improve the licensing process, and enhance public safety. The audit also concluded that licenses were not consistently issued in compliance with state law, board related cases were not consistently investigated in a timely manner, continuing education audits were not completed, and licensing fees did not cover the cost of regulating the profession.
In accordance with AS 08.03.010(c)(12), the board is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2024. We recommend the legislature extend the board’s termination date six years, to June 30, 2030, which is two years less than the maximum allowed by statute. The reduced extension reflects the need for more routine oversight in recognition of the audit findings.
Findings and Recommendations
- The Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing’s (DCBPL) director should develop a control procedure to help ensure licenses are not approved based on outdated documentation.
- DCCED’s commissioner should work with policymakers to improve the recruitment and retention of investigators.
- DCCED’s commissioner should work with policymakers to improve the recruitment and retention of DCBPL licensing staff.
- DCBPL’s director, in consultation with the board, should consider increasing licensing fees.