(1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that it is in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare to require massage therapists to be licensed. Because proper and safe massage therapy is of statewide concern, this article is deemed to be an exercise of the police powers of the state.
(2) The general assembly further declares that the practice of massage therapy by any person not licensed pursuant to this article is adverse to the best interests of the people of this state. It is not, however, the intent of the general assembly in enacting this article to prevent, restrict, or inhibit the practice of massage therapy by any duly licensed person.