Section 43-24A-7. Powers of the board

   (a) The board shall have the power to:

   (1) Examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licenses to practice massage therapy in this state;

   (2) Issue, renew, refuse to renew, deny, suspend, or revoke licenses to practice massage therapy in this state or otherwise discipline licensed massage therapists;

   (3) Conduct investigations for the purpose of discovering violations of this chapter or grounds for disciplining persons or entities acting in violation of this chapter;

   (4) Hold hearings on all matters properly brought before the board and, in conjunction therewith, to administer oaths, receive evidence, make the necessary determinations, and enter orders consistent with the findings. The board may designate one or more of its members as its hearing officer;

   (5) Adopt, revise, and enforce rules concerning advertising by licensees including, but not limited to, rules to prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive practices;

   (6) Adopt an official seal; and

   (7) Bring proceedings to the courts for the enforcement of this chapter or any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.

(b) In addition to the enumerated powers in subsection (a) of this Code section, the board has the authority to conduct its business pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 43-1-19 which is incorporated herein and made a part of this chapter by specific reference.

Code 1981, § 43-24A-7, enacted by Ga. L. 2005, p. 1251, § 1/SB 110; Ga. L. 2010, p. 401, § 2/SB 364.