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ABMP Legislative Report
Georgia 06/08/07 02/12/07 12/11/06 11/02/06 7/17/06 4/07/06 12/28/05 8/8/05 6/28/05 6/15/05 4/20/05 4/04/05 3/04/05 5/21/04 2/24/04 1/21/04 4/24/03 2/20/02 5/18/01 4/18/01 3/19/01 06/08/07: The deadline for practicing massage therapists to grandfather into state licensure is June 30, 2007. After that date, practitioners will be required to meet the qualifications for licensure, including completion of a 500-hour massage therapy program and passing the National Certification Exam offered by NCBTMB. 02/12/07: In December ABMP reported that the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy was accepting applications for licensure and provided official verification letters to qualifying members to expedite the process. The Board decided the letters were not in compliance with their rules and required that ABMP re-submit a different version of that letter. Enclosed please find your new official membership verification. To review the process: The application can be found at: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/massage/ (click “download forms”, then choose massage therapy in the dropdown menu). Prior to July 1, 2007, applicants for a license as a massage therapist must:
7. Official verification from a professional massage therapy association that indicates the years of membership by the applicant (applicant must show a minimum of one year of membership prior to the date of application) and the date the professional association was established (such association must be established no later than December 31, 2001), and, a copy of the professional association’s code of ethics; Verifications have been sent to all active practicing ABMP members in Georgia, regardless of active date. Please note that you must maintain active membership for a minimum of one year before applying for membership. If you do not meet the qualifications for licensure under this option, you may satisfy the requirements of one of the other options. Applicants will need to submit the original to the state, keep a copy for your records. Movement educators, Reflexology, IASI members, a person using touch to affect the energy systems (polarity, acupoints, Qi meridians) are all exempt from this licensing law as long as they don’t practice massage therapy. 12/11/06: Applications for a state license are now available to massage therapists. The application can be found at: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/massage/ (click “download forms”, then choose massage therapy in the dropdown menu). Prior to July 1, 2007, applicants for a license as a massage therapist must:
7. Official verification from a professional massage therapy association that indicates the years of membership by the applicant (applicant must show a minimum of one year of membership prior to the date of application) and the date the professional association was established (such association must be established no later than December 31, 2001), and, a copy of the professional association’s code of ethics; Enclosed please find your official membership verification and copy of the code of ethics needed to apply for licensure under the above option. Verifications have been sent to all active practicing ABMP members in Georgia, regardless of active date. Please note that you must maintain active membership for a minimum of one year before applying for membership. If you do not meet the qualifications for licensure under this option, you may satisfy the requirements of one of the other options. Applicants will need to submit these originals to the state, keep a copy for your records. Movement educators, Reflexology, IASI members, a person using touch to affect the energy systems (polarity, acupoints, Qi meridians) are all exempt from this licensing law as long as they don’t practice massage therapy. 11/02/06: Applications for a state license are now available to massage therapists. The application can be found at: www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/massage (click “download forms”, then choose massage therapy in the dropdown menu). Prior to July 1, 2007, any applicant for a license as a massage therapist must submit a completed application form, pay a fee of $125, provide a passport photo taken within the last 6 months, provide 2 professional references and 1 personal reference, provide authorization for a background check, and meet one of the eligibility requirements. ABMP is working on an official verification form that members will be able to use to qualify for licensure. We're hoping to mail the form to members in the next couple weeks. 7/17/06: On July 10, 2006, Governor Perdue announced the executive appointments for the newly formed Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. The board will begin writing the rules and regulations to establish licensing procedures. We will keep you informed of their progress and let you know when licensing begins. Georgia Board of Massage Therapy Steven "Steve" F. Earles, 53, Pine Mountain, GA – Earles is the owner of Refresh Massage Therapy and Fresh Services, Inc. He is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and International Body Works. He serves as a member of the Harris and Pine Mountain Chamber of Commerce and the Sons of Lafayette Audition Singing Group. Earles received a bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University, a bachelor's degree from Columbus State University and a master's degree from Blue Cliff College. He and his wife, Cindy, have three children and four grandchildren. Jane H. Johnson, 44, Marietta, GA – Johnson owns Clinical Massage Associates in Marietta. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and serves the Georgia chapter as policy chair, government relations committee member and on the 2006 National Convention Host Committee. Johnson attended Gordon Junior College, the Ohio College of Massotherapy and the Atlanta School of Massage. She and her husband, Douglas, have one child. Kathy V. Lescak, 57, Metter, GA – Lescak is the owner of Power of Touch Massage, Inc. and specializes in medical massage. She is a member of the International Massage Association and the Hawaiian Jiu-Jitsu System, Inc. Lescak received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. Melony Phillips-Gorin, 41, Acworth, GA – Phillips-Gorin serves as faculty supervisor and instructor at the Atlanta School of Massage. She is serving her second term as vice president of the governing board of the American Massage Therapy Association Council of Schools and previously chaired its ethics committee. Phillips-Gorin received an associate's degree from Santa Fe Community College, a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and a massage therapist certification from the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts. She is married to David Gorin. Marlene Gaskill, 71, Norcross, GA, Consumer Member – Gaskill is the owner of Peachtree Corners Rental. She serves on the board of directors for the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association and is past president of the Brookwood Homeowner's Association. Gaskill is a guest lecturer at the University of Delaware. She has one child. 4/07/06: The budget bill passed the Georgia General Assembly and contains funding for the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy, allowing for the implementation of the Massage Therapy Practice Act passed in 2005. Governor Perdue is expected to sign it without affecting Board funding. ABMP would encourage any member interested in serving the profession to apply for a position on the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. ABMP will be glad to provide a letter of endorsement. To apply for a position on the state board, send a letter to the Office of the Governor expressing your desire to serve, along with a brief resume. The letter should include your name, address, and telephone number(s), the board in which you are interested, and explain why you are qualified or experienced in the area of the board’s activity. Be sure to state clearly the Board of Massage Therapy. You must be a registered Georgia voter to apply. Questions can be directed to (404)-656-1776 or go to: http://www.gov.state.ga.us/exe_appts.shtml Please send information to: Office of the Governor Executive Appointments Room 111 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: (404)-656-1776 Fax: (404)-656-5947 The goal is to have the Board of Massage Therapy appointed and ready to work by July 1, 2006. The Board will then write rules that clarify licensing details and procedures. ABMP will keep our members informed as the process continues. 12/28/05: The Georgia Massage Therapy Board is still inactive due to budget constraints. Massage at this time is still regulated locally in Georgia, and will remain so until the Board is seated and able to begin its operations. The Georgia Legislature will return to session in January, and a new budget for the board is expected to be approved sometime between January and March 2006. ABMP will post an update when information is received. 8/8/05: SB 110 that regulates massage therapy is awaiting funding approval. The Secretary of State's office will not address this until January 2006. A massage board will not be formed until after January. 6/28/05: Here are the answers to some of your most common questions. When does the law go into effect? The law is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2005, or when funding becomes available. We expect that funding will become available the first part of 2006, when the General Assembly is once again in session. The Governor's office reports this is only on hold until funding is appropriated. After funding is appropriated, and the Board is appointed, they must write the Rules and create the necessary forms and procedures. After that, we will be able to apply for our license. On July 1, 2007, everyone who is a massage therapist must have a massage therapy license or a provisional permit. A provisional permit is a temporary permit to practice massage therapy in Georgia, and is only valid for a maximum of two years. I can't apply today? No. Wait until the Board is appointed and finishes its preliminary work. Does everyone have to get a license? No person may practice massage therapy who is not licensed as a massage therapist or the holder of a valid provisional permit, unless they are exempt. Who is exempt? Certain licensed practitioners will not be required to have a massage therapy license while practicing within the scope of their profession, providing they do not hold themselves out to be a massage therapist. Massage students may practice massage therapy while fulfilling their course requirements, and nonresident massage therapists with comparable credentials may practice for a maximum of 60 days on a temporary sojourner, or they may provide massage services as part of a disaster relief team or as part of a charity event. In addition, certain unlicensed somatic practitioners may be exempt if they meet certain guidelines, such practitioners as energy workers (Polarity, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch; Rolfing, Heller worker, Kinesis practitioners; reflexology; and Asian modalities, i.e., Shiatsu, Acupressure, Thai Massage. What are the minimum requirements to obtain a massage license? On and after July 1, 2007, any applicant for a massage therapy license, among other things, must have graduated from a massage therapy program with at least 500 hours and have passed the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or a similar examination approved by the Board. At that time, anyone who is a massage therapist must have a massage therapy license or a provisional permit. A provisional permit is issued no longer than two years and the provisionally permitted massage therapist may practice under the supervision of a licensed massage therapist as provided by the Board. Those who are already practicing before July 1, 2005 may qualify under the grandfathering provision by applying prior to July 1,2007. What is grandfathering and how does it work? It is customary when a new license is created to provide for those who are already practicing. The grandfathering provision allows almost everyone practicing prior to July 1, 2005 to obtain a license without additional education or examination requirements. Grandfathering is not available on or after July 1, 2007. If I am grandfathered in, will I have to take the National Certification Exam or bring my education hours up to 500 hours in order to renew my license? No, once you are licensed, your requirements to keep your license current will be the same as any other licensees. How much will my state license cost? The cost will be determined by the Board when they write the Rules, so we do not know that at this time. It will be renewed every biennium (two years). Who will administer the license? The licensing board will consist of five members, four massage therapists and one lay person. The board shall be assigned to the Secretary of State's office for administrative purposes and shall be under the jurisdiction of the division director. How do I apply to serve on the licensing board? Contact the Governor's office. He makes the appointments, subject to confirmation by the Senate. What can I do now to get ready for licensing? Read and understand the bill so you know what to expect. See the links below. What documents will I need? Your massage school diploma or school transcript and proof that you have passed the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, your association membership certificate, your massage therapy license from another state, your business license, or your tax returns. SB 110, The Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act The Secretary of State's Website Governor Sonny Perdue's Website As soon as the state offers more information on the Regulation Board, we will inform ABMP members. 6/15/05: On May 11, 2005 Governor Perdue signed the Massage Therapy Practice Act to regulate massage therapy in the state of Georgia. The law will go into effect July 1, 2005, and will create the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. There is a generous two year grandfathering clause. A Board has not yet been formed. Review a complete copy of the bill at www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_6fulltext/sb110.htm. 4/20/05: SB 110 has passed both the House and Senate and has been sent to Governor Sonny Perdue for his signature, which would make Georgia the 35th state to adopt massage regulations. To view SB 110, please visit www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/versions/sb110_AP_9.htm 4/04/05: SB 110, to regulate massage therapy, was approved by the House March 31, 2005. It was forwarded to the Governor to sign. He has up to 40 days to make a decision on it. 3/04/05: Senate Bill 110 was introduced in February to regulate massage therapy, and would establish the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. If enacted, the law would go into effect when funding is appropriated. In the bill, massage therapy is defined as "the application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissue of the body in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore health and well-being. The term includes complementary methods, including without limitation the external application of water, superficial heat, superficial cold, lubricants, salt scrubs, or other topical preparations and the use of commercially available electromechanical devices which do not require the use of transcutaneous electrodes and which mimic or enhance the actions possible by the hands; the term also includes determining whether massage therapy is appropriate or contraindicated, or whether referral to another health care provider is appropriate. Massage therapy shall not include the use of ultrasound, fluidotherapy, laser, and other methods of deep thermal modalities." Requirements to obtain a license would include: * Successful completion of a board recognized educational program consisting of a minimum of 500 hours of course and clinical work; and * Passage of the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, an equivalent test approved by the board, or an examination administered by another state or jurisdiction whose license requirements meet or exceed those of this state. A Grandfathering period of two years (through June 30, 2007) is included in the bill. Candidates for licensure could qualify through any of eight methods: a) Complete successfully a board recognized educational program with a minimum of 500 hours of course and clinical work; b) Pass the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, an equivalent test approved by the board, or an examination administered by another state or jurisdiction whose license requirements meet or exceed those of this state; c) Meet the qualifications necessary to sit for the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or has substantially similar qualifications as determined by the board; d) Hold a license as a massage therapist in another state or jurisdiction whose license requirements meet or exceed the licensing requirements of this state; e) Have practiced massage therapy for at least ten hours per week on average for at least ten years prior to the date of application and has completed at least 100 hours of formal training in massage therapy as determined by the board; f) Have practiced massage therapy for at least five years prior to the date of application and has completed a minimum of 200 hours of formal training in massage therapy as determined by the board; g) Have, to the satisfaction of the board, training in another state or jurisdiction that meets or exceeds the requirements for licensing in this state; or h) Have been a member for a period of one year prior to his or her application for licensure of a professional massage therapy association established before 2002, which holds its members to a published code of ethics. The language in option H was amended to the above after ABMP raised concerns about restrictive language in the original proposal. For a complete copy of the bill visit www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/fulltext/sb110.htm. Should you wish to make your views known to your Senator or Representative, you can locate your representative and their contact information at www.legis.state.ga.us 5/21/04: House Bill 1542 died in committee as the legislative session adjorned on April 7, 2004. 2/24/04: House Bill 1542 - Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act was introduced on February 19, 2004 to regulate the practice of massage therapy. Sponsors of the bill include Representatives Doug Stoner (D-34th), Alan Powell (D-23rd), Buddy DeLoach (I-127th), Mike Barnes (D-84th) and Victor Hill (D-81st). If passed, in addition to being at least 18 years of age and of good moral character, an applicant will be required to submit documentation that they have met at least one of the following requirements to qualify for licensure prior to July 1, 2006: (A) has completed successfully a board recognized educational program with a minimum of 500 hours of course and clinical work; (B) has passed satisfactorily the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, an equivalent test. (C) meets the qualifications necessary to sit for the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETNB) or has substantially similar qualifications as determined by the board; (D) holds a license as a massage therapist in another state or jurisdiction whose license requirements meet or exceed the licensing requirements of this state; (E) has practiced massage therapy for at least ten hours per week on average for at least ten years prior to the date of application and has completed at least 100 hours of formal training in massage therapy; (F) has practiced massage therapy for at least five years prior to the date of application and has completed a minimum of 200 hours of formal training in massag e therapy as determined by the board; (G) demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the board, training in another state or jurisdiction which meets or exceeds the requirements for licensing in this state; or (H) has been a member for a period of one year prior to his or her application for licensure of a professional massage therapy association established before 2002, which holds its members to a published code of ethics. The applicant shall be a member at the level that requires an average of at least ten continuing education hours annually , and requires a 500 hour core curriculum or the passing of a certification examination. ABMP membership does not meet this requirement, since certified level membership requires only 16 hours of continuing education every two years. Applicants for licensure after July 1, 2006 will be required to meet the following requirements: (A) has completed successfully a board recognized educational program with a minimum of 500 hours of course and clinical work; (B) has passed satisfactorily the NCETMB, an equivalent test approved by the board, or an examination administered by another state or jurisdiction whose license requirements meet or exceed those of this state; For a complete copy of the bill, please visit http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/hb1542.htm Additional contact information for the sponsors of the bill Rep. Stoner 601 Legislative Office Building Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 656-0254 dstoner@legis.state.ga.us Rep. Barnes 607 Legislative Office Building Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 656-0287 repmikebarnes@aol.com Rep. Hill 607 Legislative Office Building Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 656-0287 vhill@legis.state.ga.us Rep. Powell 401 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 656-9141 alanpowell23@hotmail.com Rep. DeLoach 507 Legislative Office Building Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 656-0202 bdeloach@legis.state.ga.us 1/21/04: On January 4, 2004 a coalition of massage therapists gathered to develop a draft for proposed regulation of massage therapy in Georgia. The results of the coalition's efforts can be found at www.massagelaw.com. ABMP encourages you to register at this website for future postings of meetings and events that you can participate in. Our review of the draft found nothing that might create strong opposition. The coalition has been very generous in offering a wide variety of options for therapists to meet licensure requirements. 4/24/03: House Bill 368 was introduced to regulate the profession and create the Georgia Board of Massage Therapists. It was read twice in the House and since it didn't pass at least one chamber by April 8th it is considered effectively dead for the year. If you would like to view a copy of the bill that was introduced on February 13, 2003, visit www.legis.state.ga.us 2/20/02: House Bill 733 has not seen any movement through the legislature since late February 2001, when it was read for the second time in the House. The sunrise committee voted against the bill as it was written. 5/18/01: House Bill 733 has not seen any action since February 26, 2001. 4/18/01: House Bill 733 was introduced on February 26, 2001 and had it's second reading on February 27, 2001. If adopted, the bill would create the Georgia Board of Massage Therapists, provide for the regulation of massage therapy and would become effective July 1, 2002. 'Massage therapy' is defined within the bill as intentional manipulation of the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client. Licensure requirements include: . at least 18 years of age or has a high school diploma or general educational development (GED) diploma, . and has completed a course of study at a board approved massage school or has completed an apprenticeship program that meets standards adopted by the board; . and has received a passing grade on an examination specified by the board. Exempt bodywork methods include those that involve energy techniques only, without intentional soft tissue manipulation of any kind; movement education or reeducation; and somatic education addressing awareness, posture, and action by verbally and physically guiding the student in the discovery of existing and alternative postures and actions. Specific modalities included in this exemption may be Zen Therapy, Rolfing, Alexander Technique, Reiki, Polarity, Feldenkrais, Trager, Shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and Therapeutic Touch. Also exempt are persons who restrict their manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body to the hands, feet, or ears; persons who manipulate the human body above the neck, below the elbow, and below the knee and do not disrobe the client in performing such manipulation. The bill does not offer any grandfathering provisions for therapists currently practicing in the state. For a complete copy of the bill or to check on the status, contact the Georgia General Assembly at (404) 656-5040 or visit www.legis.state.ga.us/Legis/2001_02/leg/legislation.htm 3/19/01: House Bill 733 was introduced on February 26, 2001 and has gone for it's first reading in the House. If adopted, the bill would create the Georgia Board of Massage Therapists, provide for the regulation of massage therapy and would become effective July 1, 2002. 'Massage therapy' is defined within the bill as intentional manipulation of the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client. Licensure requirements include: . at least 18 years of age or has a high school diploma or general educational development (GED) diploma, . and has completed a course of study at a board approved massage school or has completed an apprenticeship program that meets standards adopted by the board; . and has received a passing grade on an examination specified by the board. Exempt bodywork methods include those that involve energy techniques only, without intentional soft tissue manipulation of any kind; movement education or reeducation; and somatic education addressing awareness, posture, and action by verbally and physically guiding the student in the discovery of existing and alternative postures and actions. Specific modalities included in this exemption may be Zen Therapy, Rolfing, Alexander Technique, Reiki, Polarity, Feldenkrais, Trager, Shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and Therapeutic Touch. Also exempt are persons who restrict their manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body to the hands, feet, or ears; persons who manipulate the human body above the neck, below the elbow, and below the knee and do not disrobe the client in performing such manipulation. This bill does not offer any grandfathering provisions. For a complete copy of the bill, visit www.legis.state.ga.us/Legis/2001_02/leg/legislation.htm |