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ABMP Legislative Report
Wyoming 2/10/04 2/10/04: House Bill 68, sponsored by Representative Saundra Meyer (D) from Evanston, District #49, was introduced on January 26, 2004. The bill, if adopted, would create an additional level of red tape for therapists to go through in order to practice massage. HB 68 would regulate the practice of massage therapy on a statewide level without pre-emption of local regulations. It is clear from the language in the bill, massage therapists and massage educators in the state were not participants in the drafting process. Initial requirements would include "a training program approved by the board, at a school approved by the board, that program being at least 650 hours in length," as well as a written and practical examination House Bill 68 possesses only two (reciprocity & temporary licensure) of the 8 Core Principles of Massage and Bodywork Legislation, which has established to evaluate legislative proposals. The Eight Core principles are pre-emption of local licensing rules, educational standards consistent with the nationwide standard, appropriate educational approval process, grandfathering, modality exemptions, and appropriate board composition and powers, as well as reciprocity and temporary licensure. ABMP does not support passage of this regulation. For a complete copy of the bill, visit http://legisweb.state.wy.us and click on 2004 Budget Session Bill Information, then click on House Bills next to "Bills prepared for Introduction:" scroll down to HB0068 Massage therapist licensing and click on introduced to the right of this heading. To voice your position on the bill, you can email Representative Meyer at slmey@wyoming.com, as well as calling the Wyoming Voter Hotline Phone 1-866-996-VOTE (8683) and recommend a vote for or against HB0068. While it is not possible to speak directly with a legislator on the Voter Hotline, the message will be delivered more quickly than by calling any other number at the legislature. Further contact information is not available at this time since the bill has not been referred to committee. You are encouraged to contact the legislators for your district. |