ABMP would like to let its members know that the Massage Therapy Foundation Team that ran in yesterday¹s Boston Marathon is all accounted for and safe.  President Les Sweeney, who ran the race, and several other ABMP staff members who were in attendance to cheer him on, were not affected by the tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and the families of the deceased.

Applications for Idaho licensing are now available. This is not voluntary.  All massage therapists are required to obtain a license by July 1, 2013 in order to practice.  We recommend that you begin the license application process as soon you can. 

To be clear – the term “grandfathering” relates to the qualifications required for existing practitioners to obtain a license for a certain period of time without meeting the normal licensing requirements. Grandfathering doesn’t mean you don’t have to apply.  Everyone must submit an application if they plan to practice massage therapy in the state of Idaho.  You will only be able to apply by grandfathering until July 1, 2014.

If your practice is limited to one or more of the following modalities and you do not advertise or use the term “massage” in your practice – you are not required to obtain an Idaho massage therapy license:

The Feldenkrais method, the Trager approach, body-mind centering, Ortho-Bionomy, craniosacral therapy, polarity therapy, polarity bodywork therapy, Asian bodywork therapy, acupressure, jin shin doo, qi gong, reiki, shiatsu, Rolfing, structural integration, Hellerwork, or a practice which is limited to manipulation of the soft tissues of the hands, feet, or ears as long as practitioner does not hold him/herself out to be a massage therapist or someone performing massage or massage therapy.

Fees

The application and licensing fee is $125.00, which must be paid by check or money order made payable to the Idaho State Bureau of Occupational Licenses (IBOL).  You can pay by cash (exact change required) or credit card if you choose to submit your application in person at the IBOL offices in Boise.  For future reference, you will have to renew your license yearly for a fee of $75.

Choose the correct application 

It will be easiest for most applicants to choose one of the five methods below and apply by grandfathering. If you do not satisfy any of the five grandfathering categories, then refer to the instructions for “Examination Applicants” or “Endorsement Applicants” in the “Application Instructions” on the Idaho State Board of Massage Therapy’s Website.

All applicants must:

• Pay the $125 fee.
• Complete the application. Most applicants will use the Grandfather Application.
• All applications must be signed in the presence of a notary public, who also must sign and stamp the document.  Many banks have notary publics on staff.
• In addition, all applicants will have to provide other documentation depending on which one of the five different requirements you are meeting in order to qualify for a license by grandfathering.

You only need to fulfill one grandfathering category.  They are:

(1)    Professional membership.  If you were a member of ABMP (or certain other professional associations) for any full one-year period prior to the date of your license application, then you can apply for a license by grandfathering on that basis.  This is the easiest and most efficient way to qualify for licensure.

Checklist:

• Contact Nancy Potter at nancy@abmp.com to request that ABMP send a membership verification letter directly to the Board.
• At number 7 and number 8 on the Grandfather Application Link, check yes or no after each question, but disregard the instructions stating that you must have a transcript and exam test scores sent in.
• At the bottom of page 1 of the Grandfather Application, place a check mark on the line before the sentence which begins, “Provide proof of active membership in good standing as a massage therapist…”  Do not place a check on any of the other lines at the bottom of page 1.
• You do not have to fill out the “Work Experience” section on page 2.
• If you hold a license in another state, contact the Board in that state to have them mail verification of your license directly to the Idaho Board.
• Keep a copy of this and all other completed documents for your records.

 (2)   Exam.  If you have taken and passed either the MBLEx exam or one of the NCBTB exams (the NCETM or the NCETMB), then you can apply for a license by grandfathering on that basis.

Checklist:

• You must contact the testing agency to have it send a copy of your exam scores directly to the Idaho Board.  If you passed the MBLEx, go to www.fsmtb.org, click on “MBLEx Mobility Form along the top of the page, fill out the form, and mail it in to the address on the form.  If you passed one of the NCBTMB exams, contact the NCBTMB at 1-800-296-0664 or info@ncbtmb.org and request that your exam scores be sent to the Idaho Board.  Current certification by the NCBTMB is not required – passing the exam at some point in the past is sufficient.
• At number 7 on the Grandfather Application link, check yes or no, but disregard the instruction stating that you must have a transcript sent in.
• At the bottom of page 1 of the Grandfather Application, place a check mark on the line before the sentence which begins, “Provide proof of having passed an examination…”  Do not place a check on any of the other lines at the bottom of page 1.
• You do not have to fill out the “Work Experience” section on page 2.
• If you hold a license in another state, contact the Board in that state to have them send verification of your license directly to the Idaho Board.
• Keep a copy of this and all other completed documents for your records.

(3)    Education. You can apply for a grandfathering license based on education if  you completed 500 hours in a massage therapy program at a school which is registered with the Idaho State Board of Education or a comparable agency in another state, which consisted of at least:  200 hours in massage and bodywork assessment, theory, and application; 125 hours in body systems including anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology; 40 hours in pathology; 25 hours in business and ethics; and 110 hours of supervised clinical work.

Checklist:

• Contact your school to (1) confirm that it is still open and (2) that is registered with the Idaho State Board of Education or a comparable agency in another state.  If your school is now closed, try to locate any contact information for your school that you can.  If you cannot locate contact information, you may need to apply for a license in one of the other ways.
• Ask your school to send a copy of your official transcript directly to the Board.
• At number 8 on the Grandfather Application link, check yes or no, but disregard the instruction stating that you must have exam scores sent in.
• At the bottom of page 1 of the Grandfather Application, place a check mark on the line before the sentence which begins, “Completed a minimum of five hundred (500) hours of supervised classroom and hands-on instruction…”  Do not place a check on any of the other lines at the bottom of page 1.
• You do not have to fill out the “Work Experience” section on page 2.
• If you hold a license in another state, contact the Board in that state to have them send verification of your license directly to the Idaho Board.
• Keep a copy of this and all other completed documents for your records.

(4)    If you have practiced massage therapy for an average of at least 5 hours per week for the past 3 years AND you have 300 hours of formal training in massage, you can apply by grandfathering on that basis.

Checklist:

• Contact your school to (1) confirm that it is still open and (2) that is registered with the Idaho State Board of Education or a comparable agency in another state.  If your school is now closed, try to locate any contact information for your school that you can.  If you cannot locate contact information, you may need to apply for a license in one of the other ways.
• Ask your school to send a copy of your official transcript directly to the Board.
• At number 8 on the Grandfather Application, check yes or no after the question, but disregard the instructions stating that you must have exam test scores sent in.
• At the bottom of page 1 of the Grandfather Application, place a check mark on the line before the sentence which begins, “Completed at least three hundred (300) hours of formal massage training in massage therapy…”  Do not place a check on any of the other lines at the bottom of page 1.
• Fill out the “Work Experience” section on page 2.
• If you hold a license in another state, contact the Board in that state to have them send verification of your license directly to the Idaho Board.
• Keep a copy of this and all other completed documents for your records.

(5)    If you have practiced massage therapy for an average of at least 5 hours per week for the past 5 years AND you have 200 hours of formal training in massage, you can apply by grandfathering on that basis.

Checklist:

• Contact your school to (1) confirm that it is still open and (2) that is registered with the Idaho State Board of Education or a comparable agency in another state.  If your school is now closed, try to locate any contact information for your school that you can.  If you cannot locate contact information, you may need to apply for a license in one of the other ways.
• Ask your school to send a copy of your official transcript directly to the Board.
• At number 8 on the Grandfather Application, check yes or no after the question, but disregard the instructions stating that you must have exam test scores sent in.
• At the bottom of page 1 of the Grandfather Application, place a check mark on the line before the sentence which begins, “Completed at least two hundred (200) hours of formal massage training in massage therapy…”  Do not place a check on any of the other lines at the bottom of page 1.
• Fill out the “Work Experience” section on page 2.
• If you hold a license in another state, contact the Board in that state to have verification of your license mailed directly to the Idaho Board.
• Keep a copy of this and all other completed documents for your records.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Keep a copy for your records of all documents that you submit.

Don’t lie on the application.  The information you submit is easily verifiable, and you are likely to get caught.  A past arrest, criminal conviction, or disciplinary action will not automatically disqualify you.  Lying will.

You must have a license issued by the state of Idaho by July 1, 2013 in order to practice massage legally.  Don’t let anyone convince you that it is “okay” to practice with only NCBTMB certification.  It is not okay.

Don’t Panic

It will be a criminal violation of the law to practice massage therapy without a Board-issued license.  You must be licensed by July 1, 2013 to work as a massage therapist.  This gives you sufficient time to complete the process, but do not procrastinate.  Get the process started now.

License Renewals and CE

Massage licenses expire every year on the licensee’s birthday.  You must renew every year before your birthday by completing and submitting a renewal form, which will be made available on the Board’s website, along with a $75 renewal fee.  Each year starting after your first renewal, you will need to complete 6 hours of massage therapy continuing education (CE), which must include one hour of ethics.  All of the CE can be done online if you so choose.

If You Have Questions

We’ve tried to summarize the application process and address anticipated questions as best we can.  If you’ve reviewed all the information here and on the application but still have questions, please contact Nancy Potter at nancy@abmp.com.  However, it’s possible that only the Board can answer your question.  To contact the Board:

Idaho State Board of Massage Therapy
Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses
700 West State Street, PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0063
Phone:  (208) 334-3233
Fax:  (208) 334-3945
Email:  mas@ibol.idaho.gov
Website:  click here

ABMP is proud to sponsor EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week, July 14–20, 2013. During this annual July event, ABMP members give their time, money, and effort to help those less fortunate in their communities, while raising the profession’s visibility at the same time. In 2007, the program won a silver award from the Colorado Healthcare Communicators for its overall excellence.

Throughout EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week, ABMP encourages and supports members as they donate their time to such community-spirited activities as offering complimentary massages while collecting cash or canned-food donations for nonprofits. Other efforts include offering free massage or discounts to senior citizens, students, police and firefighters, as well as charity telethon work and health fair participation. ABMP members can learn more about this event and print their customizable Massage Week materials at ABMP.com.

Massage therapists can also order a free sample packet of materials, or reserve an event banner from ABMP’s EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week hotline: 877-208-7546.

Maryland House Bill 818 and Senate Bill 915, both recently introduced in the state legislature, propose to increase the number of hours that an applicant for licensure must complete in a Board-approved massage program from 500 hours to 600 hours.  The bills also would add kinesiology to the content areas that must be included in those 600 hours.

ABMP opposes any increase in the required educational hours or content areas without justification for such a change. There are already considerable inconsistencies in the Maryland law regulating massage therapists that make reciprocity very difficult. Adding to those obstacles for no apparent reason is unacceptable.

The bills have been withdrawn so no additional action will take place in 2013.

As we discussed in our last legislative update, HB 1126 initially proposed to repeal South Dakota’s Massage Therapy Act.  However, a compromise amendment was achieved which deleted the repeal language and instead made several improvements to the massage law, including:

• Removing the requirement that schools must be accredited by a US Department of Education recognized accrediting agency by July 1, 2014 in order to be recognized by the Board.
• Improving reciprocity/endorsement licensing requirements for those moving to South Dakota.
• Improving the renewal process and adding a grace period for licensees who renew within 30 days of expiration.
• Requiring eight (8) hours of continuing education and allowing all 8 hours to be obtained online if the licensee chooses.
• Setting a minimum professional liability insurance coverage limit of no less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars per occurrence instead of allowing the Board to determine limits by rule. Liability insurance coverage included in your ABMP membership far exceeds this amount.

ABMP was in favor of the proposed amendment, and we are now pleased to report that the final enrolled bill was signed into law by Governor Daugaard on March 14, 2013.  We thank those of you who contacted your legislators to voice your support for the bill.  ABMP will attempt to assist the Board in developing rules which might better accommodate those license applicants who graduated from schools which are now closed.

All interested massage therapists are invited to participate in a survey on massage education. The purpose of this survey is to gather opinions regarding the quality of massage education, with the overall goal of improving its quality. The survey is being conducted by Martha Menard, PhD, as part of a program evaluation on behalf of the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA).

The survey link is available here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8W8GZHJ
Please respond no later than April 5, 2013.

All responses are anonymous. The final results of this study will be used for scholarly purposes and may also be published in a summary format in a peer-reviewed journal.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Martha Menard, PhD, at 434-960-6862, or via email at martha@sigmaappliedresearch.com. This study has been reviewed according to accepted Institutional Review Board (IRB) procedures for research involving human subjects, and approved. If you have questions about the rights of research participants you can call Solutions IRB. They are an impartial ethics review board, and can be contacted by phone at (855) 226-4472.

House Bill 1981 was introduced in the Washington state legislature on March 7, 2013.  The bill proposes to require that massage therapy businesses, or “establishments,” obtain establishment licenses from the Department of Health in order to operate.  The bill lists several exemptions, including exemptions for student clinics, establishments owned by licensed medical professionals, establishments which provide only chair massage, establishments owned and operated by a licensed massage practitioner who is the only practitioner working in that establishment, and establishments that are affiliated with a national massage franchise.

ABMP is opposed to the bill and has voiced its opposition in a letter to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Laurie Jinkins, which you can read here.  The bill has not been sent to Committee, and it is in the early stages of the legislative process.  We will let you know of any developments concerning HB 1981.

Under current law, Rhode Island massage therapists are regulated directly by the Department of Health.  House Bill 5714, introduced in the state legislature on February 27, 2013, would amend Rhode Island’s massage law by placing the regulation of the massage profession under a new State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners operating under the Division of Professional Regulation of the Department of Health.  The Board would be composed of seven members, five of whom would be licensed massage therapists and one of whom would be a member of the general public.  No more than one member could be affiliated with a massage therapy school.  Board members would serve in staggered two-year terms after an initial term not exceeding three years.

H 5714 also would impose a new continuing education (CE) requirement for massage therapists.  If the bill is passed, therapists will need to certify that they have completed six hours of CE every year, or twelve hours every two years, in order to renew their licenses.  The Board would issue rules detailing the specifics of the new requirement.  We have asked the bill sponsors to provide their reasoning for proposing mandatory CE now.  Required CE means additional costs for practitioners, and ABMP believes that it should be imposed only if doing so will enhance public protection, not simply because other states do so.

Additionally, H 5714 would require that massage therapists state their name and license number on all advertising, and display a copy of their license in their principal place of business.  Other amendments proposed in the bill include new, expressly-stated exemptions for modalities including Feldenkrais and Trager, and an increase in the limit on monetary penalties for violations of the massage law from $1000 to $5000.

We will keep you informed of any important developments.

HB 659, recently introduced in the Missouri legislature, proposes to dramatically alter the state’s massage therapy law by stating that “nothing [within the massage therapy statute] shall require a person engaged in the practice of massage therapy to be licensed,” except that only someone who has obtained a license can call him or herself a “licensed massage therapist.”  Therefore, if the bill becomes law, no massage therapist in Missouri will be required to have license in order to practice massage, as long as the therapist does not call him or herself a “licensed massage therapist.”

ABMP strongly opposes HB 659.  Professional licensure is critical to ensuring entry-level standards of practice for the profession, and it protects the safety of the public by ensuring that therapists have received adequate training and that massage clients have an avenue to file complaints if necessary.  Only five states in the country have experimented with a voluntary licensing scheme.  Two of those (New Jersey and Wisconsin) have now switched to mandatory licensing, and two more (Indiana and Virginia) are considering a switch in 2013.  Voluntary licensing is confusing to clients and does not serve the profession or the public. 

ABMP opposes HB 659 and has contacted the sponsor and committee members. We will keep you informed of the status of the bill.

Under current Florida law, an applicant is qualified for licensure as a massage therapist if he or she passes an approved exam and either completes a course of study at a school approved by the Massage Therapy Board or completes an apprenticeship program that meets the Board’s standards.  Under SB 1334, recently introduced in the Florida state legislature, apprenticeships would no longer serve as a qualification for licensure.  If the bill becomes law, every applicant will be required to pass a Board-approved exam and complete the required massage education at a Board-approved school.

We will keep you informed of the status of the bill.

If passed, Senate Bill 387 would require that “massage facilities,” meaning any “facility where a person engages in the practice of massage,” obtain a massage facility permit from the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists in order to operate.  This requirement would not apply to licensed massage schools or to individual massage therapists working out of their homes.  In addition, the bill was amended on March 1^st to exclude all clinics or facilities owned or operated by a person regulated by a health professional regulatory board from obtaining a facility permit as well.

This means that massage facilities that are owned or operated by licensed massage therapists (or other health professionals listed here) will not be required to obtain a facility permit. Only facilities owned or operated by people who are not licensed massage therapists (or other licensed health professionals) will be required to obtain a facility permit.

ABMP is very supportive of exempting licensed health professionals from the facility permit requirement.  The Board of Massage Therapists believes that regulating facilities will help combat the serious problem of human trafficking in Oregon by giving the Board the authority to discipline establishment owners operating illicit businesses under the guise of massage and providing a tool for law enforcement in shutting those businesses down. ABMP expected the Board to exempt licensed health professionals by rule, but it is more appropriate that they are clearly exempt by statute.

House Bill 351, sponsored by Rep. Paul Ray, would require massage therapy licensees to complete twenty-four hours of mandatory continuing education during each 2 year renewal cycle.  You may read ABMP’s letter to the bill sponsor and committee members regarding our concerns here. The bill was heard by the House Health and Human Services Committee on February 27, 2013 and several committee members and testifiers voiced similar concerns with the bill. As a result, the Committee referred the bill to the House Rules Committee with the recommendation that they move the bill to interim study.

Interim Committees study key issues facing the state and recommend legislation for the upcoming session. These committees meet between legislative sessions from April through November and serve as an opportunity for the public to speak and give their input to the legislature concerning matters being considered. Offering opinions regarding issues being considered in the interim committees is an excellent way to participate in the lawmaking process and ABMP will inform members when the opportunity arises.

Colorado Senate Bill 151 was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on February 13, 2013. The bill now goes to the Appropriations Committee for review. If passed, the bill will extend the Colorado Massage Therapy Practice Act, the law that regulates massage therapists in Colorado, until 2022. SB 151 does not make any drastic changes to the existing massage law. The requirements for licensure will be the same as they have been for registration: 500 hours of massage therapy education, passage of a national massage exam, successful completion of a background check, and adequate liability insurance. The bill does not impose any continuing education requirement. However, SB 151 does include a title change for the profession. Under the new law, massage therapists would be required to obtain a “license,” instead of a “registration,” in order to practice, and therefore would be titled as Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT’s) instead of Registered Massage Therapists (RMT’s). This title is consistent with the rest of the country and we believe it will mean more to consumers. The bill also updates the grounds for discipline, streamlines the process for applicants who attended out-of-state schools, and specifies that applicants who have been denied a license must wait two years to re-apply. ABMP supports SB 151 and has been actively working for its passage. We will keep you apprised of the status of the bill.

Indiana Senate Bill 573 (Landske) was passed by members of the Committee on Public Policy on February 14, 2013. This is the first step in a long legislative process. If passed, the bill would amend the current state certification law to a mandatory practice act. Anyone practicing, or advertising that they practice massage therapy, would be required to obtain a license in order to practice legally in the state. Practitioners who are currently state certified would be considered “licensed” automatically on July 1, 2013 if the bill is passed so they would not have to re-apply or meet new qualifications.

Under current law, state certification is required only if one “professes to be a certified massage therapist,” uses the title “Certified Massage Therapist” or “Massage Therapist,” or uses the abbreviation “CMT” or “MT” to imply that he or she is a certified massage therapist. The proposed bill would eliminate the “certification” process and replace it by requiring a mandatory license for anyone who practices massage therapy, no matter what title the practitioner is using. A person practicing massage therapy without a license would be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

If passed, SB 573 would expand the authority of the State Board of Massage Therapy by authorizing it to establish standards for the competent practice of massage therapy, approve massage therapy school curricula consistent with accepted national standards, and establish continuing education requirements. In addition, the Board would have the ability to establish an inactive license category.

SB 573 would also pre-empt the local regulation of massage therapists so that practitioners would not have to obtain multiple individual city permits/licenses to practice; however, the municipalities would maintain their authority over zoning and business licenses.

ABMP is generally supportive of SB 573. If passed, the regulation of massage therapists in Indiana would become more consistent with the rest of the country. We will keep Indiana members apprised of the status of the bill.

February 4, 2013. The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education has completed Phase 1 of its National Teacher Education Standards Project, and has announced the publication of the Core Competencies for Massage Therapy Teachers. This document describes the foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) needed for teachers to produce successful and consistent outcomes with adult learners in a variety of educational settings.

These comprehensive standards apply to the work of teachers across the entire continuum of massage therapy education, from entry-level training programs to post-graduate studies. They also apply to teachers throughout the arc of their professional careers.

In December 2010, the Alliance launched the National Teacher Education Standards Project (TESP) as part of its long-term commitment to strengthen and improve the quality of massage therapy education. This endeavor is both timely and essential because the majority of instructors in this field have not received formal training in the theory and methodology of teaching. As well, there are few jurisdictions that uphold competency standards for massage therapy teachers.

The Core Competencies will provide guidance to classroom teachers, continuing education providers, schools, national accrediting commissions, state regulatory agencies and other organizations in the massage therapy field.

The National Teacher Education Standards Project (TESP) will be carried out through a series of five phases: With Phase 1 now finished, the Alliance moves into Phases 2 and 3, which involve the creation of a model teacher training curriculum and the identification and development of training resources. To ensure that teachers have achieved the competencies, a voluntary certification program will be established as Phase 4. The final step will involve working with school accreditors and regulators to incorporate these teacher education standards. Overall, it’s estimated the TESP will take 5–10 years.

The Alliance’s Professional Standards Committee was responsible for the development of this document. A diverse group of experienced teachers, CE providers, and massage school directors researched existing teacher standards throughout the realms of public education and specialized professional education. The committee incorporated some of these well-researched templates, adding to them the unique nature and attributes of massage therapy education. Throughout the process, important feedback on working drafts was obtained from attendees at the Alliance’s 2011 and 2012 Annual Conferences, as well as through public comment periods.

According to Alliance President Pete Whitridge, LMT, “The establishment of the Core Competencies is a landmark achievement in the massage therapy field. Now that these standards are in place, we are shifting our focus to the practical tasks of implementation. In the months and years to come, the Alliance will provide resources to assist individuals and institutions in the process of meeting these standards, for the ultimate benefit of students and clients of massage therapy.”

Massage Therapist Call to Action:  The new massage therapy licensure bill has been introduced, it has not been given a hearing date yet.  Now is the time to contact your legislators in support of House Bill 2187.

House Bill 2187, the Massage Therapy Licensure Act, would set minimum training requirements, define a scope of practice, provide an avenue for consumer complaint, and pre-empt local regulations. If passed, the bill would require massage therapists to become licensed by the state under the Kansas State Board of Nursing, and would establish a Massage Therapy Advisory Committee to advise the Board in carrying out the provisions of the Act.

The bill includes generous grandfathering opportunities for current massage therapists.  For a period of two years, existing practitioners would be able to qualify for a state license by meeting one of the following criteria:

1. Has completed a massage program consisting of a minimum 500 hours; or
2. Has completed at least 300 hours during the 3 years prior to the date of application; or
3. Has practiced massage for at least 5 years prior to the date of application; or
4. Has been an active member of a national massage therapist association (such as ABMP) which provides professional liability insurance for at least a year; or
5. Has passed a nationally recognized examination approved by the board.

After two years, all NEW applicants only will have to demonstrate they have completed a massage program consisting of at least 500 hours and passed an examination approved by the board.

Several practices would be exempt from licensure as long as practitioners do not practice, or advertise that they practice massage therapy, including: reflexology, movement educators (Feldenkrais, Trager, and Body-Mind Centering), energy work (Reiki, Shiatsu, Asian Bodywork, Polarity), structural integrators (Rolfing and Hellerwork).

The licensing fee would be no more than $75 every two years and continuing education requirements would be limited to no more than 12 hours biennially. Massage therapists would be required to carry professional liability insurance.

A recent article highlighted statements made by the office of Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw in Buffalo, NY that referred to massage as a “luxury,” and derided the Erie County Public Employee Health Care Benefits program for offering massage and acupuncture as a benefit to public employees. After being alerted by ABMP members in the area, ABMP Government Relations Director Jean Robinson has sent a statement on behalf of our organization and its members to support the role of massage as a valid and proven form of complementary and alternative medicine. The statement, in its entirety, is below:

February 14, 2013

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz

Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw

Erie County Executive’s Office

Edward A. Rath County Office Building
95 Franklin Street, 16th Floor
Buffalo, New York 14202

Re:  Erie County Public Employee Health Care Benefits

Dear County Executive Poloncarz and Comptroller Mychajliw,

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) is a professional membership association for massage and bodywork therapists representing more than 80,000 members nationally and over 2,000 in New York State.

We would like to take this opportunity to provide some facts in response to recent items in the Erie County press calling into question whether county employees should receive health insurance benefits for therapeutic massage.  Study after study indicates that therapeutic massage is not a frivolous indulgence but rather an effective treatment for dozens of physical conditions.  For example:

• Massage therapy is a safe and effective way to reduce pain and improve function in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, reported a 2006 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
• The Annals of Internal Medicine reported in 2003 that massage therapy was effective for treat­ing persistent back pain, as did a 2000 report by the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
• Research has shown massage reduces carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.  The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2004.
• Premature infant massage in the NICU was reported in Neonatal Network to be effective in increasing weight gain, improving developmental scores, shortening hospital stays and improving parent-baby bonding (2003).
• Pediatric healthcare staff report increasing hospital use of complementary and alternative medicine, including massage (Advance for Nurses, April 2007).
• In 2005, Cancer Control reported massage therapy effectively reduced stress and anxiety in cancer patients, with a promising outlook for pain control and management of other symptoms.
• Oncology patients show less pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression following massage therapy, according to a study by Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 2004, and a report in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2002.
• Women with lymph node dissection receiving arm massage had less pain and surgery-related discomfort, according to a 2004 Cancer Nursing article.
• Forty-eight percent of respondents to a Consumer Reports survey rated massage therapy as “very helpful” in relieving back pain. The survey revealed pain relief was a top motivator for those seeking massage. (Consumer Reports, May 2009).
• Touch may help alleviate symptoms of depression according to the American Journal of Psychiatry. Researchers suggested the release of oxytocin and relaxing aspects of massage help improve this condition. (March 2010).

Individuals who are treated with massage therapy are often able to address their conditions without physician or hospital visits, resulting in enormous health care cost savings.  Massage therapy is an accepted, proven, and cost-effective health care practice.

We invite you to review the facts and continue to include therapeutic massage as an important part of Erie County’s employee health benefits.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jean Robinson, Government Relations Director

HB 1126 was amended during the House floor vote. The amendment changed one word in the entire massage law.

The board shall (instead of may) issue a license to engage is the practice of massage to a person who submits an application form and the nonrefundable application fee as approved in § 36-35-17 and who demonstrates the following qualifications….

The qualifications for licensure remained the same.

The amendment passed yesterday is not sufficient. It eliminated one “may” but left another “may” in the same section of the bill that allows the board to refues to issue a license . We expect there to be more compromise in the Senate and will keep members informed.

Two bills have been introduced in the Oklahoma state legislature which would require that all massage therapists in Oklahoma have state licenses in order to practice, and that all massage schools have state licenses in order to operate. Neither bill has been set for hearing in the legislature. ABMP is opposed to both of these bills unless significant changes are made.

House Bill 1417 places the regulation of the massage profession under the authority of the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The bill provides that the Chiropractic Board will issue a license to applicants who (1) have passed an (unspecified) exam, (2) maintain professional liability insurance, and (3) have not been convicted of, or plead guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or a violation of federal or state controlled substances laws. Under the bill’s grandfathering provision, for 18 months after the law becomes effective, applicants may obtain a license if they have (1) completed 500 hours of massage education from a state-licensed school and have practiced massage in Oklahoma for at least one year, or (2) practiced massage in Oklahoma for at least 3 years, or (3) completed at least 750 hours of massage education from a state-licensed school. Licenses would have to be renewed every two years. The bill gives the Chiropractic Board authority to discipline licenses for violations of the massage law.

Senate Bill 1019 places the regulation of the massage profession under the authority of the State Board of Medical Licensure. The bill provides that the Medical Board will issue a license to applicants who (1) have passed a standardized national massage therapy exam, (2) maintain professional liability insurance, and (3) have not been convicted of, or plead guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or a violation of federal or state controlled substances laws. SB 1019 contains no grandfathering provision. Instead, it states that from November 1, 2013 until May 1, 2014, the Medical Board may issue “temporary” licenses to applicants who have (1) completed 500 hours of massage education from a state-licensed school and have practiced massage in Oklahoma for at least one year, or (2) practiced massage in Oklahoma for at least 3 years, or (3) completed at least 750 hours of massage education from a state-licensed school. All “temporary” licenses would expire May 1, 2014, at which time the person must have qualified for full licensure in order to practice. Licenses would have to be renewed every two years. The bill gives the Medical Board authority to discipline licenses for violations of the massage law.

We will keep you apprised of the status of the bills.

Florida Senate Bill 500 (and companion bill: House Bill 7005, affecting massage establishments, has been scheduled for a hearing in the state legislature.  Current law requires that all massage establishments, defined as “a site or premises, or portion thereof, wherein a massage therapist practices massage,” must have a state-issued license in order to operate.  HB 7005 proposes to add requirements that a person operating a massage establishment may not: (1) operate a massage establishment between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am, unless the massage establishment is a health care facility or hotel, or unless all massages are performed under the supervision of a physician or other specified health care professional, or (2) use the establishment, or permit it to be used, as a principal domicile, unless it is zoned under a local ordinance for residential use.  Any person violating these requirements would guilty of a misdemeanor for the first offense, and a third degree felony for subsequent offenses.

The language of the bill states that while the legislature recognizes that the majority of massage establishments are operated by law-abiding citizens, a small number are operated in order to conduct illegal activity, such as human trafficking.  The text of the bill states that it is the legislature’s intent to protect the public, and the massage profession, from those establishments that engage in illegal activity.

Georgia House Bill 141 was recently introduced in the state legislature.  If passed, the bill would require that all establishments that offer massage or bodywork services by a massage therapist must post a notice (1) in the establishment’s restroom and (2) near the establishment’s entrance or in another conspicuous location, which contains specified information about human trafficking and contact information for the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.  The notice would have to be 8 ½ inches by 11 inches in size.  The state Department of Public Safety would make the specific text of the notice available for download on its website by August 1, 2013.

Any person who failed to comply with the posting requirement would first be notified in writing by law enforcement of his or her noncompliance.  A failure to correct the violation within 30 days would then result in a misdemeanor conviction and fine of up to $500, with subsequent offenses punishable by a fine of up to $1000 and up to 30 days imprisonment.

We will keep you apprised of any developments regarding this bill.

January 31, 2013

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards invites you to consider participating in one of the following committees associated with the Licensure Renewal Program.

Ethics and Professional Practice Committee
This Committee will be responsible for developing the State-sponsored “Ethics and Professional Practice” continuing education component for the FSMTB.

Professional Development Activity Committee
The PDA Committee will be responsible for developing and reviewing applications in the Professional Development Activity registration and tracking system .

Information Technology Review Committee
Experts in IT are needed to review the various technological requirements of projects associated with the License Renewal Program and provide recommended IT solutions for those identified needs.

Some travel may be required to attend meetings, the first of which is scheduled for early 2013. Other meetings will be held via conference calls, as indicated by the Committee.

The choice of participants will be based on demonstrated interest in the profession and support of FSMTB’s mission and a willingness and ability to serve and commit their knowledge and skill to the project. Participants should have leadership and communications skills and will be accountable for cooperative effort and timely completion of tasks associated with the project. Those individuals with experience in the subject matter,curriculum development, continuing education and information technology will receive priority consideration.

The FSMTB will provide Committee members with policy information, appropriate training and orientation to assist in the performance of their activities and travel expenses will be reimbursed. Prior to selection, all participants will submit a signed Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form. Interested persons may download, print and mail     documents to the office OR submit electronically using the links provided.     Confidentiality of application materials will be respected. Interested persons should submit a Volunteer Application by February 6, 2013.

For more information please contact:
Lorena Haynes
Continuing Competence Coordinator
lhaynes@fsmtb.org 
913.681.0380

Volunteer Application (.pdf version)
Electronic Volunteer Application 
Licensure Renewal Recommendation

Oregon Senate Bill 387 was recently introduced in the state legislature.  If passed, the bill would require that all “massage facilities,” meaning any “facility where a person engages in the practice of massage,” must obtain a massage facility permit from the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists in order to operate.  This requirement would not apply to licensed massage schools or to individual massage therapists working out of their homes.

To receive a permit, a facility would be required to submit a permit application and pay a fee, comply with the Board’s health and safety requirements, and employ only licensed massage therapists, among other things.  Facilities would be required to obtain Board approval before relocating the facility or transferring a permit.  A permit would need to be renewed periodically, with payment of a renewal fee, prior to its expiration date.

The bill authorizes the Board to adopt rules establishing health, safety, and infection control requirements for massage facilities, as well as rules governing facility investigations.  Massage facilities operating without a permit, or which violate any other requirements of the proposed law, would be subject to discipline and monetary penalties.

We will keep our Oregon members apprised of the status of the bill.  If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Potter, ABMP’s Government Relations Coordinator, at nancy@abmp.com.

Colorado Senate Bill 13-026 was recently introduced in the state legislature. If passed, the bill would amend the “Michael Skolnick Medical Transparency Act of 2010” to add massage therapists and others to the list of health care professional who must disclose certain information about their practice history to the state for inclusion in a publicly available database when they are applying for or renewing their registration.

We will keep our CO members apprised of the status of the bill.

Hawaii Senate Bill 193 was recently introduced in the state legislature.  If passed, the bill would require that all massage therapy establishments in Hawaii post, in a conspicuous place, a notice measuring at least 8 ½ by 11 inches which states, “If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave – whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work, or any other similar activity – call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access help and services,” along with other information concerning the human trafficking hotline.  The Department of Professional and Vocational Licensing will make a copy of the poster available on its website to print.

Any massage therapy establishment which fails to post the notice would be subject to a $100 penalty, with an additional $100 penalty for each day that the violation continues.

We will keep our Hawaii members apprised of the status of the bill.  If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Potter, ABMP’s Government Relations Coordinator, at nancy@abmp.com.

The Idaho Board of Massage Therapy will have licensure applications available on its website after the Legislature approves it rules and regulations during the 2013 legislative session. The Board invites all practitioners to view the newly added Frequently Asked Questions page on its website for additional information.

On 12/6/12 the leadership of seven national massage therapy organizations gathered in Englewood, Colorado for their third face-to-face meeting in the past 15 months. Several participating organizations note that they serve diverse bodywork practitioners and institutions, but as “massage therapy” is the common thread for all seven organizations, we use that term, in its broadest context, in the comments below.

Part of the agenda of that meeting was to define our reasons for convening, both as a point of reference for our future work together, and to inform the public of our intentions.

We seek a thriving massage therapy profession that enhances the health and well-being of clients throughout the United States. In an environment of cooperation between these groups, we see the potential to advance the massage therapy profession as a whole. Although some parties are professional competitors and will remain so, we recognize that in some circumstances our combined effort may be more effective than the influence of any organization operating individually. Also, the work we do collaboratively can serve to make each organization stronger and more successful.

We believe that a safe, candid forum in which we can identify challenges and opportunities in the wide field of massage therapy, identify organizational roles, examine and (if possible) defuse conflicts, and set priorities for common action, is of value to the entire massage therapy profession.

The seven participating organizations do not possess equal power or financial resources. But when we meet together, each organization and its two chosen representatives participate on an equal footing, in an atmosphere of mutual participation and respect. Group meeting expenses are shared equally, although particular projects embraced may not be funded equally by all organizations.

Participating organizations include:

Alliance for Massage Therapy Education
American Massage Therapy Association
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
Massage Therapy Foundation
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

After much discussion, we have decided to call ourselves a coalition of national massage therapy organizations (“the coalition”). No plans exist to formally incorporate the group, or to imbue it with any legal status.

Education for massage therapists is an issue where the missions of every organization overlap. In our first meeting over a year ago we identified that inconsistent standards and outcomes in massage education was a keystone for several goals that the organizations have, including improved portability for massage licensure, a model practice act, more consistent accreditation standards for schools, and better support and training for massage therapy educators.  The ELAP (Entry-Level Analysis Project) is the first project supported by the seven organizations to address these educational concerns.

The ELAP is funded primarily by ABMP, AMTA, and FSMTB. The other organizations support the project in principle, and offer consultative help as necessary; COMTA specifically has become actively engaged in helping present project findings. It is a groundbreaking cooperative effort between sometimes competitors to serve the entire massage therapy profession.

ELAP work group members are educational subject matter experts recruited from all over the country to map out a realistic, evidence-informed and quantified description of content and skill qualifications for an entry-level education in massage therapy.

Their initial findings are anticipated to be made available for public comment in April 2013.

Massage Without Borders (MWB), a newly formed charitable organization, is
helping massage therapists and bodyworkers affected by Hurricane Sandy. Gloria
Coppola, massage therapist, owner of Massage Pro C.E., and founder of MWB, is
leading the efforts of more than 30 MTs to replace massage tables, raise funds
for massage students unable to pay tuition, and work to restore homes and
businesses lost in the hurricane.

“It’s been an amazing effort to help our colleagues,” Coppola says. “So many
connections have happened as a result.” MWB is partnering with Associated
Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) to raise funds through selling
T-shirts, and companies including Custom Craftworks, EarthLite, Oakworks, and
more are contributing to the organization.

Upcoming fundraising opportunities include a virtual concert, which will be
broadcast live on January 29 at www.massagenerd.com. Performers will
include colleagues and professional artists, and there will be an auction of
massage products and supplies to raise money.

To volunteer with MWB, or to learn more, go to the organization’s website
(www.massagewithoutborders.org), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/HelpMTs), or
email Gloria Coppola at massagewithoutborders@gmail.com.

John Upledger, the developer of craniosacral therapy and founder of The Upledger Institute, died today, Friday, October 26. Dr. Upledger, an osteopathic physician and surgeon, was 80 years old.

The author of several texts, including Your Inner Physician and You, Dr. Upledger had served on the Alternative Medicine Program Advisory Council for the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, was a clinical researcher and professor of biomechanics at Michigan State University from 1975-1983, and was a certified fellow of the American Academy of Osteopathy. He was also well-known for being a member of the medical team that in 2003 separated 2-year-old conjoined twin boys.

From the Institute’s Facebook page: “Dr. John has made such an incredible impact on so many and we are honored to continue to support his work and carry it forward.” Details regarding services for Dr. Upledger are pending.

California SB 1238 was signed into law by Governor Brown on September 27, 2012.  The new law, which goes into effect on January 1, 2013, amends California’s voluntary massage certification statute in several ways.

First, the amendment changes the requirements for certification.  The prior law allowed applicants to obtain a massage therapist certification by showing that they had either obtained a minimum of 500 hours of massage education, or passed an approved massage and bodywork competency exam.   Under the new law, applicants now must show:

• That they completed 500 hours of massage education.  250 of those hours must be from approved schools, and the remaining 250 can be from registered schools or approved or registered continuing education providers;

OR

• That they completed 250 hours of massage education from approved schools, which included at least 100 hours total of anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health and hygiene, and business and ethics, AND that they passed an approved massage and bodywork competency exam.

Second, the new law allows the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) to immediately suspend a massage certification, after notice to the certificate holder, if CAMTC receives “clear and convincing” evidence that the certificate holder has committed an act punishable as a sexually related crime related to the qualifications or functions of a certificate holder.  In making its determination, CAMTC can rely on any written statements made under penalty of perjury.  A certificate holder whose license is suspended may request a hearing on the suspension, which must be held within 30 days of the request.

Third, the amendment authorizes law enforcement and local government agencies, upon CAMTC’s request, to provide information to CAMTC concerning an applicant, including information related to criminal activity or alleged unprofessional conduct.

Lastly, while the prior law allowed CAMTC to deny an application or discipline a certificate holder based on a felony conviction that is substantially related to the certificate holder’s qualifications or duties, the new law also allows denial or discipline based on the conviction of a misdemeanor, infraction, or municipal code violation, or liability in an administrative or civil action, that is substantially related to the certificate holder’s qualifications or duties.

During the Healing Hands for Arthritis event on September 19, Massage Envy locations nationwide raised nearly $678,173 to support the Arthritis Foundation in its mission to “prevent, control, and cure arthritis.” More than 800 clinics donated $10 from every massage and facial, as well as 10% of all BioFreeze, Murad, and Wyndmere product sales. “The support we received this year for Healing Hands for Arthritis was incredible,” said Massage Envy Director of Communications Paula Stapley in a press release. “We can’t thank all of our members and guests enough for participating.” This is the second such event for Massage Envy, and it brings the total raised for the Arthritis Foundation, which supports the estimated 50 million Americans affected by arthritis, to more than $1 million. “We are pleased to partner with Massage Envy and bring attention to arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability,” said Arthritis Foundation President and CEO John H. Klippel, MD. “The funds raised during Healing Hands for Arthritis will provide support for arthritis education, research, advocacy and other vital programs and services.”

As anticipated, Senate Bill 1193 was signed into law by Governor Brown on September 24, 2012. Under the new law, certain types of businesses in California, including establishments offering massage or bodywork services for compensation, must “conspicuously” post a written human trafficking notice which includes contact information for two human trafficking hotlines. However, massage establishments that use or employ only massage therapists who are certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) are exempt from the notice posting requirement.

As a result,

• If you practice massage or bodywork in California and you do not have any other massage therapists or bodyworkers as employees, then you must post the human trafficking notice in the place where you practice, unless you are CAMTC-certified. If you are CAMTC-certified, then you do not have to post the notice.
• If you employ others as massage therapists or bodyworkers, then you must post the human trafficking notice in your place of business unless you and all of the therapists/bodyworkers you employ are CAMTC-certified. If you and all of your therapist/bodyworker employees are CAMTC-certified, then you do not have to post the notice. If some, but not all, of your employees are CAMTC-certified, then you still must post the notice.

Any establishment which is required to post the notice but fails to do so is subject to a $500 penalty for the first offense and a $1000 penalty for each subsequent offense.

The notice must be at least 8 ½ inches by 11 inches in size, and written in 16-point font.  It must be posted near the public entrance to your business or in another location which is within view of the public and employees.

The text of the notice must state:

If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave – whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work, construction, factory, retail, or restaurant work, or any other activity – call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 or the California Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) at 1-888-KEY-2-FRE(EDOM) or 1-888-539-2373 to access help and services.

Victims of slavery and human trafficking are protected under United States and California law.

The hotlines are:

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Toll-free.
• Operated by nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations.
• Anonymous and confidential.
• Accessible in more than 160 languages.
• Able to provide help, referral to services, training, and general information.

The new law requires that the notice be printed in English and Spanish, and, if the establishment is located in a county where a language other than English or Spanish is the most widely spoken language, then in that third language as well. The California Department of Justice will post a model notice for download on its website, http://oag.ca.gov/, no later than April 1, 2013.

Massage therapists who are not certified by the CAMTC will be required to post the notice as of the date that the model notice becomes available on the California Department of Justice website.

Applications for New Jersey licensing are now available. This is not voluntary. All massage therapists and those who practice Asian Bodywork must now have a state license in order to practice. We recommend that you begin the license application process as soon you can. The application process is entirely on-line; there are no paper applications available. We also recommend that you have access to a printer so you can print a copy of the receipt, and any other pages for your records.

To be clear – the term “grandfathering” relates to the qualifications required to obtain a license. Grandfathering does not mean you don’t have to apply. Everyone must submit an application if they plan to practice massage therapy or energy work in the state of New Jersey.

You will need to pay by credit card, debit card, Visa gift card or Mastercard gift card. You cannot pay by check or money order. If you do not possess a credit or debit card, you may purchase a Visa or Mastercard gift card at most grocery stores.

Preparing to Apply

There are 6 different ways to qualify for a license. You will need to meet ONE of the following:

1. If you are currently a NJ state-certified massage and bodywork therapist, you do not need to apply for a license but you will need to renew as scheduled in November 2012.

The State will consider your certificate as a license until your renewal date. When you renew your state certification, pay the fee, and verify that you have completed your continuing education requirements, you will then be issued a license rather than a certification.

2. If you have 500 hours of massage education from a school accredited or approved by the state of New Jersey or by another state, you will apply for License by Education:

You will be required to contact your school and have it send a copy of your transcript directly to the Massage Board. If your school is closed, you will need to contact the custodian of records for that school. To find the contact information for the custodian of records, call 609-984-5262 or email schoolapprovalunit@dol.state.nj.us.

3. If you took and passed a written national exam, you will apply for License by Examination:

You will be required to have verification of passing the exam sent to the NJ Board directly from the exam provider. This can usually be accomplished by submitting an online form. Current certification by either the NCBTMB or NCCAOM is not required –passing the exam meets this requirement.

If you passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (MBLEx: www.fsmtb.org), submit the MBLEx Mobility Form https://fsmtb.org/downloads/mblexMob.pdf ; OR

If you passed the national certification exam offered by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB: www.ncbtmb.org), submit the Official Score Report Request https://www.ncbtmb.org/school_report_request_form.php ; OR

If you passed the Asian Bodywork Therapy Exam offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM: www.nccaom.org), Exam Results and Certification Verification Form.

4. If you are currently licensed in another state, you will be able to apply for License by Endorsement.

You will be required to submit two items:

Official verification of licensure in good standing from the state in which you are licensed sent directly from that state’s massage board to the NJ Board; AND

A copy of the current statutes and regulations regarding massage and bodywork for the state you are currently licensed in.

You will apply by License Without Meeting Full Education Requirements if you meet one of the following:

5. You have 200-499 hours of massage education from an approved or accredited school or providers, and you have practiced full time for the past 2 years (which means 500 hours per year, or an average of 9 massages per week); OR

6. You have 200-499 hours of massage education from an approved or accredited school or providers, and you have worked part-time for the past 5 years (which means 250 hours per year, or an average of 5 massages per week).

You will be required to submit documentary evidence that shows that you completed the 200 hours of education, which could include a copy of a transcript or a diploma. The Board will review this documentation prior to issuing a license.

You will have to attest to the fact that you have worked full or part time for the number of years required. Be prepared to document this fact if you’re chosen by random audit by the Board.

Begin the application process

To get started, please click on the link: https://newjersey.mylicense.com/eGov/

On the left side menu, choose ‘Register a Person’.

In the section titled ‘Other Registration’, enter your Last Name, Social Security Number and Date of Birth.

Click on Search.

This will bring you to the Initial Registration page, where you will enter your personal information onto the page.

This process will ask you to create a User ID and Password (similar to many sites such as EBAY or Amazon, etc.).

After your User ID and Password are created sign on to the login page and choose Initial Application.

The instructions say to save each page as you go, you don’t need to do this. Your information is automatically saved. If you want to stop and finish your application later, click “Save and Finish Later.”

All applicants will be required to submit the following:

Complete and submit the on-line application.

Pay the $75 application fee online by credit card. When your license is approved, you will receive it by US Mail along with a bill for $120 for the initial license fee.

A full face passport size (2inx2in) photograph of your head taken within the past 6 months with your name printed on the back of the photo. Most chain drug stores, copy shops like Kinko’s, and many post offices provide this service.

Provide proof that the applicant has current certifications in CPR, first aid, and AED (automated external defibrillator) from courses offered by the American Heart Association, or courses approved or offered by the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council, Coyne First Aid, Inc., the American Safety and Health Institute, or EMP International, Inc.

If you do not possess current certification in CPR, first aid, and AED, contact one of the approved providers immediately and register for a class. We have provided a link to each providers website (click the name). You are not required to be certified in the courses for healthcare providers, the courses designed for community members or lay people are accepted by the NJ Massage Board. Confirm that the course you register for offers all three requirements (CPR, first aid, and AED) so you don’t have to take multiple courses.

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/CPR_UCM_001118_SubHomePage.jsp

http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class

http://www.nsc.org/products_training/Training/firstaidandCPR/Pages/FirstAidTrainingPrograms.aspx#.UD_JmCI098E

http://www.coynefirstaid.com/courses.php

http://www.hsi.com/about-hsi/

The background check

After you complete the online application, the state will mail you the required fingerprint card and instructions to obtain your fingerprints and begin the background check. You will have to pay a fingerprint fee of $67.00, or $22.50 if you have already had fingerprinting done in NJ for another license, or for some other reason. If you would like to plan ahead, view this link to find a fingerprint location near you. https://www.bioapplicant.com/Locations.aspx

The following people are not required to obtain massage licenses in NJ:

People who are licensed in NJ to practice another profession and are performing massage as part of that profession, using the title of that other profession. For example, a NJ-licensed nurse may perform massage as part of his or her profession as a nurse, as long as he or she uses the title of nurse and not massage therapist.

People who perform only manipulation of the soft tissue of the body contained on hands, feet, or ears, as long as the client does not remove any clothing other than shoes or socks.

People whose practice involves solely the use of touch, words, and directed movement to deepen awareness of existing patterns of movement in the body, or to suggest new possibilities of movement, provided that these services are not designated or implied to be massage and bodywork therapies, and the client remains fully clothed.

Avoid Common Mistakes

If you have changed your name since you graduated from school, send documentation of all name changes (copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Don’t lie on the application. The information you submit is easily verifiable, and you are likely to get caught. A past arrest, criminal conviction, or disciplinary action will not automatically disqualify you. Lying will.

Don’t skip any portion of the application.

Answer all questions completely.

It will now be a criminal violation of the law to practice massage therapy or energy work without a Board issued license. Don’t let anyone convince you that it is “okay” to practice with only NCBTMB or NCCOAM certification. It is not okay.

Do not panic

It will now be a criminal violation of the law to practice massage therapy or energy work without a Board issued license. This does not mean the state enforcement unit will be out tomorrow banging on doors writing violations. The applications were just made available. The state will not enforce the law until a reasonable time frame has passed to allow individuals to apply for licensure.

This statement is not an excuse to procrastinate! The sooner you apply, the sooner you will complete the process.

Fees

There are 3 different fees that will be paid at different times throughout the process.

The application fee ($75) that you pay when you submit the online application;

The background check fee ($67.50) you will submit at the fingerprinting location;

The initial license fee ($120) that you will be billed for when the Board sends your license to you.

Employer registration

An individual or entity that employs another person (or persons) to provide massage and bodywork therapies must register with the Board. State approved schools and health care institutions licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services do not have to register.

Author, educator, practitioner, and researcher Elaine Calenda passed away the evening of Friday, August 24, surrounded by friends and family. Elaine has been an integral part of Boulder College of Massage Therapy (BCMT) since she joined the faculty in January 1992. Prior, she graduated from the Swedish Institute in 1978 and gained clinical work experience at the Center of Osteopathic & Sports Medicine in New York City.

In June, BCMT honored Elaine with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In announcing her passing, her BCMT family wrote, “…our lives and the profession we all love will not be the same without Elaine. Her incredible presence in the massage therapy field, and her unparalleled commitment to the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, will never be forgotten.”

At BCMT she taught sports and orthopedic massage with infectious joy and humor, and served as academic dean until she stepped back to fight an aggressive form of cancer. Elaine contributed to the development of the Associate of Occupational Studies Program at BCMT and participated in multiple research projects.

Dedicated to the advancement of the massage profession, Elaine wrote for massage and CAM publications. She is a contributing author to the textbook Teaching Massage: Fundamental Principles in Adult Education for Massage Program Instructors, published by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals and Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Elaine’s legacy and passion live on through her fellow instructors and the thousands of therapists she touched and inspired over the years.

A celebration of Elaine’s life is scheduled for Saturday, September 8, from noon to 3 pm at BCMT, 6255 Longbow Drive, Boulder, Colorado. Any condolences may be sent to elaine.calenda.assistance@gmail.com.

> Report online scams.

Internet Scams Target Massage Therapists
Please note! ABMP has received several reports reporting this scam. Be aware!

Massage therapists are now on the receiving end of a variation of an online con. Here’s how it works: An out-of-town “client” contacts a practitioner via e-mail wanting to schedule appointments for a time in the future when he/she will be visiting the area. The appointments and times are scheduled. Shortly thereafter, the practitioner receives a cashier’s check for these services, but it’s generally for much more than the originally agreed upon price. The alleged client or a secretary of the client contacts the therapist, explains the mistake, and asks the therapist to deposit the check and simply refund the balance. The check appears to clear and the practitioner sends the overage back to the client only to learn two weeks later that the check was a fraud. Now the practitioner is out whatever the overage was.

If this has happened to you, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website, www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm, and click “File a Complaint” to fill out the form. You can also forward the offending e-mails to spam@uce.gov. In addition you can file a complaint at the Internet Crime Complaint Center’s website, http://www.ic3.gov/.

Using caution and common sense will help you avoid the pitfalls of Internet scams. For more information on Internet scams, visit www.ftc.gov/spam/ or www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/cashier.asp.

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member May 16, 2013

I received a TEXT request, as follows, with spelling as texted:

Hello My name is Nicte Alanis i got your business information from nationally certified practitioner website, i need a massage therapy of relaxation for 25,26,27 and 28 of this month, i stay in georgia but i will be in Iowa for vacation for four weeks and that is why i am contacting you.thanks

Example, Reported by two ABMP Members May 14, 2013

First Name: XXXXX
Last Name: XXXXX
Member ID:XXXXX
Date: 5/12/13
Description: Leo Zack <leozack2@icloud.com>
8:59 AM (10 hours ago) to undisclosed recipients

Hi,

Hope you are good today? I got your information through my search for professional massage therapists directory. I will be celebrating my 50th Birthday vacation in your city, along with two of my best friends, we’ll be spending almost 1 month there, between June 14th to July 12th 2013. We’ll like to have our massage with you, back to back or you can have your partner available, if you have.

My own name is: Leo Zack and the of my other two friends are: Enrique Jose and Bright Cobes.

We’ll like to have Relaxation / Stress relief massage, 6 appointment for each one of us during our stay, making 18 appointment session for all of us, so schedule the appointment into your own availability during our stay which is between June 14th to July 13th 2013. The appointment can be out-call or in-call, depends on how you want it.

Please send the schedule as soon as you can and your charges per appointment.

Sincerely

Example, Reported by an ABMP Members May 7, 2013

First Name: XXXXX
Last Name: XXXXX
Member ID:
Date: 5/6/2013
Description: Leo Zack <leozackleo@icloud.com>

Hi,
Hope you are good today? I got your information through my professional massage therapist directory search on google. I will be celebrating my 50th Birthday vacation in your city, along with two of my best friends, we’ll be spending almost 1 month there, between June 14th to July 12th 2013. We’ll like to have our massage with you, back to back or you can have your partner available, if you have.

My own name is: Leo Zack and the of my other two friends are: Enrique Jose and Bright Cobes.

We’ll like to have Relaxation / Stress relief massage, 6 appointment for each one of us during our stay, making 18 appointment session for all of us, so schedule the appointment into your own availability during our stay which is between June 14th to July 13th 2013. The appointment can be out-call or in-call, depends on how you want it.

Please send the schedule as soon as you can and your charges per appointment.

Sincerely

Example, Reported by two ABMP Members April 11, 2013

First Name: XXXXX
Last Name: XXXXX
Member ID: XXXXXX
Date: 04/08/2013

Description: Hello Bearer,

Good day, I hope this mail met you in good condition; I am Mr. Michelle .M. Lewis, of Bravura Inc. I will like to make inquiries and availability on your services for June 11th, 12th, 13th 2013. Some of my casual workers need your service in sessions. Kindly send me your SERVICE MENU or your catalog for them to choose which of your services they preferred.

Also I will like to know the number of person that can receive your service per day and also to confirm your best time, because they will like to come in the morning. Likewise, I want you to know my term of payment is via my Master card to cover your service.

I will appreciate it if you could get back to me in time with substantial Information regarding my request by attaching or sending me the SERVICE MENU and likewise confirm my mode of payment. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind Regards,

Michelle M Lewis
Supervisor & Staff Welfare
Bravura Inc
2330 6th Avenue, Whitehorse,
Yukon, Y1A 1K1.
Canada.
Tel: (616)419-8088.
E: Michelle.lewis.M@msn.com

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member March 31, 2013

First Name: XXXXX
Last Name: XXXXX
Member ID: XXXXXX
Date: March 31, 2013

Description: I received this email about a lady wanting to get massage services. I was about to make a huge mistake. It’s a good thing I just read an article about email scams before did.

—– Forwarded Message —–

From: Jennifer Lewis <jennyqueen27@yahoo.com>
To: _____________
Sent: Saturday, March 30, 2013 10:59 AM
Subject: Re: Massage Treatment Needed.

Hi,
How are you doing today? Sorry for not getting back to you earlier. I have been a bit busy lately. I got your email and I’m very much satisfied with your service charges per hour. Right now, I would be making arrangement for my traveling plan to Georgia and would be arriving on the 18th of April 2013. In the meantime, I have already budgeted my expenses as i would only be staying for just one month before returning back to France.

I would like to be booked for 60 minutes session. Please kindly calculate how much it will cost me for 2 days treatment Tuesdays 10:30am- Thursdays 12: pm for 3 weeks Which makes a total of 6 treatment.

At the moment, I will get in touch with a friend of mine in the US to issue out a state check payment drawn in US Dollars from a local bank and send to you to cover for my treatment as i would not be traveling with enough cash nor my credit card on me due to my financial budget and my account been closed at the moment. I will need your payment information as follows:

Your Name:
Address:
Phone #:

Once these information’s are provided, i will make necessary arrangement for the check to be mailed out to you immediately before my arrival date for the treatment and i will email you as soon as that is done.

I look forward to hear from you.

Jenny

–

From: _____________
Subject: Re: Massage Treatment Needed.
To: “jennyqueen27@yahoo.com” <jennyqueen27@yahoo.com>
Date: Friday, March 22, 2013, 2:50 PM

We’re open from 9a-7p Mon-Sat and 1p-6p on Sundays. we charge the following rates

25 min massage $40
50 min massage $75
80 min massage $110
75 min hot stone massage $ 95

From: Jennifer Lewis <jare.hayor1@gmail.com>
To: _____________
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 1:19 PM
Subject: Massage Treatment Needed.

Hi,
My name is Jennifer Lewis. I would be visiting Georgia for a short vacation. I am looking for a competent massage therapist for Deep tissue, Therapeutic and Swedish massage therapy to help relieve of stress and pains.  I would be glad to know the following information regarding your service.

Charges per hour:
Hours of Operation:
I look forward to hear from you ASAP.

Thanks,
Jenny

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member January 12, 2013

First Name: XXXXX
Last Name: XXXXX
Member ID: XXXXX
Date: January 12, 2013
Description: here is the latest of many e-mails

Hello,
My name is Susan Blow; I will be going on my annual leave on the 8th of February and my husband & I will be coming to California, USA on holiday for 1month. We would be staying from Sunday 10th of February 2013 to Wednesday 13th of March 2013. I require the services of a Personal massage therapist, though this could be done rather flexibly for the entire period of our stay. I will require your services for 2 days each week and for 1 session of 1hour or 1hour/30mins each depending on your availability.

Basically I require full body massage in other to relax as I regularly have stiffness in my shoulder and lower back. Over the past 1 month I have hired the services of a personal massage therapist and I find each session very relaxing and refreshing. Since I am going on a 1 month holiday I would like to continue with my work-out program during my stay in California. I am interested in either full body massage or a combination of massage and manual therapy. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts, recommendation and the total costs for your services (4weeks – number of sessions 8).

I’m 45 years old and a senior accountant, working with Palomar Foods Limited here in the United Kingdom. I will be happy to pay in advance of our visit to guarantee your services during our stay. We can have the therapy sessions at your Clinic/Studio. I look forward to hearing from you, many thanks.

Best regards,

Susan Blow
72 Crownstone Rd,
London SW2 1LY
United Kingdom

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member November 26, 2012

First Name: XXXXX
Last Name: XXXXX
Member ID: XXXXXX
Date: 11/25/2012
Description: From: adson23101@gmail.com [mailto:adson23101@gmail.com] On Behalf Of F B
Sent: Sunday, November 25, 2012 10:36 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Booking Date (January 22nd, 23rd, 24th 2013)

Good Morning,
I hope this mail met you in good condition; I am Dr. Brooke of Bravura Inc.

I will like to make inquiries and availability for January 22nd, 23rdand 24th 2013. Some guest would need your service. Kindly advise your service menu or your catalog for them to choose which of your services they preferred.

Also I will like to know the number of person that can receive your service per day and also to confirm your best time, because they will like to come in the morning. Likewise, I want you to know my term of payment is via credit card to cover your service.

I will appreciate it if you could get back to me in time with substantial Information regarding my request by attaching or sending me the SERVICE MENU and likewise confirm my mode of payment. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely

Brooke Fredrick
Welfare Manager
Bravura Inc
Canada Region
Phone: (517) 798-6771

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member September 12, 2012

Description: Good to read from you,
Thank you for the response, regarding your reply, here are lists of adult coming to have your service on the date previously stated, as you will know how best to space them to complete the services from 9:30 am within the 3 days (NO GENDER PREFERENCE). Listed below are the names of guests who would have the following services

Spa Service Needed:
Full Massage: October 17th (Minutes as stated per person)
Sports Massage: October 18th (Minutes as stated per person)
Half Foot Massage: October 19th (Minutes as stated per person)

Names of Guests:
Mr. Garry Barrett
Mrs. Esther Harker
Mr. Howard Clayton
Miss Lisa Suzman
Mr. Oliver Plevin Srn
Mr. & Mrs. Anderson                                  Couples
Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Eastwood                      Couples

I will like to know the total cost for the listed above service. And also, I plan making an advanced Deposit of $1400 which is my budget to cover for you service, as they might require more services. While I wait for your response, I make further arrangements to meet up standard bookings; I will be waiting to read from you with the total cost. Thank you.

Brooke F
Welfare Manager
Bravura Inc.
2330 6th Avenue, Whitehorse,
Yukon, Y1A 1K1. Canada.
Tel: (517) 798-6771
Email: lordfredb1111@cafuc.net

——————————————————————————–

Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2012 09:52:03 -0500
Subject: Re: Service Inquiry and Date Availabilities
From: XXXXXX
To: lordfredb1111@cafuc.net

Your message seems like a spam message. If you are genuine and serious, the information can be found at XXXXXX.

New Page 1 Hello,

Good day, I hope this mail met you in good condition; I am Dr. Fredrick Brooke, the Welfare Manager, Bravura Inc. I will like to make inquiries and availability on your services for October 17th,18th, 19th 2012. Some of my delegates need your service in sessions.

Kindly send me your SERVICE MENU or your catalogue for them to choose which of your services is preferred. Also I will like to know the number of person that can receive your service per day and also to confirm your best time, because they will like to come in the morning. Likewise, I want you to know my term of payment is via credit card to cover your service.

I will appreciate it if you could get back to me in time with substantial Information regarding my request by attaching or sending me the SERVICE MENU and likewise confirm my mode of payment. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely

Brooke Fredrick
Welfare Manager
Bravura Inc
2330 6th Avenue, Whitehorse,
Yukon, Y1A 1K1. Canada.
Tel: (517) 798-6771 (SMS & Calls)
Email: lordfredb1111@cafuc.net

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
September 6, 2012
Description: I received this today.  Not sure if it is a scam, but it looks very similar to the others posted.  I’m going to ignore this and not respond.

From:    Collins W wcollins28@careceo.com
Subject: Your Service Is Needed

Hello,

Good day, I hope this mail met you in good condition; I am Dr. Collins Williams, the Welfare Manager, Bravura Inc.  I will like to make inquiries and availability on your services for October 17th, 18th, 19th 2012. Some of my delegates need your service in sessions. Kindly send me your SERVICE MENU or your catalogue for them to choose which of your services is preferred.

Also I will like to know the number of person that can receive your service per day and also to confirm your best time, because they will like to come in the morning. Likewise, I want you to know my term of payment is via credit card to cover your service.

I will appreciate it if you could get back to me in time with substantial Information regarding my request by attaching or sending me the SERVICE MENU and likewise confirm my mode of payment. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely

Williams Collins
Welfare Manager
Bravura Inc
2330 6th Avenue, Whitehorse,
Yukon, Y1A 1K1. Canada.
Tel: (517) 798-6771 (SMS & Calls)

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
July 20, 2012
Description: I seem to be getting these almost daily  Below are copies of two I’ve gotten today. I recognize all as scams but have gotten so many that I finall googled it and found this–thank you.

Hello,
Am Dr Russell,i will be in your city on the 29th of August and i need more details about your service and sessions,i will be staying 2 months or more.Kindly let me know your charges and details if you offer any of Deep Tissue,Energetic and sport Massage so that i will book ahead before coming.

Await your reply

I will be arriving on the 29th of August, and i will start on the 3rd of September,Kindly calculate the total amount for 10 sessions and can i see you twice or thrice a week and Tuesday,Thursday and Friday between 9am -10.30am or evening 7pm – 8.30pm or you can let me know your own arrangement.

Kindly get back to me with the following details so i can make half or full advance payment IMMEDIATELY.

1: Your Full Name to be on the payment

2: Your Address and zip code

3: Your cell phone number

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
July 20, 2012

From: XXXX
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2012 5:59 AM
To: expectmore@abmp.com
Subject: Possible scam email

Hello,
I wanted to report a possible scam email aimed at MTs.  I just received it and I am not going to respond as I do not accept unsolicited new clients in this fashion.  The subject line said YOUR SERVICE !!!.

This is not the first email like this that I’ve received. It immediately struck me as not right. But other MTs might answer it and get scammed.  As our professional organization, can you please look into this?

——– Original message ——–
Subject:YOUR SERVICE !!!
From:Dr Russell Park <drrussell111@gmail.com>
To:
Cc:
–

Hello,

Am Dr Russell,i will be in your city on the 14th of August and i need more details about your service and sessions,i will be staying 2 months or more.Kindly let me know your charges and details if you offer any of Deep Tissue,Energetic and sport Massage so that i will book ahead before coming.

Await your reply
Dr Russell

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
July 18, 2012

From ABMP Member XXXXXX

Description: Greetings from Sydney!!

My name is Mr.Robert Kavalio I live and work as a massage therapist here in Sydney, I am 49yrs old, Am originally from milan italy. I have been doing massage since 1991. I do deep relaxation massage in which the muscles relax without pain. I also do energy massage that helps people feel great when I am done. I am also certified to do pregnancy massage. I have lots of happy clients here in Sydney.

I have been looking for a Massage therapist for over a week now till i met an old friend yesterday that referred you to me, so i decided to contact you to know if you will be able give my client some massage sessions..My client’s name is Ms Stacy Rebecca , A model here in Sydney, who will be needing some Massage sessions when she arrives the States..She will be coming to the U.S in 3 weeks time for a modeling job and will be residing in your Area temporarily until the necessary arrangement for her job has been made before she leaves.

She will be needing 1hr Massage session per day, 3 Sessions per week for 6 weeks. Ms Rebecca, asked me to come with her to America but i told her i would not be able to go with her as i have a course i will be going for in a week time, so i promised to help her get a good Massage therapist in your Area.

Pls tell me a little more about your self, how long have you been a Massage therapist? Would you be able to provide her with the sessions from the 22th of July to the 30th of August, 3 Sessions per week for 6 weeks. I need you to get back to me with the amount you charge per session and also let me know if she can pay you with a Certified check drawn from a US bank?

You can view some of Ms Rebecca Pictures from the link below:

Pls i would need you to send your reply to my personal email ( robertkavalio@yahoo.it ) as i do not check this always

Till I read from you remain blessed.

Robert Kavalio
tworth Avenue
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
April 13, 2012

From ABMP Member XXXXXX
Description: I received this email on March 30 and never responded to it since I found it sounded phoney. I live in Puerto Rico.

Greetings,

I am Mr Alex Perso,I have some people who are inuring for your therapy session during their stay in your city,They are on vacation and would like to have a therapy session during their stay in your city.Please let me know how possible it is for you to hold the session for the guests on their stay date,Also let me know the whole cost for the session if you can handle it and i will get back to you with the whole other information.

Please find the dates of arrival:
Date of Arrival:10th June 2012
starting date:12th June 2012
End of treatment:20th June 2012

Please send me the cost for the Therapy session appointment with you for the mentioned date and for the number of person so i can communicate it with the sponsors and guests.

Thanks.
Alex Perso

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
April 6 , 2012

From: Mr Joseph Lee <lee.josephu@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: 11/26/11

Dear sir/Madam,

I wish to know if you can provide massage services for my clients on business trip.They are
three males and will need at least 1 hour massage services and relaxation each for three weeks from 16 January – 06 February 2012.They will be needing 1 hour massage sessions each,at 3 days in a week for three weeks.

They will be visiting your clinic for the massage services in the evening from 03:00 pm.I hope that you will be able to accommodate my request at this time.My clients do not have any medical issues and have received massage in the past.

Give  me your quote and the total cost for your services.Get back to me at lee.josephu@yahoo.co.uk

SUMMARY OF MY REQUEST-

Number of customers:3 males

Number of daily massage hours:1 hour massage/person/day

Total number of days:9 days

Massage days:3 days a week for 3 weeks

Type of massage: Full body massage

Payment: Credit card

Customers Language:Chinese and English

Regards

Mr Joseph Lee
Tree Craft Ltd
Hillside Farm,Rushmore Hill
Knolckholt,Kent.TN14 7NL
PH:+447024063564

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
April 6 , 2012

From: camachoa@cv3.compuvisionenlinea.com; on behalf of; Daniel Nowozeniuk <Danielnowozeniuk@rediffmail.com>
Date: 12/2/2011

Hello, I would like to book massage sessions for 4 persons arriving from the United Kingdom on vacation. They will arrive your region on the 27th February and depart 19th March, 2012. Send me in a reply the total cost for the entire sessions. Can you have each person scheduled for appointments twice a week for 3weeks, in between the period of their stay? Kindly, advise on price and availability. Thanks. Daniel Nowozeniuk. Kinesiotherapist, 52 Abbey Gardens, NW8 9AT +447024017561

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
April 6 , 2012

Dear,
I would like to book massage therapy appointments for 4-clients arriving from the United-Kingdom on vacation. They will arrive to your region on the 24^th May and depart 22^nd June, 2012.
Send me in a reply the total cost for the entire appointments.

Can you schedule each person for appointments twice a week for 4-weeks, in between the period of their stay?

Your advice on price and availability will be highly regarded.

Kind Regards,

Tom Hoy.
Kinesiotherapist,
52 Abbey Gardens,
NW8 9AT,
+447011140414 

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
April 6, 2012

From: XXXX
Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 4:39 PM
To: expectmore@abmp.com
Subject: Another scam email

This is a follow up email to one I answered from Jeremy Bernard.  Exactly as you described they send a larger amount and have you wire the difference.

Greetings!!

How are you doing today? Hope all is well with you? Am very sorry for the late reply, I was away to Verona for my daughters wedding and just returned, Am very pleased to read from you, Hope you having a nice time over there, I am doing great here,  You sound like a very nice person am sure Ms Martinez will love your work.

I sent a copy of the message you sent me to Ms Martinez  and she is very happy you will be able to give her  the Massage sessions, I also want to let you know she speaks good English so you do not need to worry about communication, She is in Italy at the moment for a runway show, She said she would not finish her show until the 14thof this Month so you should pencil her her from the 16th, She said you should make a Schedule from 16th to the 29th of  May, 2 Sessions per week for 6 weeks and she would like all the sessions to be before1pm or after 5pm because she will be going out for her photo shoot between the hr of 1pm – 5pm and you should not Include Sundays because of Church.

She would be making reservations in the hotel below next week and will give you all the details you will need as soon as the reservation is done, Let me know if the hotel is close to you, she would be having transportation when she arrives so distance should not be a problem.

Best Western Denham Springs Inn
146 Rushing Road East,
Denham Springs, LA 70726

About Payments, Ms Martinez  said she is doing a Billboard job for best buy, so the payments would come from best buy Company in Chicago, She said she would tell the Company manager to make out the cashier check for her job in your name, The cashiers check is for ( $4,850 ) so that when you receive the Certified Check on her behalf, you deduct the money for the Sessions, and have her scheduled and you help her wire the rest of her Money to her Via Western union when she arrives Asia to pick up the Photo Equipments she is Renting for her job so she can use the rest of the money to pay for her photo shoot Equipments before her arrival.

Pls let me know if you can assist her with that? All you need do, is email me when you received her check and i will give you all the instructions on how to get the rest of her money to her when she arrives Asia to pick up her Equipments before her flight to america. she said if you will need a tip for that, it should not be a problem.

She would need the details below below so she can pass it to the Company manager to make her cashier check in your name and overnight it to you via Fedex so you can have her booked. Pls send the details below to her email   : {  therapiamartinez@yahoo.fr }

1) Name on check:…………………..

2) Address check will be sent to:…………………….

3) Phone Number to call on delivery: …………………..

4)Total amount for your job ……………

You can reach Ms Martinez on her Cell incase you have any questions: +447924838121

Have a beautiful day!

Jeremy bernard
112 Rue des Beaux-Art,
75006 Paris, France

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
April 2, 2012

From: JEREMY BERNARD atlantic-soudures@orange.fr
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2012 19:15:11 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: Massage therapist needed asap..
To: XXXX

Greetings from Paris, &nbsp;

My name is Mr Jeremy bernard I live and work as a massage therapist here in France, I am 49yrs old. I have been doing massage since 1991.

I do deep relaxation massage in which the muscles relax without pain.
I also do energy massage that helps people feel great when I am done.
I am also certified to do pregnancy massage. I have lots of happy clients here in France.

I have been looking for a for Massage therapist for over a week now till i met an old friend yesterday that referred you to me, so i decided to contact you to know if you will be able give my client some Massage sessions.. My client’s name is Ms Anais Martinez, A model here in France who will be needing some massage session when she arrives America…She will be coming to the U.S in 2 weeks time for a modeling job and will be residing in your Area temporarily until the necessary arrangement for her job has been made before she leaves.

She will be needing 1hr Massage session per day, 2 Sessions per week for 6 weeks. Ms Martinez, asked me to come with her to America but i told her i would not be able to go with her as i have a course i will be going for in a week time so i promised to help her get a good Massage &nbsp;therapist in your Area..

Pls tell me a little more about your self, how long have you been a Massage therapist? and would you be able to provide her with the Massage sessions from the 16th of April to the 29th of May, 2 Sessions per week for 6 weeks.

I need you to get back to me with the amount you charge per session and also let me know if she can pay you with a Certified check drawn from a US bank?

Pls do send your reply to my personal email address &nbsp;( therapiajeremyb@yahoo.fr &nbsp;) &nbsp;as i do not check this email always.

You can view some of Ms Martinez Pictures from the link below:

Jeremy Bernard112 Rue des Beaux-Art,&nbsp;75006 Paris, France

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
March 9, 2012

First Name: XXXX
Last Name: XXXX
Member ID: XXXX
Date: March 8, 2012
Description: Letter recd. 3/7/2012

Hello,
I hope this mail met you in good condition; I am Dr. Fredrick Brooke, the director of Staff welfare, Ancient Greek Theatre.  I will like to make inquiries and availability on your services for April 25th, 26th, 27th 2012. Some of my delegates would be coming for treatments on sessions.

Kindly send me your treatment menu or your catalogue for them to choose which of your services is preferred.

Also I will like to know the number of person that can receive treatment per day and also to confirm your best time. Likewise, I want you to know my term of payment is via credit card to cover their treatment.

I will appreciate it if you can get back to me in time with substantial Information regarding my request by attaching or sending me the spa menu along with mode of payments.. Kindly confirm as per above

Fredrick Brooke
Director of Staff welfare
Ancient Greek Theatre
40 Wyndham Crescent
Canton, Cardiff
CF11 9EH
Email: lordfredb2@cafuc.net

Scam is making its rounds, again – refer to scam reports here
http://firstofnine.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/the-anatomy-of-a-massage-scam/

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
February 1, 2012

First Name: XXX
Last Name: XXX
Member ID:XXX
Date: 1/26/12

Hi,
I’m an ABMP member and I just received this email. I’ve gotten others like it before and forwarded them to you. They are always someone coming from another country and sent to undisclosed recipients, wanting info on services and sessions. Anyway, here’s another one. Just want to let you know in case this is some kind of scam so you can let the membership know.
Thanks much,

XXXXXXX

[Initial Email Inquiry]
From: andrearossi820 <andrearossi820@gmail.com>
Date: January 26, 2012 8:09:33 AM PST
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
BCC: XXXX
Subject: Re—-Enquiry About Your Service !!!

Hello,

My name is Andrea from Ireland,i will be coming on an official assignment to your city on Feb 8th and i like more info about your service and sessions,i will be staying 3 months or more.Kindly let me know your charges and details if you offer any of Deep Tissue,Energetic and sport Massage so that i will book ahead before coming.

Await your reply.
Andrea

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
January 11, 2012

First Name: XXX
Last Name: XXX
Member ID:XXX
Date: 12/15/11
Description: Good Day,

My Name is Wayne Packer from Scotland. I want to make inquiry on your Pilate sections for 8 athletes that will be coming to your country for a 3 weeks training tour in your area. We are interested in an hour pilate sections after each day activities. do you offer private/simi private pilate sections?

Bellow are details of the reservation:

Arrival Date: 23rd of January to  12th of February 2012

Time: evening sessions, Mondays through Saturdays (18 section) Number of athletes: 8 adults.3 females & 5 Male Sprinters within the age of

19-27 years.

Kindly advise details on availability and the TOTAL COST for the booking of the sections, so we can make payment to secure the booking.Hope you accept credit card payments? I await your prompt response.

Regards,

Wayne Packer
waynepk74@yahoo.com

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
January 2, 2012

[Initial Email Inquiry]
From: Mr Joseph Lee lee.josephu@yahoo.co.uk
To: #####
Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2011 3:55 PM
Subject: MASSAGE SERVICES

Dear sir/Madam,

I wish to know if you can provide massage services for my clients on business trip.They are three males and will need at least 1 hour massage services and relaxation each for three weeks from 16 January – 06 February 2012.They will be needing 1 hour massage sessions each,at 3 days in a week for three weeks.

They will be visiting your clinic for the massage services in the evening from 03:00 pm.I hope that you will be able to accommodate my request at this time.My clients do not have any medical issues and have received massage in the past.

Give  me your quote and the total cost for your services.Get back to me at lee.josephu@yahoo.co.uk

SUMMARY OF MY REQUEST-
Number of customers:3 males
Number of daily massage hours:1 hour massage/person/day
Total number of days:9 days
Massage days:3 days a week for 3 weeks
Type of massage: Full body massage
Payment: Credit card
Customers Language:Chinese and English

Regards

Mr Joseph Lee
Tree Craft Ltd
Hillside Farm,Rushmore Hill
Knolckholt,Kent.TN14 7NL
PH:+447024063564

[Reply from ABMP Member]

From: ####
Subject: Re: MASSAGE SERVICES
To: “lee.josephu@yahoo.co.uk” lee.josephu@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Tuesday, 13 December, 2011, 15:38

Dear Mr. Lee,

First my apologies for the delay back to you. My name is #### and as of now will be able to accommodate your clients for the time frame you have requested. For a traditional 1 hour massage $79.00 per person, traditional massage with reflexology 70 minutes $84.00 per person. I also offer 90 minute massages as well. These services will need to be booked and redeemed  at ##### to provide the best service.  If you wish to book these services, please request it to be with me specifically, I will take 20% off their first massage, also you will get more for your money if you purchase a gift certificate before 12/31/11.

Please feel free to call or email me with any questions you may have.

Happy and Healthy Holidays,

####

[Last Response, Requesting Overpayment to be Sent to a Third Party—the Tell-tale Sign of a Scam]

Date: 1/2/12

Description: I confirm that my clients will receive massage services and relaxation each for three weeks in your clinic from 16 January – 06 February 2012 as i told you in my previous mail. According to your quote,the total amount for your services is $2133.I wish to proceed with the payment. I will make the payment with a credit card.I will send the credit card details to you on Monday so that you can process the entire amount with your POS machine.

We also made arrangement with a travel/logistics agent to take care of their travel arrangements from China and also make hotel and car hire reservations for them before they arrive. You are to process the credit card to the tune of $9000 + (credit card charges, vat and tax) to cover the entire cost for your services and the booking for other services. When you receive the money $9000 in your account, you deduct the cost of your services $2133 and send the balance $6867 to the travel/logistics agent to enable him make the other bookings for them.

Confirm this message and get back to me with the below detail -

YOUR FULL NAME-
CONTACT ADDRESS-
PHONE NUMBER-
THE TYPE OF CREDIT you ACCEPT-
THE CREDIT CARD INFORMATION YOU NEED-

I await your reply so that we can proceed.

Regards
Mr Joseph Lee
Tree Craft Ltd
Hillside Farm,Rushmore Hill

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
December 20, 2011

We received an email with stilted English that they wanted three days of 90 minute massages for himself “Ben Raes” and his wife “Janet.”

I had no idea it was not legit so I booked them and asked him to send $550.

I received three money orders totaling $2975(from New York, even though the letter was postmarked in London, UK.)

We are notifying our local police on how to proceed.

My assistant became suspicious and said that this was a scam. They get you to deposit the checks, then cancel and ask for their money back before the deposit cleared.

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
November 4, 2011

It was worded exactly same as what you have shown in the scam warning except set up for Texas.
Same dates, times etc.
sentfrom the email addresses:
whqt1941@gmail.com and whqt1941@yahoo.com

Greetings,

I found your contact after a brief search for a Massage Theraphists on the internet and I therefore use this channel to request if you will be available to offer 3days of 90Mins Massage Service to me and my wife.  My name is Ben and my wife’s name is Janet, we live and work as textiles suppliers in United Kingdom and we will be visiting the State of Texas in United States on the 10th of February, 2012.

February 10th, February 17th and February 24th,2012 are our preferred massage dates and morning session between 9am & 12pm will be fine for us,but if this time is not available, then period from 5pm upward will make a good alternative.

Moreover if there is any of the quoted dates/times that is not available,please let me know and possibly furnish me with alternative dates/times.We can on each day do the sessions  back to back(i.e one after the other) OR at the same time if you have another therapist working with you. Alternatively I can have my own massage in the morning and the one for my wife comes later in the day.  We do not have any medical issues whatsoever and we have received massage services several times in the past .

Kindly answer the following questions if you are available for the service required.

What is your address location in Texas so as to estimate our proximity to you ?

How many years of experience do you have in this career?

I look forward to your prompt response.

Regards,
Ben Raes

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
October 31, 2011

Greetings,

I found your contact after a brief search for a Massage Theraphists on the internet and I therefore use this channel to request if you will be available to offer 3days of 90Mins Massage Service to me and my wife.  My name is Ben and my wife’s name is Janet, we live and work as textiles suppliers in United Kingdom and we will be visiting the State of Massachusetts in United States on the 10th of February, 2012.

February 10th, February 17th and February 24th,2012 are our preferred massage dates and morning session between 9am & 12pm will be fine for us,but if this time is not available, then period from 5pm upward will make a good alternative.

Moreover if there is any of the quoted dates/times that is not available,please let me know and possibly furnish me with alternative dates/times.We can on each day do the sessions  back to back(i.e one after the other) OR at the same time if you have another therapist working with you. Alternatively I can have my own massage in the morning and the one for my wife comes later in the day.  We do not have any medical issues whatsoever and we have received massage services several times in the past .

Kindly answer the following questions if you are available for the service required.

What is your address location in Massachusetts so as to estimate our proximity to you ?

How many years of experience do you have in this career?

I look forward to your prompt response.

Regards,
Ben Raes

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
January 24, 2011

From: panilawren0101@fusemail.com
Date: January 17, 2011

Description from the ABMP Member:
I got an email that claimed “Massage Therapist needed.” I found the wording to be of broken english and they also wanted to send a cashiers check in advance to sessions. When I went to respond with some key questions–I already had red flags going off–I was asked to download Japanese. This email came on January 17th and I have not gotten any response yet to my questions. It is requesting massages for a wife and husbank supposedly in the UK and coming to my area on the 28th of this month. They wanted a local “associate” to get me the money in advance. I have reported it to local news, BBB, and FBI. I really hate to see the scam cause anyother professional and problems. This is coming from panilawren0101@fusemail.com and going to mellow060@yahoo.com Please be cautious.

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
November 10, 2010

From: doyen00066@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, Nov 9, 2010 at 9:41 AM
Subject: In need of massage therapist

Hello my name is Patricia, I’m in the United Kingdom for a year contract and I got here last August this year. My husband and I have agreed to spend our holiday in the United States starting from the 22nd of November. We intend to have some deep tissue massage to relieve some of the usual work related pains that we do have. I will like to know how much you charge for each sessions and we will like to have about three sessions each. Once am sure of the price, I will have my associate in the United States send you a cashiers check payment as I will like to make payment and bookings in advance.

Example, Reported by an ABMP Member
10/05/2010
Description: Greetings from Milan ,

My name is Mr Roberto Branco, I live and work as a massage therapist here in Italy . I am 46 yrs old. I have been doing massage since 1991. I do a deep relaxation massage in which the muscles relax without pain. I also do energy massage that helps people feel great when I am done. I am also certified to do pregnancy massage. I have lots of happy clients here in italy.

I have been looking for a massage therapist for over a week now till i met an old friend yesterday that referred you to me, her name is Serah. She used to live in America before she relocated here with her family, so i decided to contact you to know if you will be able to give my client some massage sessions when she arrives the US.

My clients name is Ms Monica Picchi, Shes is a model here in Italy . She will be coming to the U.S in 2 weeks time for a modeling job and will be residing in Illinois temporarily until the neccesary arrangement for her job has been made before she leaves. She will be needing 1hr massage session per day, 2 Sessions per week for 6 weeks when she arrives.

Ms Monica asked me to come with her to the US but i told her i would not be able to go with her to the US as i have a course i will be going for in a week time, so i promised to help her find a good massage therapist in your Area.

Pls tell me a little more about your self, how long have you been a massage therapist? Would you be able to provide her with the massage sessions from the 25th of this month to the 6th of December, 2 Sessions per week for 6 weeks?

Pls i need you to get back to me with the amount you charge per session and also let me know if she can pay you with a Certified check drawn from a US bank?

Do send your reply to my personal email address { brancoroberto70@yahoo.it } for a quick response as i do not check this email always.

Till I read from you remain blessed.

Roberto Branco
712 Via Mercato,
1,26129
Milano Italy

Advertising Company Takes Money, Doesn’t Deliver
9/21/2009
Alert Regarding Nationwide Advertising (aka Coast to Coast Advertising)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) members have reported entering into a contract with the company calling itself Nationwide Advertising (aka Coast to Coast Advertising). This company purportedly disappears at times and reappears under a different company name. This company has taken our members’ money but has not provided the advertising that was contracted for. The company sells printed ads on restaurant placemats and phone book covers and appears to have a policy that it will charge yearly for the ads even if a yearly renewal was not agreed upon. In some cases the ads are never printed.

We advise ABMP members to check out any complaints that may be on file regarding a company that you are considering for advertising contracts or for other business relationships. Watch your credit card accounts for any unauthorized charges, and take steps to report these unauthorized charges to your credit card company as soon as possible. Go online and Google the company’s name, or contact your local chamber of commerce to research for any reported complaints.

ABMP Members, if you’re seeking volunteers for an event you’re organizing, log in to the ABMP Members section and under Marketing Center select “Outreach and Volunteer Opportunities – Do you have an event you would like posted?”

Hospice Massage Volunteer
Sponsor: Hospice of the Twin Cities
Date: Ongoing
Location: Greater Metro Area
Contact Name: Theresa May
Contact Phone: 763-531-2424
Contact Email: mayt@hospiceofthetwincities.com
Website: www.hospiceofthetwincities.com

Use your talents & your open heart to provide massage to hospice patients throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.  Hospice of the Twin Cities provides compassionate care to patients where they live – private home, assisted living, long term care facility.

To join our team you have:

• Completed a massage/bodywork program with an established school.
• Complete TB screening (no cost), background check (no cost), & full hospice volunteer training.
• Commit to volunteering for 1 year with a minimum of 4 hours per month
• A compassionate heart & a desire to be of service!

You will gain: Free training, supervision, experience and mentoring.  Build your resume & skills while providing compassionate touch.

Call or email for more information!

Join the Massage & Bodywork Community of Giving!
Sponsor: Massage & Bodywork Community of Giving (MBCG)
Date: Every day!
Location: Across New Jersey
Contact Name: Valerie Inzinna
Contact Phone: (732) 895-4869
Contact Email: Contact@MBCG.org
Website: www.mbcg.org

We are a network of massage and bodywork businesses and professionals across NJ ~ We in the MBCG support the Community FoodBank of New Jersey & the NJ SPCA in their efforts to end hunger, poverty and animal abuse and neglect by collecting donations of non-perishable food and pet food and supplies all year round!

Whether you are an independent professional or own your own business, travel to your clients or practice in a studio, teach students or are a student ~ if you are a member of the wellness community- You’re Invited!

Getting involved and giving back is SIMPLE and FREE, and you can help to make a tremendous positive difference in the lives of New Jersey families and homeless animals.

For more information, please visit www.MBCG.org or email Valerie at Contact@MBCG.org.

Giving back to our Veterans
Sponsor: Helios Warriors
Date: Ongoing
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Contact Name: Gayle Sovinee
Contact Phone: 828-299-0776
Email: helioswarriors@gmail.com
Website: www.helioswarriors.org

Helios Warriors is a 501(c)3 non profit organization offering complementary and alternative therapies every Friday and some Sundays to our men and women veterans.

Many have seen us and have found relief from PTSD, chronic physical and emotional pain and just to find relief from stress.

WE need licensed and insured massage and bodywork therapists in and around Asheville, North Carolina willing to commit at least 3 hours once a month.

Fairview Home Care and Hospice
Location: Twin Cities metro area
Contact: Anne Myers-Richards
Phone: 612-728-2408
Email: amyersr1@fairview.org
Website: www.fairview.org/hospice

Fairview Home Care and Hospice seeks volunteer massage therapists to supplement the care provided by our massage therapy staff. Volunteers provide comforting massage to our 160+ patients who are located throughout the Twin Cities area. Patients live in private homes as well as skilled care facilities.

Commitment: May be as much as 2-4 hours per week or as little as 2-4 hours per month. Hours are flexible. You will work with the same patient, in your area, on an ongoing basis.

Requirements: Complete hospice volunteer training, health screening including two TB tests (at no cost to you), criminal background check (at no cost to you), and provide two references.

For more information, please contact: Anne Myers-Richards, Volunteer Supervisor
612-728-2408
amyersr1@fairview.org

The Indianapolis office of the Visiting Nurse Service (VNS), which services several central Indiana counties, is looking for volunteer massage therapists. Volunteers will bring comfort and relief to patients by providing palliative massage care to homebound patients who would otherwise not be able to receive massage. The massage will be done with professionalism and care to provide a safe, dignified, and respectable environment for ill/terminally ill patients.

Volunteers, who are asked to provide one to two visits to patients per month, will need to complete an application, be interviewed, submit references, go through an orientation process, and get a TB test, provided by VNS; all of this is at no cost to the therapist. Therapists will be matched with patients in the area they are interested in.

ABMP members interested in participating are invited to contact the volunteer coordinator at VNS:

Emily Gage
Visiting Nurse Service, Inc.
4701 N. Keystone Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46205
317-722-8299 x293
EGage@vnsi.org

PoverelloThis not-for-profit agency serving Broward County HIV-AIDS clients, seeks several Licensed Massage Therapists for their Holistic Health Center,  which curently offers Acupuncture, Yoga and Meditation. This is a valuable opportunity to expand knowledge and experience, while providing community service. No time committment is too small; even two or three hours per week would be welcome,  either on weekdays or on weekends!  Other Poverello programs include a Fitness Center, HIV testing, a Food Bank and a Thrift Store.  These are currently volunteer-only positions. Please contact David or Beatrice at (954) 563-1299, or at Partnersinhealth@aol.com.

The Heart Touch Project is a non-profit, educational, and service organization devoted to the delivery of compassionate and healing touch to homebound or hospitalized men, women, and children. Founded by ABMP Member Shawnee Isaac Smith, the organization was created ten years ago in response to her friend and fellow bodyworker’s struggle with AIDS. She saw that he was being ostracized and deprived of touch and began to offer him her support through free massage.

To date, the Heart Touch Project has trained over 1,000 massage therapists and other professionals, who have provided more than 23,000 free massage sessions to more than 1,200 of the most ill and untouched members of our community. In addition, the project has educated thousands of physicians, nurses, parents, and other caregivers through hands-on demonstrations, workshops, and international presentations. This service has been called upon by many of the region’s most prominent healthcare, home-health, and hospice organizations.

The Heart Touch Project is looking for compassionate volunteers in order to meet community needs. Interested members are invited to contact:

Debbie LeVine
Director of Volunteer & Client Services
The Heart Touch Project
3400 Airport Avenue #42
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-391-2558 phone
debbie@hearttouch.org

La fecha límite para solicitar la licencia de terapista de masaje en Puerto Rico es el 16 de septiembre. Para más información acerca de la licencia, comuníquese con dcandelario@saludforhealth.pr.gov.  Se require seguro para solicitar la licencia. Más información sobre el seguro de responsabilidad de ABMP.