The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is rolling out a major upgrade to its licensing system, and this will cause a temporary credentialing freeze in mid-March. Avoid any last-minute stress with your massage therapy license renewal this spring and renewal early.
Washington
Dept of Health: Massage Therapist
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7877
Phone: 360-236-4700
Fax: 360-236-4818
Email: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
Title: Licensed Massage Therapist
Requirement: 625 hours and passing the MBLEx or NCBTMB, background check, jurisprudence exam, and CPR/first aid training
Renewal: 24 hours/2 years
The new continuing education requirement aims to educate massage therapists on health equity so that the highest level of fair and just health and wellness may be provided to all.
The Washington Board of Massage and Department of Health (Department) have proposed two new rules related to health equity that affect continuing education and initial training requirements. You can share your thoughts on the rules with the Department by July 7.
The Washington legislature introduced House Bill 1437, the Massage Compact, in January 2023. The bill will make it easier for licensed massage therapists to work in other jurisdictions. If you believe an interstate license would benefit massage therapists, write a letter to your representatives.
On March 30, 2022, Governor Inslee signed into law Senate Bill 5753, which increases the number of members on the Washington Board of Massage from four to seven.
The Washington Board of Massage revised the Washington Administrative Code in August 2020. The rules are now final and are effective September 1, 2021. The rules amend definitions, the out-of-state application process, transfer programs, school approval, training hours, faculty, continuing education, standards of practice, and recordkeeping. They also create a new section on gluteal cleft and perineum massage.
Senate Bill 5229 requires licensees to complete health equity continuing education training at least once every four years to address how bias, racism, and poverty are health inequities and how to develop skills to care effectively for patients.
The Washington Board of Massage revised the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) in August 2020. The new rules increase the minimum number of education and training hours from 500 to 625 hours. The new rules are effective September 1, 2021.