Recent News and Legislative Updates

Clarification on the Indiana Application for Certification

03/03/2009

ABMP has been contacted by several members who have experienced frustrating delays and who have received confusing notifications during the processing of applications for certification. We have contacted the board for clarification in the hopes of making the process go more smoothly. This is a new process in Indiana and we encourage everyone to be patient.

Proposed New Mexico Bill Could Negatively Impact Massage Therapists

03/02/2009

HB 664, sponsored by Representative W. Ken Martinez, would create “The Unlicensed Health Care Act.” The bill, similar versions of which have been enacted in a few states as a “health freedom” bill, would exempt complementary and alternative health care practitioners from licensing laws. In those states, however, massage therapy was not already regulated at the time the “health freedom” bill was enacted. Bodywork, massage, and massage therapy are included under the definition of complementary and alternative health care practice along with a host of other modalities and practices.

Bill Would Expand the Board’s Power

02/27/2009

Senate bill 119, sponsored by Senator Carlton, would revise the provisions governing the regulation of massage therapists. If passed, the bill would allow the board to issue administrative citations, impose administrative fines up to $50,000; and would require law enforcement to give the board any records they request relating to a charge of prostitution, violence, or sexual offense.

To read the entire bill, go to http://www.leg.state.nv.us/75th2009/Bills/SB/SB119.pdf.

Two Bills Would Change the Regulation of Massage and Bodyworker Professionals

02/27/2009

House Bill 52, sponsored by Representative Millham, would make various technical changes to the regulation of massage therapists. If passed, the board would be able to grant a temporary license to massage therapists moving from another state who have practiced at least three years, the practical exam would be eliminated, some practices would become exempt from licensure (e.g., energy work), and the exam language would change to read “a psychometrically valid examination approved by the commissioner.” ABMP supports HB 52.

Bill Would Require CMTs to Maintain Professional Liability Insurance

02/27/2009

House Bill 1573, sponsored by Representatives Welch, Brown and Dodge, would require massage therapists certified by the state to maintain liability insurance and display state certificates; it would also specify that cosmetology does not include massage therapy. The bill was referred to the Committee on Public Health but a hearing has not been scheduled. ABMP supports HB 1573. To read the entire bill, go to http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2009/PDF/HB/HB1573.2.pdf.

Bills Would Crack Down on Unlicensed Practice and Protect Therapists’ Rights to Work from Home

02/27/2009

House Bill 5883, sponsored by Representative Orange, would establish criminal liability and penalties for those who engage in the unlicensed practice of massage therapy. The bill was assigned to the Joint Committee on Public Health but a hearing has not been scheduled yet. ABMP supports HB 5883.

Colorado Registration Deadline Fast Approaching

02/26/2009

The deadline for massage therapists to become state registered in the state of Colorado is April 1, 2009. You must be state registered by April to continue practicing. This is a mandatory registration. Applications and detailed instructions can be found at: http://www.dora.state.co.us/massage-therapists/licensure.htm Please note: Fingerprinting and background checks are mandatory and can take up to 12 weeks to be processed, start this process immediately.

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