Recent News and Legislative Updates


Technical Changes Made to Statewide Voluntary Certification Law

On August 1, 2011, Governor Brown signed into law the ABMP-supported Assembly Bill 619 that makes some changes to the existing voluntary certification statute. These changes, mostly technical in nature, do not change the rules on how you can obtain your statewide certification, which allows you to practice massage therapy anywhere in California without worrying about compliance with local massage therapy laws. The changes made by AB 619 include:

    NY Proposes Rules for CE Requirements – Comment Now

    NY Update on Continuing Education Requirements

    Senate Bill 5431 was signed into law on August 30, 2010. Beginning January 1, 2012, the law requires massage therapists to complete 36 hours of continuing education (CE) during each triennial registration period. The State Department of Education (Department), Office of the Professions, with input from the State Board of Massage Therapy, has proposed rules regarding the implementation of the new continuing education requirements. The proposal was published on June 29, 2011.


    Oregon Exempts Certain Practitioners from Massage Licensing

    SB 454 was signed by Governor Kitzhaber on 5/16/2011. The law exempts individuals who are practicing energy work or movement education from massage therapy licensing provided that the individual's services are not designated or implied to be massage or massage therapy and he or she is “certified by a professional organization or credentialing agency.” The State Board of Massage Therapists has the authority to verify that a practitioner claiming to be exempt is “certified” as required.

    Idaho SB 1078 Withdrawn by Sponsor

    SB 1078 was formally withdrawn by Senator Hammond (the bill sponsor) when it became clear that Senate Health and Welfare Committee would not have time to consider it. While on the surface it may seem disappointing to many people, the good news is that we have been able to complete an excellent draft bill this year that has the support of key massage therapy organizations, other licensed healthcare professions, and state regulatory departments. If the political climate is more favorable in 2012, expect the bill to be introduced again.

    New Advertising Requirements in Washington

    HB 1133, signed into law by Governor Gregoire on May 3, 2011, will require massage practitioners to include their name and license number on all advertisements and conspicuously display his or her license in his or her principal place of business. If the massage practitioner does not have a principal place of business or conducts business in multiple locations, he or she must have a copy of his or her license available for inspection while performing any activities related to massage therapy. The law goes into effect on July 22, 2011.


    North Dakota Exempts Energy Work from Massage Licensing

    HB 1304 was signed into law by Governor Dalrymple on April 5, 2011. The law exempts individuals who are practicing energy work from massage therapy licensing as long as they are not manipulating the soft tissue of the human body (not including a soft touch or tap), provided that the individual's services are not designated or implied to be massage or massage therapy.



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