Recent News and Legislative Updates

Illinois Amendment Would Increase Entry-Level Education Requirement, Have Negative Impact on Portability, Raise Costs

03/22/2011

Illinois’ Massage Licensing Act (Act) will sunset January 2012. Senator Iris Martinez is sponsoring a bill (SB 153) on behalf of the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and the Massage Licensing Board to make several technical changes in the law as well as to extend the Act to January 2022. SB 153 was introduced on February 8, 2011 and ABMP is supportive of the bill as introduced on that date.

Utah Bill Changes Definition of Massage Therapy

03/10/2011

House Bill 243, sponsored by Rep. Morley, amends several provisions of Title 58, Occupations and Professions, regarding the administration and enforcement of licensing laws and related provisions. Lines 756 – 767 specifically address a modification to the definition of massage therapy:

756 (6) "Practice of massage therapy" means: 757 (a) the examination, assessment, and evaluation of the soft tissue structures of the body 758 for the purpose of devising a treatment plan to promote homeostasis;

Nevada Board Considers Changes to Existing Regulations

02/22/2011

On February 2, 2011, the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapists (NSBMT) held a workshop to solicit comments on the following topics it has included in proposed regulations: education requirements, requirements for restroom signage, changes to the existing regulation regarding unethical or unprofessional conduct, and a new requirement for a “managing therapist.”

Indiana Bill Would Change the Regulation of Massage Therapists

02/21/2011

Senate bill 500, sponsored by Sen. Landske, would change the current state certification (title protection) of massage therapists to state licensing (mandatory practice act). The bill would also prohibit local units of government from establishing or maintaining licensing requirements for massage therapists. Massage therapists would only have to obtain the state license to practice.

New Hampshire Bill Would Repeal Massage Therapy Regulation

02/17/2011

House Bill 446 FN, sponsored by Representative Spec Bowers (Phone: (603)763-2369 Email: spec.bowers@leg.state.nh.us ) of Sunapee, would repeal the professional regulation of several occupations in New Hampshire, including massage therapists, reflexologists, structural integrators, and Asian bodywork therapists. A hearing has been scheduled for February 22, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. in the House Committee of Executive Departments and Administration.

Idaho Bill Would Regulate Massage Therapists

02/17/2011

Senate bill 1078 has been introduced in the Idaho Senate. If passed, the bill would require massage therapists to become licensed by the state and establish a Board of Massage Therapy to implement the process. The bill would set minimum training requirements, define a scope of practice, provide an avenue for consumer complaint, and pre-empt local regulations. For a period of two years, existing practitioners would be able to qualify for a state license by meeting one of the following criteria:

    California Members, Now Is A Great Time To Apply For CAMTC Certification

    02/10/2011

    ABMP recently sent a postcard to members on behalf of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). This is a great time to apply for CAMTC certification for several reasons:
    • The initial rush of applicants is over. Application processing is efficient; you can expect your certification approximately 60 days after submitting your application (provided there are no issues with your school records and background check report).

    VT Office of Professional Regulation Releases Opinion on Regulation of Massage

    01/21/2011

    As previously reported, ABMP helped develop a Sunrise Application for the state of Vermont last year. The sunrise process is a preliminary assessment of the massage therapy profession conducted by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) to determine whether, in its opinion, the profession should be regulated by the state. The Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) has recommended that Massage Therapists not be subject to professional regulation in the State of Vermont. OPR cited the following reasons for not recommending state regulation for massage therapy:

      Action Needed: NJ Board of Massage and Bodywork, your input is requested.

      01/19/2011

      The New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy has been working to draft proposed rules and regulations to implement the law passed by the legislature in January 2008. When fully implemented, the law will change the regulation of massage therapists in New Jersey from a voluntary title protection to a mandatory practice act. All massage therapists (and certain bodyworkers) will be required to obtain a state license to practice. How the board interprets and implements the law passed in 2008 is a very important step in the process.

      Maryland Considering Changes to Massage Therapy Regulations

      01/12/2011

      SUGGESTED ACTION STEPS FOR MEMBERS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS NOTICE – DEADLINE JANUARY 18, 2011 The Maryland Board of Chiropractic Examiners is promulgating rules to implement the changes in the law enacted by the Legislature in October 2008. Some of the changes suggested are fundamental housekeeping items, such as name change (for example, the board will be known as the Board of Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Examiners). Others, however, are more substantial in nature and are cause for concern. Specifically, ABMP has concern about the following changes or oversights:

        Pages