Legislative Updates

While licensure by endorsement can seem complicated, the process is usually straightforward when you understand what state regulatory boards expect and prepare your documentation in advance. Reference this grab-and-go checklist to help you avoid common delays so you can start practicing quickly if you’re packing up and moving across state lines.

The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking public input as it begins developing rules for the new voluntary registration system for massage and Asian bodywork therapists established under House File 3825. Early feedback accepted through October 16.

Specializing in niche massage modalities can be a worthwhile career move, but it’s important to navigate the regulatory responsibilities that come with it. Lines between massage and other wellness professions can blur, making scope of practice an essential part of the niche modality conversation.

Read ABMP Director of Government Relations Laura Puryear's comments to the California Senate Appropriations Committee opposing Assembly Bill 1703.

AI is beginning to influence how government agencies process information, organize public feedback, and modernize regulatory processes. Let’s open a chat and discuss where we’re seeing AI in the legislative world and what that means for professionals.

On June 29, the US Department of Education (ED) made the proposed accountability framework rules permanent. In the announcement, ED included a delay of select provisions that would grant programs connected to certain professions, including massage, a one-year pause in implementation of these rules.

Most states require a nationally recognized licensing exam, while a few opt for a state-specific exam. Lately, some jurisdictions are exploring the state-specific testing pathway. Learn the pros and cons of each exam option.

House File 2602 creates statewide licensing requirements for massage therapy establishments. Under this law, some massage businesses must now hold an establishment license to operate. Not everyone will need one, so it's important to understand how this may apply to your practice.

House File 3825 was enacted, creating voluntary registration for massage and Asian bodywork therapists, advancing the profession forward by establishing clearer standards and introducing state-level oversight. The optional registration will take effect July 1, 2028.

House Bill 3000 extended the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (Board) and eliminated the Advisory Board on Massage Therapy. The law added one licensed massage therapist to the Board to ensure the profession still has a voice in regulatory decisions. If you're ready to represent your profession, we want to hear from you.

Legislative session is winding down, but rulemaking is just picking up, and it directly affects what you can do in the treatment room. Find out how massage therapy boards develop rules around new laws that guide your daily practice. Also, discover how to track changes early and your role in advocacy at the regulatory level.

Senate Bill 419 allows current registered massage practitioners (RMPs) to continue practicing massage therapy beyond October 31, 2026. No new RMP registrations will be issued. The State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners will begin converting existing RMP registrations to massage therapy licenses. There is no immediate change to RMP practice status because of this law.

Help protect massage therapy and wellness-related programs by submitting a comment by May 20. Your perspective as a practicing professional (whether you received financial aid or not), a business owner, an educator, or a school leader carries weight, particularly with your congressional representative. Your voice matters.

With a busy media stream competing for your attention, it can be difficult to find the energy to engage with an advocacy call to action. But supporting your profession matters and advocacy fatigue can pop up if you don't find a balance. Learn how to stay informed and take action while protecting your peace in a face-paced environment.

A new law will affect how licensed massage therapists (LMTs) and registered massage practitioners (RMPs) may advertise their services and may require professionals and businesses to update advertising materials across platforms, such as business cards, websites, and more.

In a profession built on personal relationships, the question of who "owns" the client is not always straightforward. Is it the business or the service provider? Non-solicitation agreements have been a staple in the beauty and wellness space, but as states begin regulating employment restrictions for licensed massage therapists, some professionals are asking whether these agreements still belong in 2026.

We invite Colorado LMTs to be a part of Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Day, co-hosted by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and the American Massage Therapy Association-Colorado Chapter. We're looking for massage therapists to provide complimentary chair massages to legislators and their staff. Join us at the Capitol.

Senate File 1131 once promised real progress for Minnesota massage and bodywork therapists has taken a turn, but don't give up hope quite yet. The bill was amended from a strong statewide licensure model to a voluntary registration model, which would do nothing to advance the profession. ABMP opposes these amendments because your profession merits regulation that protects your work and your clients and we will not support anything less.

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.

Establishment registration requirements, human trafficking awareness signage obligations, and expectations for business owners may impact how you maintain compliance and manage day-to-day operations. The Department of Health's Division for Health Protection is accepting comments though March 2.