Recent News and Legislative Updates

Delaware HB 463 Vetoed by Governor Markell

08/03/2010

The Board of Massage and Bodywork currently issues licenses to massage and bodywork therapists and certificates to massage technicians. Delaware is the only state to have this two-tier system. Licensed therapists are required to complete at least 500 hours of education and pass a certification examination. Massage technicians are required to complete 300 hours of education and are not required to take an examination.

Delaware Bill Would Eliminate Certified Technician Tier

06/17/2010

Delaware Governor Jack Markell is considering House Bill 463, a bill passed by the General Assembly and based on recommendations made by a committee of legislators, Joint Sunset Committee, and on the advice of the Board of Massage and Bodywork. HB 463 would phase out the two-tier licensure structure in Delaware. Sunset is the periodic legislative review of agencies, commissions or boards. The purpose of the review is to determine whether or not there is a genuine public need for the agency and, if so, determine if the agency is effectively performing to meet that need.

Amendments to California AB 1822 are Expected

05/25/2010

California is in the process of redefining the regulation of massage therapy. It is considering AB 1822 which would, if passed, severely alter the regulatory powers of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). AB 1822, heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 19, 2010, was referred to the suspense file until amendments to the bill could be made. ABMP expects the amendment to be drafted this week and for the Appropriations Committee to vote on Friday, May 28. Should the bill pass in committee, it will be referred to the Assembly Floor.

Wisconsin Governor Signs Law Requiring Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers to Become State Licensed

05/17/2010

Under the current law, a person who is not certified as a massage therapist or bodyworker by the Department of Regulation and Licensing may not designate himself/herself as a massage therapist or bodyworker. The passage of AB 588 will make it mandatory for massage and bodywork therapists to be licensed by the state in order to practice, essentially changing the law from title protection to a mandatory practice act.

Kentucky Governor Signs Bill to Amend Massage Therapy Licensing Law

05/10/2010

A bill amending the massage therapy practice act was signed into law by Governor Beshear on April 12, 2010. The law provides for technical changes to the current law, including :
  • The law adds language allowing the board to accept other entry-level exams, such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). The MBLEx is currently accepted in 26 states with additional states working (as Kentucky did by amending the law) toward accepting it.

California Assembly Bill 1822 Update

04/22/2010

AB 1822, sponsored by Assemblyman Swanson, passed out of the Assembly Committee on Business, Professions, and Consumer Protection on April 20, 2010, with a vote of 8 for and 3 against. This was the first of several committee hearings the bill will have to pass in order to become law. The bill has been assigned to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Bill Would Circumvent CAMTC Authority and Return Licensing Ability to Local Municipalities

04/12/2010

In 2008, an important first step toward statewide regulation was taken when California passed a voluntary certification credential for massage therapists. Once obtained, it exempts massage therapists from having to become licensed in every city in which they work. This credential is potentially now in jeopardy.

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