Recent News and Legislative Updates

Indiana Bill to Require Mandatory Licensing Fails, State Certification Continues

06/24/2013

Senate bill 573 failed to pass the state legislature this year. The bill would have changed the current state certification (title protection) program, to a mandatory licensing (practice act) program. The bill would have also expanded the authority of the State Board of Massage Therapy by authorizing it to establish standards for the competent practice of massage therapy, approve massage therapy school curricula consistent with accepted national standards, and establish continuing education requirements. ABMP expects a new bill to be introduced next year.

Bill Extending Massage Therapy Regulation in Colorado Signed Into Law

06/24/2013

Senate bill 151 extends the Colorado Massage Therapy Practice Act, the law that regulates massage therapists in Colorado, until 2022. SB 151 does not make any drastic changes to the existing massage law; however, it does include a title change for the profession. Under the new law, massage therapists will be required to obtain a “license,” instead of a “registration,” in order to practice, and therefore will be titled as Licensed Massage Therapists.

Certification Now Required for Non-Licensed Reflexologists

06/24/2013

As we noted in our April 2012 legislative update, Senate Bill 6103 amended Washington’s massage licensing statute by requiring that reflexologists who do not have a Washington State massage license must obtain a state reflexology certification (also referred to as a credential). The state has developed rules to implement the change, which can be read here.

Certification Now Required for Non-Licensed Reflexologists in Washington State

06/24/2013

As we noted in our April 2012 legislative update, Senate Bill 6103 amended Washington’s massage licensing statute by requiring that reflexologists who do not have a Washington State massage license must obtain a state reflexology certification (also referred to as a credential).  The state has developed rules to implement the change, which can be read here.

Human Trafficking Notices Must Now Be Posted Unless You Are CAMTC-Certified

05/21/2013

Last fall we notified our California members that Senate Bill 1193, which added section 52.6 to the California Civil Code, would be requiring that massage establishments -- except those that employ only California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC)-certified therapists -- must conspicuously post written human trafficking notices. The law is now in effect. As a result,

    Human Trafficking Notices Must Now Be Posted Unless You Are CAMTC-Certified

    05/21/2013

    Last fall we notified our California members that Senate Bill 1193, which added section 52.6 to the California Civil Code, would be requiring that massage establishments -- except those that employ only California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC)-certified therapists -- must conspicuously post written human trafficking notices.  The law is now in effect. As a result,

      SD Bill Signed into Law, Changes Will Benefit LMT’s

      04/03/2013

      As we discussed in our last legislative update, HB 1126 initially proposed to repeal South Dakota’s Massage Therapy Act. However, a compromise amendment was achieved which deleted the repeal language and instead made several improvements to the massage law, including:
      • Removing the requirement that schools must be accredited by a US Department of Education recognized accrediting agency by July 1, 2014 in order to be recognized by the Board.
      • Improving reciprocity/endorsement licensing requirements for those moving to South Dakota.

      MD Bill to Increase Entry-Level Education Requirements is Withdrawn

      04/03/2013

      Maryland House Bill 818 and Senate Bill 915, both recently introduced in the state legislature, propose to increase the number of hours that an applicant for licensure must complete in a Board-approved massage program from 500 hours to 600 hours. The bills also would add kinesiology to the content areas that must be included in those 600 hours.

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