Recent News and Legislative Updates

CA Bill Would Require that Massage Businesses Post Human Trafficking Notices

06/14/2012

California Senate Bill 1193, sponsored by Senator Steinberg, has passed by a vote of 5-2 in the Senate Appropriations Committee. If approved by the Assembly and Governor Brown, the bill will require that all massage businesses post a notice near the public entrance to the business containing certain information regarding human trafficking, including the contact information for human trafficking hotlines.

License Now Required to Advertise Shiatsu, Acupressure, or Thai Massage in Connecticut

06/14/2012

Connecticut House Bill 5455 was signed into law by Governor Dannel Malloy on May 31, 2012. The new law, Public Act No. 12-64, amends prior law by adding “shiatsu, “acupressure,” “Thai massage,” “Thai yoga massage,” and “Thai yoga” to the list of services that may not be advertised without a massage therapy license.

Bill Excluding Massage from No-Fault Auto Accident Insurance Coverage is Signed into Law

05/14/2012

On May 4, 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed Florida House Bill 119, which reforms Florida’s mandatory no-fault auto insurance law, also known as “Personal Injury Protection” (PIP).  The new law excludes massage from the medical benefits that are covered under PIP.  Thus, beginning January 1, 2013, massage therapists can no longer receive PIP reimbursement for massage services.  If you currently bill PIP for massage therapy performed in connection with auto accidents, you will not be able to do so after December 31 of this year.

Reflexology Certification Bill Signed Into Law in Washington

04/06/2012

On March 29, 2012, Governor Gregoire signed Senate Bill 6103, which amends and supplements the existing massage licensing statute by requiring the certification of reflexologists. Because massage practitioners must be licensed in Washington under existing law, and reflexology falls within their scope of practice, the new certification provisions will not have an impact on currently licensed massage practitioners.

Idaho Licensing Bill Signed by Governor – There is NO Action to Take at this Time

04/04/2012

On April 3rd, 2012, Governor Otter signed Senate Bill 1295a into law. The law requires massage therapists to become licensed by the state and establishes a Board of Massage Therapy to implement the process. The law also establishes minimum training requirements, defines a scope of practice, provides an avenue for consumer complaints, and pre-empts local regulations. Qualifications for licensure the first 2 years (grandfathering)

Montana Licensing Reminder

04/04/2012

If you have already received your license, you may disregard this message.

It is illegal to practice massage therapy in Montana without having a state license. Most massage therapists have already applied for and received their license. However, if you were delaying the process for some reason, perhaps you have not been practicing, or you’re taking a break for some other reason, please be advised that the “grandfathering provision” is expiring soon.  

Kansas Bill to License Massage Therapists Fails

03/30/2012

House Bill 2564, which would have required massage therapists to become state licensed, failed to progress this year. Thank you to all members who made phone calls to legislators at our request. There will very likely be another attempt in the 2013 legislative session to re-introduce a bill. ABMP will continue to work with others to ensure the best possible outcome should a bill progress.

NJ update on February 29th meeting

03/30/2012

To: NJ ABMP members From: Jean Robinson, government relations director RE: February 29, 2012 Board Meeting, Board review of public comments submitted Applications for licensing are NOT available yet, and probably won’t be available until the fall at the earliest. There is no action for you to take at this time; this is simply an update.

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