Recent News and Legislative Updates

VA Bill Would Change Regulation of Massage Therapists

01/25/2012

House Bill 543 was introduced on January 11, 2012. As proposed, the bill would amend several different Virginia laws, including the regulation of massage therapists. Massage therapy is currently a certified profession under the Board of Nursing. The certification includes title protection but not a well-defined scope of practice. HB 543 would define the scope of practice for massage therapists and create a mandatory practice act. Anyone practicing massage therapy would have to be licensed by the State Board of Nursing.

New Jersey Bill Would Regulate Massage and Bodywork Therapy Advertisements

01/25/2012

Sponsored by Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini , Assembly Bill 456 proposes to regulate massage and bodywork therapy advertisements. If passed, any advertisement for massage and bodywork therapies must contain the telephone number for the New Jersey Human Trafficking Hotline, as well as the registration number of the advertising business or therapist.

Reflexology Regulation Bill Introduced in Washington State

01/23/2012

Introduced on January 11, 2012, Senate Bill 6103 proposes to regulate reflexology by requiring the registration of reflexologists. Since massage therapists are already licensed in Washington, and reflexology fits within a massage therapist’s scope of practice, this legislation will not have an impact on massage therapists. In addition, the bill provides that any individual registered as a reflexologist may not use the term “massage therapist” or any similar term to describe or advertise his or her services.

WA Bill Proposes Inspections for Massage Businesses

01/20/2012

Introduced on January 11, 2012, Senate Bill 6104 would grant the secretary of health the authority to inspect massage business establishments during business hours. If the secretary is denied access, it may apply for a warrant authorizing access. ABMP is in communication with Senators Keiser, Fraser, and Kline, the bill’s sponsors, to advocate for language that would limit the secretary’s authority to inspect establishments only if a complaint is received.

Mandatory Massage Therapy Practice Act Introduced in Indiana

01/16/2012

Introduced on January 4, 2012, Senate Bill 10 would require a license to practice massage therapy in Indiana. Currently, although Indiana’s certification system provides that only certified massage therapists may use the phrase “massage therapy” to advertise or market the services they provide, certification is not required to practice massage therapy. If SB 10 passes, only licensed massage therapists would be allowed to practice massage therapy.

New Hampshire Voluntary Licensing Bill Defeated

01/06/2012

On January 5, 2012, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted to defeat HB 446. The bill would have changed the mandatory licensing of several professions, including massage therapists and bodyworkers, to voluntary “licensing.” ABMP was opposed to the bill. ABMP thanks members who contacted, or met with, state representatives and asked them to vote “no” on HB 446. We believe this successful outcome is a testament to the importance of legislators hearing from their constituents.

New Hampshire Bill Would Change Mandatory Licensing to Voluntary – Action Needed Now!

12/30/2011

On October 27, 2011, the House Committee of Executive Departments and Administration voted (by a very narrow margin) to pass an amended version of HB 446. If passed by the full legislature, the bill would amend the current mandatory licensing programs for several professions (including massage therapy) and make “licensing” voluntary.  The next step in the process occurs on January 4th, 2012, when HB 446 will be voted on by the House of Representatives. Please contact your representative and ask them to vote “no” on HB 446.

Mandatory Continuing Education Now Required for Your Renewal

12/30/2011

Effective January 1, 2012, massage therapists practicing under his/her New York license must take continuing education. You are now required to complete 36 hours of acceptable formal continuing education during each three-year registration period. Practitioners renewing their licenses in the next three years (2012-2015) will have to complete continuing education hours at the rate of one hour of acceptable formal continuing education per month. For example, if you are due to renew in June 2012, you’ll have to take 6 hours of continuing education in order to renew.  

Pages