Recent News and Legislative Updates

Wisconsin Considers Amending the Regulation of Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers

12/14/2009

Assembly bill 588, sponsored by Representative Berceau, would make a number of changes to the regulation of massage and bodywork therapists. Under current law, a person who is not certified as a massage therapist or bodyworker by the Department of Regulations and Licensing may not designate himself/herself as a massage therapist or bodyworker. AB 588 would make it mandatory for massage and bodywork therapists to be licensed by the state in order to practice.

Kansas Committee Considering Recommendation to License Massage Therapists

11/03/2009

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the AMTA Kansas chapter submitted a sunrise document (essentially an application to license massage therapists in Kansas) to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The KDHE Occupational Credentialing Technical Review Committee was appointed to review the document in a series of four meetings, two of which have already occurred; it will make a recommendation to the legislature whether massage therapy should be regulated in the state of Kansas based on this document.

California to Resume Oversight of Private Postsecondary Schools

10/21/2009

The Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education Reform Act became inoperative on June 30, 2007 and was repealed on January 1, 2008. There has been no regulatory body with oversight of private postsecondary schools since then. In response, on October 11, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 48 into law. The law establishes the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) within the Department of Consumer Affairs. It will likely take several months for the new bureau to get up and running, however, California will again have oversight of private postsecondary schools.

Montana Board of Massage Therapists Appointed

09/30/2009

The Montana Board of Massage Therapists met for the first time on September 28, 2009. The board, named below, is charged with the responsibility of writing the rules and regulations to implement the law. ABMP will keep members informed of the progress the board makes and when applications become available. Mr. Michael Eayrs Professional Member Kalispell, MT Term Expires 5/6/2011 Ms. Deborah Kimmet Professional Member Missoula, MT Term Expires 5/6/2013 Ms. Stacy Baird Professional Member East Helena, MT Term Expires 5/6/2012 Dr. Nick Soloway, D.C., LAc. Health Care Provider Helena, MT

Arkansas Board Appointed

09/17/2009

Governor Beebe has appointed members to the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy. The board, named below, is charged with the responsibility of implementing the law. Gregg Benefiel, Mountain View. Lisa Douglas, Forrest City. Audra Findley, Russellville. Naomi Hall, Little Rock. Faye Weeks, Rudy. Susie Williams, Little Rock. Mary Kay Wurm, Hot Springs.

Illinois Passes Law That Will Have Negative Impact on Massage Therapists

09/02/2009

SB 318 became law on August 24, 2009. The law amends the Medical Practice Act and allows any person licensed under it (physicians, chiropractors) to delegate tasks or duties to licensed or unlicensed personnel as long as those duties fall within the scope of practice for the physician or chiropractor. In ABMP’s opinion, the law circumvents the Massage Licensing Act and will allow the unlicensed practice of massage therapy and other allied health professions.

California Certification Partially Available

08/25/2009

A Letter to California ABMP Members from Bob Benson, ABMP Chairman August 25, 2009 Dear ABMP California Member: I had hoped to be in a position this week to inform you that statewide certification as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) or a Certified Massage Practitioner (CMP) would be fully ready on September 1. I still anticipate that will be the case sometime in mid-September, at which time ABMP will send by regular mail to all California practicing massage members a formal announcement, an application form, and accompanying instructions.

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