2023 Highlights from the ABMP Government Relations Team

The US Capitol and the year 2023 next to it.

The ABMP Government Relations team had a busy year advocating for members and the massage and bodywork profession as a whole. Here are the team’s legislative highlights from 2023: 

  • Supported the Interstate Massage Compact that was introduced in the following states: Georgia, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Washington, and Wisconsin (Nevada signed the compact bill into law) 
  • Championed massage licensing efforts in Minnesota (Senate File 967 and House File 973) and Kansas (Senate Bill 305) 
  • Defended the protection of the MBLEx as the national massage therapy licensing testing standard 
  • Opposed massage establishment licensure to avoid double licensing in numerous states, including New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia 
  • Advocated for changes in June regarding proposed Gainful Employment rules; encouraged schools to push for change once final rules were released in October that amended the “150%” Rule, jeopardizing student access to federal aid 

Topics Anticipated for 2024:  

  • Supporting licensure bills 
  • Backing massage compact bills
  • Protecting entry-level examination
  • Advocating for reasonable education hours 

Related Content: 

Category: 

News

New Massage Board Created in Alabama

On May 15, 2024, Governor Kay Ivey signed into law Senate Bill 137, terminating the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy and its functions to create the new Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board. Learn key takeaways from the bill and how its passage may affect you.

Tennessee Regulatory Update

Tennessee massage therapy education requirements increased from 500 hours to 650. ABMP would like to share an update to explain how that change came about and give some overdue credit to those who made it happen.

Alabama Board in Jeopardy of Dissolution

Without your support, the Alabama massage therapy profession is in danger of losing its regulatory board, which could result in inconsistent regulation or none at all. Call Governor Kay Ivey to encourage the passage of Senate Bill 137 to protect massage regulation.

Blog

Benefits

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Milady

Raise awareness of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and practical infection control by getting certified in Client Well-Being & Safety through this Milady course.

Please note: We have recently updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Learn more...