Idaho

The Idaho Board of Massage Therapy has been drafting rules to implement the state massage licensure law  which was signed by Governor Otter in April 2012.  When fully implemented, the law will require that all massage therapists in Idaho obtain state licenses in order to practice.

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)

A bill, sponsored by Senator Hammond, will be introduced in the Idaho Senate early next week. If passed, the bill would require massage therapists to become licensed by the state and establish a Board of Massage Therapy to implement the process. The bill would set minimum training requirements, define a scope of practice, provide an avenue for consumer complaint, and pre-empt local regulations. Generous grandfathering requirements for current practitioners

SB 1078 was formally withdrawn by Senator Hammond (the bill sponsor) when it became clear that Senate Health and Welfare Committee would not have time to consider it. While on the surface it may seem disappointing to many people, the good news is that we have been able to complete an excellent draft bill this year that has the support of key massage therapy organizations, other licensed healthcare professions, and state regulatory departments. If the political climate is more favorable in 2012, expect the bill to be introduced again.

Senate bill 1078 has been introduced in the Idaho Senate. If passed, the bill would require massage therapists to become licensed by the state and establish a Board of Massage Therapy to implement the process. The bill would set minimum training requirements, define a scope of practice, provide an avenue for consumer complaint, and pre-empt local regulations. For a period of two years, existing practitioners would be able to qualify for a state license by meeting one of the following criteria: