Massachusetts

Dear Massachusetts ABMP Member: Last Friday, I attended a Public Hearing in Boston held by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy, regarding the board’s proposed regulations. I wanted to report on that meeting and encourage you to consider submitting comments to the board regarding the proposed regulations.

Massachusetts Licensing Update The Board of Registration of Massage Therapy is now accepting applications for a state license to practice massage therapy. Municipalities will no longer have jurisdiction over issuing licenses to massage therapists. The state board has sent a letter explaining this change in the governmental oversight of massage therapy to Municipal Health Authorities in Massachusetts. There is a great deal of information on the Board’s website, www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/mt.

The Massachusetts Board of Massage Therapy has been appointed by Governor Patrick and their first meeting will be held on November 8, 2007. Meeting are open to the public. 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. Members of the board: DONALD B. CARDOZA, Member J. DAVID NAPARSTEK, Member BERNADETTE NICHOLSON, Member STEVEN TANKANOW, Member TAK WONG, Member

As reported in July 2006, legislation has been enacted to require state licensure of Massage Therapists, Massage Therapy schools, and Massage Therapy businesses. The Governor is in the process of selecting and appointing Board members. Following appointment, the Board members will write implementing regulations. This process has been delayed because Governor Romney did not make the appointments prior to leaving office and Governor Patrick has not yet made the appointments.

On June 27, 2006, Senate Bill 2256 jumped the last hurdle and became law. Both the Senate and House of Representatives voted to override the governor’s veto to pass a law to regulate massage and form a board of massage therapy to administer and enforce regulation. Until approximately April 30th, 2008, current practitioners will be able to qualify for a license under the Grandfathering provision by satisfying one of the following:

• Provides documentation acceptable to the board demonstrating the applicant has provided at