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Government Relations

A New Law in Oklahoma Needs Your Voice on the Board
05/22/2026

House Bill 3000 extended the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (Board) and eliminated the Advisory Board on Massage Therapy. The law added one licensed massage therapist to the Board to ensure the profession still has a voice in regulatory decisions. If you’re ready to represent your profession, we want to hear from you.

When the Bills Stop, the Rules Begin
05/21/2026

Legislative session is winding down, but rulemaking is just picking up, and it directly affects what you can do in the treatment room. Find out how massage therapy boards develop rules around new laws that guide your daily practice. Also, discover how to track changes early and your role in advocacy at the regulatory level.

Maryland Law Updates Massage Therapy Designations
05/11/2026

Senate Bill 419 allows current registered massage practitioners (RMPs) to continue practicing massage therapy beyond October 31, 2026. No new RMP registrations will be issued. The State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners will begin converting existing RMP registrations to massage therapy licenses. There is no immediate change to RMP practice status because of this law.

Proposed Federal Rule Threatens Student Loan Access
04/27/2026

Help protect massage therapy and wellness-related programs by submitting a comment by May 20. Your perspective as a practicing professional (whether you received financial aid or not), a business owner, an educator, or a school leader carries weight, particularly with your congressional representative. Your voice matters.

Advocacy Fatigue Is Real, but Staying Engaged Doesn’t Have to Be
04/21/2026

With a busy media stream competing for your attention, it can be difficult to find the energy to engage with an advocacy call to action. But supporting your profession matters and advocacy fatigue can pop up if you don’t find a balance. Learn how to stay informed and take action while protecting your peace in a face-paced environment.

Maryland Updates Massage Advertising Laws
04/21/2026

A new law will affect how licensed massage therapists (LMTs) and registered massage practitioners (RMPs) may advertise their services and may require professionals and businesses to update advertising materials across platforms, such as business cards, websites, and more.

Where Do Non-Solicitation Agreements Fit in Your Career
03/16/2026

In a profession built on personal relationships, the question of who “owns” the client is not always straightforward. Is it the business or the service provider? Non-solicitation agreements have been a staple in the beauty and wellness space, but as states begin regulating employment restrictions for licensed massage therapists, some professionals are asking whether these agreements still belong in 2026.

Chair Massage Volunteers Needed in Denver, April 27
03/16/2026

We invite Colorado LMTs to be a part of Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Day, co-hosted by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and the American Massage Therapy Association–Colorado Chapter. We’re looking for massage therapists to provide complimentary chair massages to legislators and their staff. Join us at the Capitol.

Minnesota Massage Licensing Bill: What Changed and Why ABMP Is in Opposition
03/12/2026

Senate File 1131 once promised real progress for Minnesota massage and bodywork therapists has taken a turn, but don’t give up hope quite yet. The bill was amended from a strong statewide licensure model to a voluntary registration model, which would do nothing to advance the profession. ABMP opposes these amendments because your profession merits regulation that protects your work and your clients and we will not support anything less.

Washington to Implement Mid-March Licensing Freeze
03/05/2026

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is rolling out a major upgrade to its licensing system, and this will cause a temporary credentialing freeze in mid-March. Avoid any last-minute stress with your massage therapy license renewal this spring and renewal early.