Government Relations

House Bill 79 (HB 79) was introduced in Kentucky this session. HB 79 amends various sections of the massage practice act, including establishment licensing and continuing education.

Mississippi Senate Bill 2751 would add establishment registration requirements to the Massage Practice Act. All licensed massage therapists would be required to register their business with the state.

South Carolina House Bill 3561 and Senate Bill 227 have been introduced in the 2021 legislative cycle. Both bills would create establishment licensure and update licensing requirements in South Carolina.

House Bill 442 passed the Ohio House on December 22, 2020, and modifies the minimum number of education and training hours for massage therapists. Required training hours will decrease from 750 to 600 and will become effective April 12, 2021.

The Washington Board of Massage revised the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) in August 2020. The new rules increase the minimum number of education and training hours from 500 to 625 hours. The new rules are effective September 1, 2021.

Governor Noem introduced House Bill 1016, which would consolidate the boards of massage therapy, cosmetology, and barbering into a new nine-person board from under the Department of Health. There is a hearing in the Commerce and Energy Committee on January 20, 2021, at 10:00 a.m (CDT). There will be a short opportunity for public comment.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy (Board) released a Schedule of Criminal Convictions. The list outlines criminal convictions that may be grounds to refuse to issue, suspend, or revoke a massage therapy license, certificate, registration, or permit. Major convictions in the schedule include abuse, sexual offenses, drug act crimes, and crimes of violence.
 

The Oregon Health Authority recently released information on the COVID-19 vaccine, distribution, and recommended sequencing plan. Licensed massage therapists fall under “health care practitioners.”

Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.81, announcing that businesses offering personal care services in Orange Zone areas may resume operations beginning December 14, 2020.

The temporary waiver that suspended the requirement for licensed massage therapists to maintain active CPR certification is extended. The waiver extension allows any CPR certification that was in effect on March 17, 2020, to remain in effect through January 31, 2021.