Arkansas joins Nevada and Ohio as an official IMpact-participating state.
Arkansas
Dept of Health
4815 W Markham Street, Slot #8
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501-683-1448
Fax: 501-682-5640
Email: adh.massage@arkansas.gov
> Website
Title: Licensed Massage Therapist, Master Massage Therapist, Instructor
Requirement: 500 hours, pass either the MBLEx or NCBTMB and the Arkansas Massage Therapy Law examinations, background check and fingerprints
Renewal: 18 hours/2 years
ABMP supports the MBLEx, and if you feel it is a disservice to Arkansas students to take a state exam that will limit them, make sure to reach out to your representatives before this bill moves in the legislature.
Write a letter to your representatives to support a license that allows you to leave your home state and practice in another.
Find out how Arkansas defines a “mandated reporter” and what added responsibilities would be required of practitioners if this rule is adopted. Weigh in and submit comments before December 14.
ABMP is seeking volunteers to provide chair massage to Arkansas state legislators at the Capitol from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29. Email us if you're interested!
Arkansas massage therapists must now report any suspected child maltreatment, abuse, or death in accordance with House Bill 1729.
Arkansas adopted House Bill 1115 in early March 2023, creating a second pathway to obtain a master massage therapy license.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law Senate Bill 58 in February, which creates massage therapy student- and apprentice-level licensing. Future Arkansas massage therapists now have alternative pathways into the profession.
The Arkansas Register announced proposed massage therapy rules that address definitions, continuing education, policies and procedures, apprenticeships, and massage therapy schools. ABMP has summarized the rule changes and how they may affect your practice.
House Bill 1440 would allow online education for an entire massage therapy training program and in-person education at a spa or massage clinic. The Arkansas legislative session adjourned April 30, 2021, and HB 1440 died in committee.