Indiana

Governor Daniels signed SB 320 into law on May 9, 2007. The new law will establish a State Board of Massage Therapy and create state certification for massage therapists. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2007 and Governor Daniels will appoint board members by January 1, 2008. State certification is a title protection act. SB 320 protects only two titles, “Certified Massage Therapist” (CMT) and “Massage Therapist”(MT). Only practitioners using these two titles need to apply for state certification. Until July 1, 2009, existing practitioners will be able to qualify for certification under the grandfathering requirements. An applicant would provide one of the following:

• IRS income tax records from 2 consecutive years reflecting that the applicant has been a massage therapist;
• Business records from 2 consecutive years reflecting that the applicant is a massage therapist;
• Proof of completion of a 500 hour supervised classroom and hands on massage therapy program.

After July 1, 2009, in order to qualify for state certification, an applicant must:

• Be 18 years or older;
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Complete a massage program of at least 500 hours of supervised classroom and hands on instruction at an approved school;
• Have taken and passed an exam approved by the board;
• Be free of criminal conviction related to the practice of the profession.

The one glaring omission in the bill is the lack of pre-emption, meaning local municipalities in Indiana would still be able regulate massage therapy. This is a major failing of the legislation. While nothing can be done at this point regarding this issue, it is ABMP’s hope that the issue can be rectified in the next legislative session. Board Applications: ABMP would encourage any member interested in serving the profession to apply for a position on the Board of Massage Therapy. ABMP will be glad to provide a letter of endorsement. The Board will consist of three massage therapists and two public members. Members will serve a three-year term. Please contact Jean Robinson at jean@abmp.com or 800-458-2267 extension 645 if you’re interested in applying.