10/28/2022
The Iowa Board of Massage Therapy (Board) is proposing new rules as a necessary step to implement the new requirements outlined in House File 2168 (HF 2168), which was signed into law in May. ABMP notified members of the passage of HF 2168 in early June.
HF 2168 and the proposed rules would require massage therapists who treat children and dependent adults to complete mandatory reporter training. One hour of credit will be awarded toward a licensee’s continuing education requirements for each hour of completed mandatory reporter training.
If you would like to submit written comments to the Board in support of, or in opposition to, the proposed rules, email Janelle.larson@idph.iowa.gov by November 8, 2022. If you would like to comment in person, there will be a public hearing on November 8, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. CST at the following location:
Lucas State Office Building
Fifth Floor Conference Room 526
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA, 50319
Mandatory Reporter Training
The proposed rules would require licensed massage therapists who examine, attend to, counsel, or treat children to complete training every three years related to identifying and reporting child abuse. The licensee must indicate the completion of this specialized training on their license renewal application.
Similarly, the proposed rules would require licensed massage therapists who examine, attend to, counsel, or treat dependent adults to complete training every three years related to identifying and reporting dependent adult abuse. The licensee must indicate the completion of this specialized training on their license renewal application.
Child and dependent adult courses must be curriculum provided by the Department of Health and Human Services. Licensees would need to maintain documentation for three years after completing mandatory training, including program dates, course duration, and proof of participation—the Board may select licensees at random for an audit to ensure rule compliance.
Exemptions
The proposed rules would allow the Board to suspend child and dependent adult reporter training for a licensee if the licensee:
- Is engaged in active military duty, or
- Holds a current waiver issued by the Board that indicates difficulty in complying with training requirements, including a continuing education exemption or a continuing education time extension due to a physical or mental disability or illness
Written comments due by and public hearing on November 8, 2022.