New York Legislative and Policy Developments

New York

Office of the Professions: Massage Therapy
89 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12234-1000
Phone: 518-474-3817, Press 1, then ext. 570
Fax: 518-474-1449
Note: Massage category is #27.
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Title: Licensed Massage Therapist
Requirement: 1000 hours and state exam
Renewal: 36 hours/3 years

Regulation Type: 
State License

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New York Micro-Cluster Focus Zones—CLARIFICATION

According to Empire State Development, medically necessary massage therapy is considered an “essential health care operation” and is permitted to resume when micro-cluster zones are labeled orange or red.

Updated New York COVID-19 Micro-Cluster Focus Zones

Governor Cuomo announced updated COVID-19 micro-cluster focus zones in New York. Parts of Erie County will enter the Orange Zone November 20, 2020, and nonessential, high-risk businesses must close.

New York COVID-19 Update—Updated Personal Service Guidelines

These new guidelines allow facials, face massages, facial makeup, face waxing, beard trims, and shaves to be performed so long as the provider is wearing a face mask and a face shield, and receives a negative COVID-19 test at least once on or after September 3, 2020, before performing the services.

New York COVID-19 Update July 8, 2020

An updated Interim Guidance for Personal Care Services During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency document released July 1, 2020, includes a requirement that employees be tested for COVID-19 every two weeks for regions in Phase 3. This includes sole practitioners.

New York COVID-19 Update

The reopening of businesses in New York State is happening on a regional basis, and our members' businesses fall into different phases of reopening. Additional information and guidelines about each phase are below, but here is a brief overview.