Do you believe in and see the benefits of massage therapy regulation? Without your support, the Oklahoma massage therapy profession is in danger of losing its regulatory board, the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (Board), which could result in inconsistent regulation or none at all.
What does this mean for you? It could mean an increase in administrative and financial burdens on Oklahoma massage therapists and no regulatory agency to renew your license, preserve practice standards, or take disciplinary action to protect the public. Essentially, this could lead to all-out deregulation and could severely devalue your hard-earned license and education.
Why Is This Happening?
The Board was up for sunset law in 2024. This means the current board, which oversees massage regulation, will be terminated unless it is reapproved by the Oklahoma legislature. House Bill 1030 (HB 1030) seeks to reapprove the Board and extend its regulatory oversight over massage therapy until July 2028.
Help Save Massage Regulation Now
HB 1030 must be passed into law to ensure massage therapy is regulated in Oklahoma. However, the bill was vetoed by the governor. Unless we convince the legislature to override the governor’s veto, the bill will die . . . along with massage regulation.
Call your state representative and senator and urge them to hold a vote to override the veto on House Bill 1030 to protect massage regulation by the end of the week. Find your representatives here. Thank you for your advocacy!