Licensing Bill Signed by Governor

House Bill 2499, a legislative proposal to license massage therapists, was signed into law by Governor Rendell yesterday. The law requires the governor to appoint a regulatory board to implement the law. The board will consist of six massage therapists, two members of the public, and three representatives from different government departments. ABMP will inform members when the governor begins accepting applications to be appointed to the board. The board will have the responsibility of writing rules and regulations to implement the law, including an application process. As previously reported, the law will allow existing practitioners to qualify for a license without obtaining additional education or taking an exam. To qualify for a license under the grandfathering provision an applicant will be required to demonstrate they have actively practiced massage therapy and meet ONE of the following requirements:

1. Has been in active, continuous practice for a minimum of 5 years; OR
2. Has passed a massage therapy exam that is part of a certification program accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA); OR
3. Has completed a minimum of 500 hours of massage education; OR
4. Has completed at least 100 hours of massage education and passed the National Exam for State Licensure (NESL) offered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); OR
5. Has completed at least 100 hours of massage education and passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).

Once a massage therapist obtains a license through the grandfathering provision, the only requirement for maintenance of his or her license would be to complete 24 hours continuing education for renewal every two years. To qualify for licensure after the grandfathering provision expires, an applicant must have completed a minimum 600 hour massage therapy program and pass an exam approved or administered by the board. Professions exempt from massage therapy licensure would include energy work, movement education, and reflexology. There is no action to take at this time. It can take up to a year for the board to be appointed and an application process to be put in place. ABMP will keep members informed as progress is made. Read the entire law.