ISPA Announces 2021 Innovate Award Winners
04/05/2021
This year’s awards highlighted solutions and innovations implemented specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in three categories: business practices, philanthropy, and technology.
News
Irene Smith, Founder of Everflowing Outreach Program, Has Passed Away
04/05/2021
Irene Smith (1946–2021), an educator and founder of the Everflowing hospice program, passed away in her home on April 4, 2021.
Update on Mississippi House Bill 1315 and Senate Bill 2751
04/01/2021
House Bill 1315 aimed to deregulate massage therapy, but died in the legislature. Senate Bill 2751 is a sunset bill that extends the Mississippi Massage Practice Act, with a few amendments affecting practitioners and schools. SB 2751 was signed by Governor Reeves and goes into effect July 1, 2021.
Texas Adopts Rules Affecting Breast Massage and Human Trafficking Continuing Education
03/26/2021
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation adopted new rules March 3, 2021. The changes summarized within this update address new consent requirements for breast massage and human trafficking prevention continuing education updates. The new rules are effective April 1, 2021.
Bill to Deregulate Massage Therapy in Mississippi Dies in Committee
03/25/2021
House Bill 1315 attempted to deregulate massage therapy in Mississippi, but died in a house committee March 2, 2021.
English No Longer the Exclusive Language Used in Utah Government
03/25/2021
Senate Bill 214 removes the provision that English be the sole language for the government in the state of Utah.
Minnesota Massage Therapy and Asian Bodywork Therapy Licensing Bills Do Not Make it to Committee
03/25/2021
Senate File 1074 and House File 1275 would have required statewide licensure for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists in Minnesota. However, they were not assigned a committee hearing in this legislative session, so they are done for the year.
South Dakota House Bill 1016 Dies in the House
03/25/2021
House Bill 1016 would have disbanded the Board of Massage Therapy under the Department of Health and created a new Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Massage Therapy, but HB 1016 died in the House.
Oklahoma Bills Affecting Massage Therapy Don’t Make it Out of Committee
03/25/2021
Senate Bill 750 and House Bill 1652 were not heard in committee and therefore did not pass this year.
Massage Improves Mood and Well-Being in Caregivers of Patients with Dementia
03/24/2021
Results of a recent pilot study suggest that massage and relaxation are effective interventions for reducing the psychological burdens on caregivers of patients with dementia.