As we discussed in our last update, House Bill 1289 proposes to change the state's system of regulation of massage therapists from "title protection" certification to mandatory licensure. We are pleased to report that HB 1289 was amended in the legislature this week and now includes grandfathering provisions for both certified and non-certified existing practitioners. Importantly, under the new bill language, therapists who currently hold an Indiana massage certification will be able to "roll over" that certification into a license without needing to show that they have 500 hours of massage education or exam passage. We are also pleased that the proposal to do away with Board member term limits and provisions concerning Board approval of massage schools have been removed from the bill.
We will continue to keep you updated on HB 1289.