Indiana

Indiana SB 337

Indiana SB 337, recently introduced in the state legislature, proposes a mandatory licensure system for massage therapists in Indiana. SB 337 also proposes to require that all massage therapy instruction obtain Board approval.  Mandatory licensure bills have been introduced in several legislative sessions in the past and they have never succeeded.  We will keep you updated on the status of the bill.

Two bills, Senate Bill 348 and House Bill 1293, failed to pass the state legislature this year. The bills would have changed the current state certification (title protection) program, to a mandatory licensing (practice act) program. The bill would have also expanded the authority of the State Board of Massage Therapy by authorizing it to establish standards for the competent practice of massage therapy, approve massage therapy school curricula consistent with accepted national standards, and establish continuing education requirements. We expect a new bill to be introduced next year.

Senate bill 573 failed to pass the state legislature this year. The bill would have changed the current state certification (title protection) program, to a mandatory licensing (practice act) program. The bill would have also expanded the authority of the State Board of Massage Therapy by authorizing it to establish standards for the competent practice of massage therapy, approve massage therapy school curricula consistent with accepted national standards, and establish continuing education requirements.

ABMP expects a new bill to be introduced next year.

Indiana Senate Bill 573 (Landske) was passed by members of the Committee on Public Policy on February 14, 2013. This is the first step in a long legislative process. If passed, the bill would amend the current state certification law to a mandatory practice act. Anyone practicing, or advertising that they practice massage therapy, would be required to obtain a license in order to practice legally in the state.