The Oregon Massage Board of Massage Therapists is currently recruiting for the Rules, Continuing Education, and Scope of Practice committees. To apply, complete the Interest Form before August 30.
Government Relations
On July 1, the Board of Therapeutic Massage issued an emergency rule to raise the state’s minimum massage education hours from 500 to 625. This change applies to all Missouri entry-level programs and apprenticeships/mentorships. The emergency rule is effective immediately and expires February 27, 2025.
The Ohio legislature adopted Senate Bill 56 on June 21, becoming the second state to enact the Interstate Massage Compact. Massage therapists will soon be able to obtain a multistate license that will reduce holdups and delays that often occur when moving to a different state.
The Nevada Legislative Commission approved the Nevada Board of Massage Therapy’s decision to increase the minimum education hour requirement for massage therapy students and to retire the International Therapy Examination Counsel (ITEC) exam for license applicants. Find out the new minimum hour requirement and what your school can do for current ITEC applicants.
Senate Bill 353 was enacted in late June, raising Louisiana’s minimum massage education hours from 500 to 625. Find out what your school needs to do to comply with the new education requirement.
Governor Daniel McKee signed into law House Bill 7738 and Senate Bill 2625 in late June, increasing minimum education hours and continuing education requirements. Find out the new state requirements.
The Ohio legislature adopted Senate Bill 56 on June 21, becoming the second state to enact the Interstate Massage Compact. Massage therapists will soon be able to obtain a multistate license that will reduce holdups and delays that often occur when moving to a different state.
At the beginning of 2024, 23 states had a 500-hour minimum education requirement. Six months into 2024, bills have been introduced, rules have been proposed, and there has been significant progress to ensure students retain access to federal aid. Find out which states have raised minimum massage education hours.
What are the next steps?
A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction that halts the enforcement of the US Department of Education’s new Bare Minimum Rule, also known as the “100% rule,” until the court takes further action. This is the first step in what could be a lengthy battle to ultimately delay enforcement of the rule, providing schools more time to adjust their programmatic standards, or overturn the rule altogether. Find out more and what your school needs to do to prepare.