House Bill 1289 (HB 1289), which was passed in 2017, will create mandatory licensure in Indiana after the rules are final. Currently, Indiana has voluntary certification. The Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy (Board) and the state of Indiana have been working on the rule package, which we anticipate will be final by June or July 2021.
What you need to know:
- HB 1289 requires individual massage therapists to obtain licensure in order to practice massage therapy in the state.
- Those who are currently certified will automatically roll into licensure.
- Those who are not certified have 183 days after the rules are final to apply through grandfathering.
The rules have gone through a lengthy drafting period with the Board and have been with the Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) this year. We expect the rules will be final by June or July 2021, at which point licensure will be required.
Applying for certification or licensure:
Currently certified therapists need to renew their certification by May 15, 2021. You will need to have proof of insurance for renewal. Once you have renewed your certification, it will roll over to licensure when the rules are final.
Applying through grandfathering once the rules are finalized:
You will have 183 days after the rules are finalized to apply for licensure through grandfathering.
For those who are currently certified, you will be able to apply through grandfathering. There are a few ways to apply through grandfathering:
- Pass a national certification examination (NCBTMB or MBLEx) with an affidavit proving five years of work experience; or
- Provide certification and transcript of a 500-hour education program.
We will notify you when the rules are final and the 183-day window for licensure through grandfathering begins.
If you have questions or concerns, email us at gr@abmp.com.