As discussed in our previous update, SB 568 and AB 726 are new Wisconsin bills which propose combining the Wisconsin Massage Therapy Board with several other professional boards in the state. The bills are advancing quickly though the legislative process. We encourage you to call your state legislator's office now to voice your opposition to these bills. It is extremely important that legislators hear directly from members of the massage therapy profession in Wisconsin as this bill is being deliberated.
You can locate the telephone number for your state legislators' offices here. You can call your state Senator and your state Assembly Representative.
The following language can be used as a guide and incorporated into your own words when speaking with your legislator's office:
"Hello, my name is _________________________ . I live at [street address, municipality and county.] I am a Wisconsin State licensed massage therapist and a member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. I am calling to ask that you oppose SB 568 and AB 726. These bills negate the important functions of the State Board of Massage Therapy by blending the regulatory issues unique to the massage therapy profession with the policies of other, very different, health professions. Promoting a "one size fits all" oversight system will weaken the ability of the massage therapy profession to set clear and firm standards for its practitioners, which increases risks to public safety. SB 568 and AB 726 would undo the essential regulatory functions of ensuring adequate educational, ethical, and disciplinary standards for the massage profession, which must be in place to protect the public from harm."
We'll continue to keep you updated on these bills.