After being postponed in 2020, the California Massage Therapy Act is up for sunset review this legislative session. The Committee on Business and Professions is hosting a meeting Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. PST and you can attend virtually. You can also submit comments to the committee if you think CAMTC should continue or licensure should be considered.
Legislative Updates
The Idaho legislature introduced House Bill 273, which seeks to deregulate massage therapy. The bill would be effective July 1, 2022, if it passes. ABMP is opposed to this bill and is sending a letter to Idaho representatives.
The Ohio legislature has introduced House Bill 81 and Senate Bill 55. The companion bills clean up the Massage Practice Act, remove much of the derogatory language about massage therapists, and add minimal establishment licensing and massage therapist registration.
ABMP has verified that amendments will be made to Kentucky House Bill 79 and the requirement for massage establishment licenses will be removed from the bill.
Kansas House Bill 2400 has been introduced in the Kansas legislature and would require statewide licensure for massage therapists. The bill would go into effect at the end of the 2021 legislative cycle. Massage therapists could apply for licensure through grandfathering or an application process.
Senate File 1074 and House File 1275 have been introduced in the Minnesota legislature and would require statewide licensure for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists.
Hawaii HB 223 and SB 599 would require 12 hours of continuing education credits for each biennial renewal period beginning July 1, 2022. Two of the 12 hours would need to be “first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or emergency related courses.”
The Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy (the Board) is seeking three licensed massage therapists to serve a four-year term on the Board. Apply today!
The Alaska Board of Massage Therapists has proposed new massage therapy rules that would impact licensure by credentials, continuing education requirements, and massage therapy establishments. Submit your commentary on the proposed changes no later than March 12, 2021.
Senate Bill 750 and House Bill 1652 have been introduced in Oklahoma this legislative session. The ways in which these bills will impact massage therapists include establishment licensing, fee increases, grandfathering, and more.