The Washington Board of Massage revised the Washington Administrative Code in August 2020. The rules are now final and are effective September 1, 2021. The rules amend definitions, the out-of-state application process, transfer programs, school approval, training hours, faculty, continuing education, standards of practice, and recordkeeping. They also create a new section on gluteal cleft and perineum massage.
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Massage Heights, the franchise known for its resort-quality massage, skin care and wellness services, is under new leadership. Effective now, Susan Boresow will serve as the company’s new President and CEO.
Senate Bill 5229 requires licensees to complete health equity continuing education training at least once every four years to address how bias, racism, and poverty are health inequities and how to develop skills to care effectively for patients.
House Bill 1440 would allow online education for an entire massage therapy training program and in-person education at a spa or massage clinic. The Arkansas legislative session adjourned April 30, 2021, and HB 1440 died in committee.
Senate Bill 227 (SB 227) is essentially a cleanup bill, but also seeks to update licensing requirements, create establishment licensure, increase training hours, and modify fees. SB 227 is out of the Senate, but the South Carolina legislative session adjourned on May 13, 2021. SB 227 will not pass through the legislature this session, but will go through the House in 2022.
The Alaska Board of Massage Therapists adopted regulation changes effective June 6, 2021. The changes impact massage therapy establishments, massage therapy licensure, and continuing education requirements.
Several massage and bodywork school programs have reached out to inform us that they have been receiving email solicitations to purchase an email list of ABMP contacts. This is a fraudulent email, and we have sent a cease and desist notice requesting that these solicitations stop. We appreciate the schools who have informed us of these emails, and if you receive one we recommend that you simply delete it, or report it as spam if your email provider gives you that option.
Researchers at Syracuse University recently conducted a study to determine the mechanisms behind CBD’s ability to reduce pain, as well as the impact the placebo effect may have on pain outcomes.
ABMP members have recently shared more instances of receiving unsolicited "offers" from various web hosting companies that appear as invoices. This confusing “offer” is simply a ploy, and members should ignore these invoices.
Massage therapists in Indiana need to renew their certification by May 15, 2021. The renewal fee is $150 and proof of professional liability insurance must be submitted upon renewal. Massage therapists can renew online or by paper copy.