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.
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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.
The Five Lights Center of Shiatsu Studies announced six courses that are now available through the school’s online educational program. All courses are taught through Zoom’s livestream video platform.
The Washington State Board of Massage's Multicultural Health and Equity Committee is having their first meeting April 27, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. PST in a virtual format open to the public to join.
Laura Embleton, ABMP's director of government relations, will be part of a town hall session at ISPA's Stronger Together Summit. The Summit is taking place May 10–14, and the session is on Thursday, May 13.