Harbin Hot Springs Resort, the oldest of its kind in California, and a beloved destination within the holistic healing community, was nearly completely destroyed by the California wildfires on Saturday, September 12.
The once-luxurious campus of pools, meditation gardens, camping areas, and fountains was virtually leveled by what is being called the Valley Fire. A total of 295 residents, practitioners, and local staff were displaced as a result of the devastation.
In an effort to build on the success of its popular Sustainability Assessment Tool (SAT), Green Spa Network (GSN) has expanded the survey to benefit the spa industry in an even more comprehensive way.
Oklahoma Senate Bill 687, discussed in our previous legislative update, did not pass in the state legislature prior to the end of the legislative session on May 29, 2015. We will keep our members apprised of future legislative proposals concerning massage therapy licensure in Oklahoma.
Wyoming Senate Bill 86, discussed in our previous legislative update, died in Committee in March 2015, and thus will not become law. We will keep our members apprised of any future legislative proposals concerning massage therapy licensure in Wyoming.
We want to thank everyone who attended the recent meeting in Montpelier. It was a great opportunity to meet some of our outstanding ABMP members and engage in a meaningful discussion regarding the regulation of massage therapists in Vermont. For those who were unable to attend, this email is meant to fill you in on the discussion.
NY SB 1318, discussed in our previous legislative update, was signed into law on March 13, 2015. The new law provides that a massage therapist who is licensed in good standing in another state, and who is conducting a hands-on demonstration of modalities and techniques within New York State, is subject to the disciplinary and regulatory authority of the New York Board of Regents, and must comply with the all of the provisions of the New York massage therapy law. The law takes effect immediately.
South Dakota HB 1102, discussed in our previous legislative update, was signed into law on March 11, 2015. The new law amends the state's massage therapist licensing statute by removing the high school graduation requirement for licensure.
Arkansas HB 1562 has now been signed into law. The final version of the bill does not include Bowenwork exclusion or the registration requirement mentioned in our previous Legislative Update. The new law does extend the definition of prohibited sexual misconduct to include an express prohibition against “sexual activity with consent of or at the request of a client,” and also adds new options for late license renewal by licensees who are on active military duty.
AR S 145 was passed by the Arkansas state legislature and has been signed into law. The new law abolishes the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy and transfers all of the Board’s powers, duties, and functions, including rulemaking, licensing, and adjudications, to the Arkansas State Board of Health. The main provisions of the law go into effect on October 1, 2015.
Idaho HB 23 was signed into law on March 5, 2015. Under the new law, starting on July 1, 2015, an Idaho massage license is not required for therapists who are currently licensed, registered or certified in another state or foreign country if they are practicing in Idaho on clients participating in organized athletic teams or events, or in performing arts companies, for no more than sixty 60 days in a calendar year.