Recent News and Legislative Updates

ACTION ALERT: Alaska Massage Board has Proposed a $660 Licensure Fee - Contact the Board Now to Voice Your Opposition!

06/01/2015

On May 1, 2015, the Alaska Massage Board and the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing proposed fees for the massage therapy licensing program. The proposal includes:
  • a nonrefundable application fee for initial license, $200

Visiting Instructors Subject to NY Massage Law

04/17/2015

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.

Update on Arkansas HB 1562

04/17/2015

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.

Arkansas State Board of Health To Regulate Massage

04/17/2015

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.

Visiting Instructors Subject to NY Massage Law

04/17/2015

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.

Exemption in Idaho for Certain Visiting Therapists

04/17/2015

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.

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