Recent News and Legislative Updates

FL Massage Law Amended, LMTs Must Present Valid ID if Asked

06/18/2012

Beginning July 1, 2012, the massage law will require that any person operating, employed by, or performing a massage, in a licensed massage establishment, must immediately present, upon request of a Department of Health inspector/investigator or law enforcement, a valid government identification while in the establishment. Valid government identification means one of the following:
  1. Current driver’s license,
  2. Current identification card issued by a state, territory, or district of the United States (U.S.)
  3. Valid passport issued by the, U.S.

OH Bill Encourages Posting of Human Trafficking Notices

06/14/2012

Ohio House Bill 262, which has passed both houses of the legislature and is awaiting signature by Governor John Kasich, encourages, but does not require, any establishment operating as a massage parlor, massage spa, alternative health clinic, or similar entity by persons who do not hold a valid certificate from the state medical board to practice massage therapy to publicly post on its premises a notice containing certain informatio

CA Bill Would Require that Massage Businesses Post Human Trafficking Notices

06/14/2012

California Senate Bill 1193, sponsored by Senator Steinberg, has passed by a vote of 5-2 in the Senate Appropriations Committee. If approved by the Assembly and Governor Brown, the bill will require that all massage businesses post a notice near the public entrance to the business containing certain information regarding human trafficking, including the contact information for human trafficking hotlines.

License Now Required to Advertise Shiatsu, Acupressure, or Thai Massage in Connecticut

06/14/2012

Connecticut House Bill 5455 was signed into law by Governor Dannel Malloy on May 31, 2012. The new law, Public Act No. 12-64, amends prior law by adding “shiatsu, “acupressure,” “Thai massage,” “Thai yoga massage,” and “Thai yoga” to the list of services that may not be advertised without a massage therapy license.

Bill Excluding Massage from No-Fault Auto Accident Insurance Coverage is Signed into Law

05/14/2012

On May 4, 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed Florida House Bill 119, which reforms Florida’s mandatory no-fault auto insurance law, also known as “Personal Injury Protection” (PIP).  The new law excludes massage from the medical benefits that are covered under PIP.  Thus, beginning January 1, 2013, massage therapists can no longer receive PIP reimbursement for massage services.  If you currently bill PIP for massage therapy performed in connection with auto accidents, you will not be able to do so after December 31 of this year.

Reflexology Certification Bill Signed Into Law in Washington

04/06/2012

On March 29, 2012, Governor Gregoire signed Senate Bill 6103, which amends and supplements the existing massage licensing statute by requiring the certification of reflexologists. Because massage practitioners must be licensed in Washington under existing law, and reflexology falls within their scope of practice, the new certification provisions will not have an impact on currently licensed massage practitioners.

Idaho Licensing Bill Signed by Governor – There is NO Action to Take at this Time

04/04/2012

On April 3rd, 2012, Governor Otter signed Senate Bill 1295a into law. The law requires massage therapists to become licensed by the state and establishes a Board of Massage Therapy to implement the process. The law also establishes minimum training requirements, defines a scope of practice, provides an avenue for consumer complaints, and pre-empts local regulations. Qualifications for licensure the first 2 years (grandfathering)

Pages