Recent News and Legislative Updates

Illinois Passes Law That Will Have Negative Impact on Massage Therapists

09/02/2009

SB 318 became law on August 24, 2009. The law amends the Medical Practice Act and allows any person licensed under it (physicians, chiropractors) to delegate tasks or duties to licensed or unlicensed personnel as long as those duties fall within the scope of practice for the physician or chiropractor. In ABMP’s opinion, the law circumvents the Massage Licensing Act and will allow the unlicensed practice of massage therapy and other allied health professions.

California Certification Partially Available

08/25/2009

A Letter to California ABMP Members from Bob Benson, ABMP Chairman August 25, 2009 Dear ABMP California Member: I had hoped to be in a position this week to inform you that statewide certification as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) or a Certified Massage Practitioner (CMP) would be fully ready on September 1. I still anticipate that will be the case sometime in mid-September, at which time ABMP will send by regular mail to all California practicing massage members a formal announcement, an application form, and accompanying instructions.

Pennsylvania Board of Massage Therapy Appointed

08/07/2009

The Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy has been appointed and held its first meeting on August 5, 2009. The board, named below, is charged with the responsibility of writing the rules and regulations to implement the law. ABMP will keep members informed of the progress the board makes and when applications become available. The board members are:
  • Loreli H. Bauer, professional member, Bucks County
  • Nicole Beck, Office of Attorney General Designee, Dauphin County
  • Toni L. Felice, public member, Butler County

New Law in Connecticut Establishes Criminal Penalties

07/07/2009

On June 26, 2009, Governor Rell signed House Bill 5883 into law. The new law, An Act Concerning The Unlicensed Practice of Massage Therapy, makes it a Class C misdemeanor for anyone to engage in the practice of massage therapy or use the title “massage therapist” without a license from the state Department of Public Health. Such a misdemeanor is punishable by up to three months in prison and a fine of up to $500. The bill goes into effect on October 1, 2009. It does not affect licensed massage therapists.

Governor Granholm Appoints Members to the Board of Massage Therapy

06/26/2009

Governor Granholm has appointed members to the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy. The board, named below, is charged with the responsibility of writing the rules and regulations to implement the new law. ABMP will keep members informed of the progress the board makes and when applications for licensure become available. Karen Armstrong of Farmington Hills Timothy Bograkos of Lansing Mary Ericson of Plymouth Tiffany Hartung of Warren Dennis Hilton-Scheffler of Mount Clemens Bilky Joda-Miller of Lansing Jodi Kubizna of Grand Rapids Thomas Mackowiak of Lansing Hal Rudnianin of Hancock

Governor Corzine Appoints Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy

05/26/2009

Governor Corzine has appointed members to the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. The board, named below, is charged with the responsibility of writing the rules and regulations to implement the law. ABMP will keep members informed of the progress the board makes and when applications become available. Ronald P. Mondello, Esq. (Kinnelon, Morris) Deborah K. Zastocki, FACHE (Randolph, Morris) Alan G. Vonderahe (Sparta, Sussex) Deborah R. Overholt (Mount Laurel, Burlington) Christine Gill Rose (Toms River, Ocean) Cynthia Sincropi-Balena LMT, CMT (Belle Mead, Somerset)

Rule Changes Considered by the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board

05/19/2009

The New Mexico Massage Therapy Board will convene a rule hearing to hear public testimony and comments regarding proposed amendments, repeals, and/or replacements to the rules relating to general provisions, fees, and licensing requirements for individuals, schools, and instructors. Details on the proposed changes can be found at http://www.rld.state.nm.us/Massage/news.html.

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