Recent News and Legislative Updates

Interested in being appointed to the Pennsylvania Board of Massage?

02/05/2009

There is no formal application process offered by the governor's office. In Pennsylvania, the first step is to contact your state representative and/or state senator and let them know you are a constituent interested in being appointed to the new massage therapy board and you would like their help. They should know the process for submitting your name to the governor's office.

Michigan Board of Massage Therapy

01/23/2009

This notice is intended to give those interested in applying for a board appointment a better idea of the task at hand, time commitment, and reimbursement. Of the eleven members appointed to the board, seven will be massage therapists and four will be public members.  The board will receive guidance from professionals within the Department of Community Health (DCH) to write rules and regulations to implement the new law. DCH provides a general framework and the board fills in the details. Here are a few examples of what the board will discuss and create policies on:

    Indiana State Certification Update and Volunteer Opportunity

    01/14/2009

    Applications for state certification will be available the first week of February. They will be posted on the State Board of Massage Therapy website: http://www.in.gov/pla/massage.htm State certification is a title protection act. Two titles are protected - "Certified Massage Therapist" (CMT) and "Massage Therapist"(MT). Only practitioners using these titles need to apply for state certification.

    Michigan Licensing Bill Signed by Governor Granholm

    01/09/2009

    Today, House Bill 5651, providing for the state licensing of massage therapists, was signed into law by Governor Granholm. While the law is effective immediately, it will take some time to implement. There is no action for you to take at this time. It will likely take at least 6-12 months before applications become available, ABMP will continue to keep members informed. The law will benefit the massage therapy community in three primary ways:
    • Minimum training requirements and scope of practice are defined.
    • An avenue for consumer complaint is established.

    New York Budget Proposal Would Tax Massage

    12/31/2008

    On December 16, 2008, Governor Paterson released the Executive Budget plan for 2009-2010. In an effort to reduce a record $13.7 billion budget deficit, the Executive Budget recommends increasing and extending taxes and fees along with spending cuts in virtually all government programs. If the recommended budget is passed, massage therapists would potentially be affected by three proposed measures:

    Public Information Meeting Regarding New CO Regs of MTs

    12/09/2008

    From the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies: New Colorado legislation requires all massage therapists in Colorado must hold a certificate of registration by April 1, 2009. The Colorado Division of Registrations is holding public meetings on Thursday, December 18, 2008, to discuss these changes. The free session is an opportunity to learn more and ask questions about new registration and licensing rules, educational requirements, and important deadlines.   Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008

    Minnesota

    10/29/2008

    Minnesota Update on Licensing Effort This email is being sent by ABMP at the request of the Alliance for Licensing Massage Therapists (ALMT). ABMP will continue to represent members with this organization. If you’re interested in becoming more involved you can register with the ALMT or contact Jean Robinson at jean@abmp.com.

    Indiana

    10/27/2008

    The Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed rules (LSA Document #08-351 and LSA Document # 08-352) on November 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Indiana Government Center South, Professional Licensing Agency, 402 West Washington Street Conference Room W064, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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