Government Relations

Those who work in a medical facility must obtain their second vaccination, if required, by September 30, 2021. Those who work in beauty and esthetics salons, spas, and gyms, must be vaccinated with both doses, if needed, by October 15, 2021.

Licensees who received waivers have until September 23, 2021, to renew—after that date they must reactivate their licenses. For those renewing an active license by December 31, 2021, submit your obtained 16 hours of CE. Those renewing after December 31, 2021, will need eight hours of in-person CE.

Licensees must complete one hour of continuing education in laws and rules relevant to the practice of massage and bodywork therapy effective September 20, 2021.

Texas passed Senate Bill 1831 this legislative session, which requires certain facilities, including cosmetology facilities, massage establishments, and massage schools, to post human trafficking warning signs.

The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy announced during their September 13, 2021, meeting that due to the state of emergency, massage therapy license renewals will be extended through January 15, 2022.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther issued an Executive Order that requires everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a facial covering inside indoor public settings. The order is effective September 10, 2021.

Boulder County Public Health issued a public health order requiring facial coverings to be worn in public indoor spaces throughout Boulder County, Colorado, during periods of substantial or high transmission of COVID-19.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced that all RIDOH-licensed massage therapists as well as all employees, interns, and volunteers working in RIDOH-licensed health-care facilities must receive their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by October 1, 2021.

By emergency rule, the District of Columbia is mandating vaccinations against COVID-19 for health professionals. Massage therapists must receive their first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine on or before September 30, 2021.

Proposed massage therapy rules were published in the Texas Register, which primarily affect distance learning. ABMP summarizes the rules and explains how you can comment to make your opinion on the topic heard before the September 19, 2021, deadline.