Government Relations

The Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy (the Board) is seeking three licensed massage therapists to serve a four-year term on the Board. Apply today!

The Alaska Board of Massage Therapists has proposed new massage therapy rules that would impact licensure by credentials, continuing education requirements, and massage therapy establishments. Submit your commentary on the proposed changes no later than March 12, 2021.

Senate Bill 750 and House Bill 1652 have been introduced in Oklahoma this legislative session. The ways in which these bills will impact massage therapists include establishment licensing, fee increases, grandfathering, and more.

Mississippi House Bill 1315 (HB 1315) was introduced January 28, 2021. In the House committee held February 3, 2021, HB 1315 was amended to deregulate massage therapy. ABMP is opposed to this bill and we encourage you to send a letter to voice your opinion.

House Bill 79 (HB 79) was introduced in Kentucky this session. HB 79 amends various sections of the massage practice act, including establishment licensing and continuing education.

Mississippi Senate Bill 2751 would add establishment registration requirements to the Massage Practice Act. All licensed massage therapists would be required to register their business with the state.

South Carolina House Bill 3561 and Senate Bill 227 have been introduced in the 2021 legislative cycle. Both bills would create establishment licensure and update licensing requirements in South Carolina.

House Bill 442 passed the Ohio House on December 22, 2020, and modifies the minimum number of education and training hours for massage therapists. Required training hours will decrease from 750 to 600 and will become effective April 12, 2021.

The Washington Board of Massage revised the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) in August 2020. The new rules increase the minimum number of education and training hours from 500 to 625 hours. The new rules are effective September 1, 2021.

Governor Noem introduced House Bill 1016, which would consolidate the boards of massage therapy, cosmetology, and barbering into a new nine-person board from under the Department of Health. There is a hearing in the Commerce and Energy Committee on January 20, 2021, at 10:00 a.m (CDT). There will be a short opportunity for public comment.