Government Relations

The Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy (Board) released a Schedule of Criminal Convictions. The list outlines criminal convictions that may be grounds to refuse to issue, suspend, or revoke a massage therapy license, certificate, registration, or permit. Major convictions in the schedule include abuse, sexual offenses, drug act crimes, and crimes of violence.
 

The Oregon Health Authority recently released information on the COVID-19 vaccine, distribution, and recommended sequencing plan. Licensed massage therapists fall under “health care practitioners.”

Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.81, announcing that businesses offering personal care services in Orange Zone areas may resume operations beginning December 14, 2020.

The temporary waiver that suspended the requirement for licensed massage therapists to maintain active CPR certification is extended. The waiver extension allows any CPR certification that was in effect on March 17, 2020, to remain in effect through January 31, 2021.

The removal of face masks for services is prohibited, which includes facials and beard trims. This order is in place between December 9, 2020, and 11:59 p.m. December 20, 2020.

Governor Newsom modified the state’s Stay at Home orders and split the state up into five regions. Regions that have 15% or less intensive care unit (ICU) bed capacity will be shut down from all but essential services for three weeks.

The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation passed an emergency rule to ensure all TDLR licensees with a license that expired between August 1, 2020, and November 30, 2020, now hold what is considered an “emergency license” valid for up to 120 days after their license expiration date.

According to Empire State Development, medically necessary massage therapy is considered an “essential health care operation” and is permitted to resume when micro-cluster zones are labeled orange or red.

Governor Cuomo announced updated COVID-19 micro-cluster focus zones in New York. Parts of Erie County will enter the Orange Zone November 20, 2020, and nonessential, high-risk businesses must close.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a new Emergency Order that prohibits services requiring the temporary removal of masks, such as facials and beard trims. The order is in effect from November 18 to December 8, 2020.