03/03/2023
In early 2023, the Kansas Legislature introduced Senate Bill 305 (SB 305), which would require statewide licensure for massage therapists. Should this bill become law, a Board of Massage Therapy (Board) would be established under the umbrella of the Board of Healing Arts to regulate and license Kansas massage therapists.
If SB 305 is signed into law, on and after September 1, 2024, it will be unlawful for any individual who is not licensed to promote themselves to the public in any manner as a licensed massage therapist or to engage in the practice of massage therapy. SB 305 would effectively end the current patchwork of massage therapy regulation required for practitioners.
Grandfathering
SB 305 offers a generous grandfathering route. Those currently practicing massage therapy would be eligible for a license if they can prove they have done one of the following:
- Completed a minimum of 625 hours of massage therapy instruction at a massage school in another state
- Completed at least 300 hours of massage therapy training in the three years before submitting a license application
- Practiced massage therapy for at least three years
- Been an active member in good standing for at least one year of a professional massage or bodywork therapy association (your ABMP membership fulfills this requirement)
- Passed a national examination approved by the Board that meets specified criteria
Licensure Requirements
If SB 305 is signed into law, new applicants for a massage therapy license must meet all the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older with a high school degree and no record of disqualifying conduct
- Have proof of 625 hours of massage therapy education
- Pass a national exam
- Have proof of liability insurance (your ABMP membership provides the appropriate liability insurance requirements)
- Complete fingerprinting and a state and national criminal background check
License Renewals and Fees
If SB 305 passes, you would have to submit an initial license application to receive your first massage therapy license, which would be valid for two years. Per the bill, the cost of an initial application is not to exceed $80. License renewal would be mandatory every two years, with the fee not to exceed $75. During each two-year period after initial license renewal, 24 hours of continuing education credits would be required.
Earlier efforts at instituting massage therapy licensing in Kansas have not succeeded. ABMP will monitor the progress of SB 305. Should testimony in support of statewide licensure become suggested, ABMP will notify you with details.