Kentucky Governor Signs Bill to Amend Massage Therapy Licensing Law

A bill amending the massage therapy practice act was signed into law by Governor Beshear on April 12, 2010. The law provides for technical changes to the current law, including :

• The law adds language allowing the board to accept other entry-level exams, such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). The MBLEx is currently accepted in 26 states with additional states working (as Kentucky did by amending the law) toward accepting it.
• Instructors who are licensed in another state or territory who are in Kentucky to teach short term (to be further defined by the board) will not have to obtain a Kentucky license to practice.
• Other licensed health professionals, in addition to LMTs, will be able to supervise students.
• Fees for late renewals will be raised.

Schools should also be aware of changes to the law that may affect them. The amended language gives the board the authority to promulgate regulations describing standards of educational program curriculum and instructor qualifications. Schools will also be required to pay an annual fee for a certificate of good standing, and to submit to the board documentation of program updates, personnel changes, graduation rates, and licensing examination rates. ABMP strongly suggests that schools closely follow the board’s activities while it expands regulations further defining what will be expected of schools. To read the entire law go to http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10RS/HB180.htm and click on HB 180.