03/11/2021
Vermont passed Senate Bill 220 last year, which requires registration of massage therapists. Massage therapists, bodyworkers, and touch professionals must register with the state of Vermont by April 1, 2021.
Use the Online Services System found on the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) website to register with the state. The documents on this page will help guide applicants and licensees through initial application or renewal. For additional help, check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.
To apply, simply fill out the application, pay the nonrefundable application fee, and, if applicable, provide proof of your original state license along with the license from your most recent state of employment. This process will register you as a massage therapist, bodyworker, or touch professional in Vermont. It does not constitute licensure; there is still currently no licensing requirement in Vermont.
In addition, the law requires a one-time disclosure be made to clients during your first meeting. Registrants are required to disclose the following:
- Their professional qualifications and experience
- Actions that constitute unprofessional conduct
- How to file a complaint with OPR
- How to get more information about the profession and registered professionals from OPR
Sample Disclosure:
My name is Jane Smith, and I am a professional massage therapist/bodyworker/touch professional. Here is a list of my qualifications and experience. (This is an opportunity to list your education, continuing education, years of experience, and any other information that proves your professional competency.)
Actions that constitute unprofessional conduct can be found at 26 V.S.A. Section 5427 and 3 V.S.A. Section 129a.
Complaints can be filed with OPR using their online platform: https://sos.vermont.gov/opr/complaints-conduct-discipline/. Complainants may file as a guest, registered user, or licensee—no registration is required. Complainants will be required to provide the name, address, and phone number of the person they are filing the complaint against; submit a complaint description; upload documents; and provide their contact information, witness information, and a summary of the complaint. More information on how to file a complaint is found at the following link: https://sos.vermont.gov/opr/complaints-conduct-discipline/. What happens after a complaint is filed is explained at this link: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/rddhuuuw/life-of-a-complaint.pdf.
For more information about our profession, or to find a massage therapist, bodyworker, or touch professional, visit the following link: https://sos.vermont.gov/massage-therapists-bodyworkers-and-touch-professionals/.
We hope this information was helpful and clarified the registration process. For more information, email Licensing Administrator Kelsi Alger at kelsi.alger@vermont.gov.
If you have questions or concerns, email us at gr@abmp.com.