Legislative and Policy Developments

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Note: to view this feed by state, visit our State Licensing Requirements page and click on your state, then "View legislative updates" inside the informational pop-up.

Arkansas Bill Would Allow Massage Therapy Training at Spas

The Arkansas House of Representatives introduced House Bill 1440 in February, which would allow online education for an entire massage therapy training program and in-person education by a master massage therapist or instructor at a spa or massage clinic.

Update on Massage Licensure Changes and Implementation

House Bill 1289, which was passed in 2017, will create mandatory licensure in Indiana after the rules are final. Those who are currently certified will automatically roll into licensure. Those who are not certified have 183 days after the rules are final to apply through grandfathering.

California Massage Therapy Sunset Review

After being postponed in 2020, the California Massage Therapy Act is up for sunset review this legislative session. The Committee on Business and Professions is hosting a meeting Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. PST and you can attend virtually. You can also submit comments to the committee if you think CAMTC should continue or licensure should be considered.

Massage Therapy May Be Deregulated in Idaho

The Idaho legislature introduced House Bill 273, which seeks to deregulate massage therapy. The bill would be effective July 1, 2022, if it passes. ABMP is opposed to this bill and is sending a letter to Idaho representatives.

Ohio Introduces Modified Establishment Bills

The Ohio legislature has introduced House Bill 81 and Senate Bill 55. The companion bills clean up the Massage Practice Act, remove much of the derogatory language about massage therapists, and add minimal establishment licensing and massage therapist registration.

Kentucky Removes Establishment Licensing

ABMP has verified that amendments will be made to Kentucky House Bill 79 and the requirement for massage establishment licenses will be removed from the bill.

Licensure Bill for Massage Therapists Introduced in Kansas

Kansas House Bill 2400 has been introduced in the Kansas legislature and would require statewide licensure for massage therapists. The bill would go into effect at the end of the 2021 legislative cycle. Massage therapists could apply for licensure through grandfathering or an application process.

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