Legislative and Policy Developments

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New Massage Therapy Rules Proposed in Alaska

The Alaska Board of Massage Therapists has proposed new massage therapy rules that would impact licensure by credentials, continuing education requirements, and massage therapy establishments. Submit your commentary on the proposed changes no later than March 12, 2021.

Oklahoma Bills Affecting Massage Therapy

Senate Bill 750 and House Bill 1652 have been introduced in Oklahoma this legislative session. The ways in which these bills will impact massage therapists include establishment licensing, fee increases, grandfathering, and more.

Ohio Decreases Massage Therapy Training Hours to 600

House Bill 442 passed the Ohio House on December 22, 2020, and modifies the minimum number of education and training hours for massage therapists. Required training hours will decrease from 750 to 600 and will become effective April 12, 2021.

Washington Increases Massage Therapy Training Hours to 625

The Washington Board of Massage revised the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) in August 2020. The new rules increase the minimum number of education and training hours from 500 to 625 hours. The new rules are effective September 1, 2021.

South Dakota House Bill 1016—Hearing January 20 at 10:00 a.m. (CDT)

Governor Noem introduced House Bill 1016, which would consolidate the boards of massage therapy, cosmetology, and barbering into a new nine-person board from under the Department of Health. There is a hearing in the Commerce and Energy Committee on January 20, 2021, at 10:00 a.m (CDT). There will be a short opportunity for public comment.

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