News

Healwell Launches Podcast “Massage Therapy Without Borders”

Healwell (www.healwell.org) has launched a new podcast titled Massage Therapy Without Borders. Hosted by Cathy Ryan, RMT, and Cal Cates, LMT, the podcast aims to “use research, science, experience, and humor to explore the differences and similarities in the practice, regulation, education trends, and so much more of the 'landscape' of the massage therapy profession in Canada, the United States, and beyond.”

Updates on Financial Relief Efforts Affecting Members

The CARES Act that passed Friday, March 27, provides many potential methods of assistance for our members. There are small business loans and payroll assistance loans, modifications to tax filing deadlines, and an expansion of unemployment benefits to include a longer duration, access to benefits by self-employed individuals and independent contractors, and an additional $600 per week from the federal government.

Texas COVID-19 State Update for Massage Therapists

There have been many changes in the massage therapy and cosmetology industries and communities in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus), including executive orders affecting businesses, emergency rulemaking changing renewal timelines, and distance learning modifying the student experience. ABMP, ASCP, and AHP have summarized below how COVID-19 has impacted the licensing regulations and laws in the state of Texas and encourage you to pay special attention to the CARES Act outlined at the bottom of this email, which addresses financial aid and unemployment benefits. 

CARES Act Information and Analysis for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers

At 11:30 a.m. MT, it was announced that Congress completed its approval of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), a $2 trillion deal to provide economic relief to those most affected by COVID-19. The President has committed to signing the bill. Congress had been working feverishly for more than a week to develop the eventual 880-page bill.

COVID-19 State Updates for Massage Professionals from ABMP

Updated August 4, 2021.

We are tracking state updates on COVID-19 closures and reopenings and updating as often as possible. 

Your liability insurance is valid as long as you are in compliance with your state and local regulations. Because many states are opening in phases and or opening regions or counties individually, we encourage you to view your state's website and contact your local authorities for specific regulations and official information in your area. 

Cancellation of the 2020 World Massage Festival

The 2020 World Massage Festival (WMF) scheduled for July in Michigan City, Indiana, has been canceled over COVID-19 concerns. The WMF is transferring registrations to the 2021 festival. The 2020 American Massage Championships, that were to be held in conjunction with the 2020 World Massage Festival, are also canceled.

ACTION ALERT FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS – CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSPERSON

We’ve been carefully watching the wave of coronavirus sweeping the United States. As of today, we’re contacting our legislators in Colorado to strongly encourage them to create a national financial package that would assist you—independent businesspeople and contractors—through this pandemic. We cannot email each of the 535 Senators and Congresspeople directly, so we encourage you to contact them.

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