AMTA Government Relations Committee
Legislative Briefing

December 2006

Arkansas

House Bill 1007 was pre-filed by Representative Thyer on November 27, 2006.  HB 1007 is an act concerning stipends awarded to members of certain state boards, including the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy.  HB 1007 allows the Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy and certain other boards to authorize payment to its members of a stipend not to exceed eighty-five dollars ($85) per meeting, examination, evaluation, or inspection attended or for any day while performing proper business of the board.  Last action taken: Action is pending on HB 1007.

Georgia

The Georgia Board of Massage Therapy is currently involved in the rulemaking process and applications for licensure are being accepted by the Board.  Licensure applications as well as proposed rule notices are available on the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy website at http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/massage/. 

Massachusetts

Senate Bill 2258 passed both chambers in the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on June 29, 2006 to become Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2006.  The law states that a license to practice as a massage therapist may be issued to an applicant who satisfies the following minimum qualifications: (1) he shall have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent; (2) he is 18 years of age or older; (3) he has submitted 2 professional letters of reference, with at least 1 being from an employer or professional in the massage therapy or medical field; (4) he shall be of good moral character as determined by the discretion of the board; (5) he shall have successfully completed a course of study consisting of at least 500 classroom hours or an equivalent number of credit hours of supervised instruction at a licensed massage school; (6) he shall have not been convicted in any jurisdiction of sexually-related crime or crime involving moral turpitude for the 10 years immediately before the date of application; (7) he shall provide proof of professional liability coverage; and (8) he demonstrates such professional competence as may be required by the board’s regulations.  For updates on the law, please visit the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy website at http://www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/mt/index.htm.   

New Jersey

The Assembly Regulated Professions and Independent Authorities Committee favorably reported Assembly Bill 1694 on December 7, 2006.  The bill provides for the licensure of acupuncturists, rather than certification, as is currently the case.  The bill also permits direct access for consumers of acupuncture services and eliminates the requirement that acupuncture can only be performed with a referral or diagnosis from a physician.  Assembly Bill 1694 revises the definition of acupuncture and authorizes an acupuncturist to perform or prescribe the use of tuina, shiatsu or other forms of oriental massage.

Ohio

On December 4, 2006, the Columbus City Council voted on and passed legislation aimed to tighten the licensing and regulation of city licensed massage technicians and massage parlors.  The legislation provides law enforcement officials with better tools to combat prostitution through inspections of massage establishments.  The legislation also changes the title of licensed massage technician to “registered masseuse” or “registered masseur” and requires a $75 city registration fee.  The legislation does not apply to massage therapists who are licensed by the State of Ohio Medical Board. 

South Dakota

On December 7, 2006, Governor Mike Rounds appointed Laura Woitte of Sioux Falls and Jeff Holcomb of Sioux Falls to the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy. The Board is currently reviewing and approving applications for state licensure.  For more information on the licensure law, please visit the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy website at http://www.state.sd.us/doh/Massage/index.htm

If you are interested in getting involved with your AMTA State Chapter or would like more information on legislative and regulatory activities in your area, please contact Amy K. Young, Government Relations Program Manager at the AMTA National Office.  Toll free (877) 905-2700 or e-mail ayoung@amtamassage.org.