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February 2007
Arizona
House Bill 2115 was introduced on January 9, 2007 by
Representatives Stump, Murphy, Allen, Mason and Rios.
The bill amends Arizona revised statutes relating to
disciplinary action and continuing education
requirements for professions including massage therapy.
The House Committee on Health recommended passage of HB
2115 on January 16, 2007.The full House adopted
an amendment to HB 2115 on January 24, 2007.HB
2115 passed the House and was sent to the Senate on
January 30, 2007. Last action taken: HB 2115 was
engrossed in the House on February 1, 2007.
Arkansas
Senate Bill 51 was introduced on January 11, 2007 by the
Joint Budget Committee. The bill makes an appropriation
for personal services and operating expenses for the
Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy for the biennial
period ending June 30, 2009. SB 51 was referred to the
Joint Budget Committee on January 11, 2007. SB 51
passed the Senate and House on February 8, 2007.
Last action taken: SB 51 was delivered to the Governor
on February 12, 2007.
California
Senate Bill 731 was introduced by Senator Oropeza on February 23, 2007. SB 731 would, commencing July 1, 2008, provide for the certification of massage practitioners and massage therapists by the Massage Therapy Organization, which would be a nonprofit organization that meets specified requirements, and would impose certain duties on the organization. The bill would require applicants for certification as massage practitioners or massage therapists to be 18 years of age or older, to meet specified educational criteria, to provide to the organization and update certain information, to provide fingerprints for submission to the Department of Justice for a criminal background check, and to pay fees required by the organization. Last action taken: SB 731 was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules for assignment on February 23, 2007.
Colorado
Senate Bill 193 is an act concerning medical payment
coverage in connection with an automobile insurance
policy issued in Colorado. The bill requires medical
payment coverage of at least twenty-five thousand
dollars per person in any one accident for the payment
of all medically necessary and accident-related health
care expenses. Payment shall be made to a first
responder, licensed or certified hospital, licensed
health care provider, mental health care provider,
speech therapist or massage therapist. SB 193 was
introduced on February 16, 2007. Last action taken:
The Senate Committee on Local Government amended SB 193
and referred the bill to the Appropriations Committee on
February 22, 2007.
Illinois
House Bill 2620 was introduced by Representatives
Madigan, Saviano, and Flynn-Currie on February 26,
2007. HB 2620 amends the massage licensing act. The
bill makes a technical change in the section concerning
the short title. Last action taken: HB 2620 was
referred to the House Rules Committee on February 26,
2007.
House Bill 3685 was filed on February 27, 2007 by
Representative Coulson. HB 3685 amends the massage
licensing act. The bill makes a technical change in a
section concerning the short title.
Indiana
Senator Miller introduced SB 320 on January 11, 2007.
SB 320 establishes
the state board of massage therapy to certify massage
therapists. The bill specifies certification
requirements and establishes guidelines for the
certification by endorsement of a massage therapist who
holds a certification or license in another state or
country. SB 320 also establishes penalties for the
unauthorized use of the title massage therapist. SB 320
was referred to the Senate Committee on Health and
Provider Services on January 11, 2007. Senator Delph
was added as a co-author of SB 320 on January 23, 2007.
A hearing on SB 320 was scheduled for February 21, 2007
in the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee.
The Senate Health and Provider Services Committee
amended and recommended passage of SB 320 on February
21, 2007. Senator Errington was added as
co-author on February 22, 2007. Last action taken:
Sen. Miller’s amendment to SB 320 passed the Senate on
February 26, 2007. To view the amendment, please visit
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2007/SAMP/MO032003.001.html.
Iowa
House File 401 was introduced on February 15, 2007 by
the House Committee on Human Resources. HF 401 renames
health-related examining boards, including the board of
massage therapy examiners, as licensing boards. Last
action taken: SF 74 was substituted for HF 401 on
February 21, 2007.
Georgia
The
Georgia Board of Massage Therapy is currently accepting
applications for 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/.
Maryland
House Bill 448 was introduced by Delegates Gilchrist,
Hixson, Ivey, and Kaiser on February 5, 2007. HB 448
alters the definition of “taxable services” under the
sales and use tax to impose the tax on certain services,
including massage services. Last action taken: HB
448 was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee
on February 5, 2007.
House Bill 735 was introduced on February 8, 2007 to
create the Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy
Examiners. To view the bill, please visit
http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/bills/hb/hb0735f.pdf.
HB 735 was assigned to the House Health and Government
Operations Committee on February 8, 2007. The
House Health and Government Operations Committee
scheduled a hearing on HB 735 for February 21, 2007.
Last action taken: A fiscal note for HB 735 was
introduced on February 19, 2007.
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. 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.
Minnesota
House Bill 1237 was introduced on February 22, 2007. HB
1237 provides sexual assault counselor testimonial
confidentiality; eliminates mistake of age defense for
certain sexual assault offenders; and, enhances
penalties for nonconsensual sexual offenses committed by
massage or bodywork professionals. The Senate companion
bill, SB 1144, was also introduced on February 22,
2007. Last action taken: HB 1237 was referred to the
House Committee on Public Safety and Civil Justice on
February 22, 2007.
Mississippi
House Bill 923 was introduced by Representative
Wells-Smith on January 12, 2007. The bill provides that
the state board of massage therapy may approve and
accept a state accredited examination as evidence of
competency for the purpose of licensure as a massage
therapist. HB 923 was referred to the Committee on
Public Health and Human Services on January 12, 2007.
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services
recommended passage of HB 923 on January 30, 2007.
Last action taken: HB 923 passed and was engrossed in
the House on February 6, 2007.
Senate Bill 3157 was introduced on February 12, 2007 by
Senators Gordon, Little, Gollott, Kirby, Moffatt and
Thames. SB 3157 makes an appropriation of special funds
for the purposes of defraying the expenses of the
Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy for fiscal
year 2008. SB 3517 was referred to the Senate
Appropriations Committee on February 12, 2007. Last
action taken: SB 3517 was engrossed on February 16,
2007.
SN
71 was introduced on February 23, 2007. SN 71 appoints
Connie Shanks-Knight of Laurel, Mississippi to the
Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy for a
four-year term ending June 30, 2009.
SN
76 was introduced on February 23, 2007. SN 76 appoints
Mary Lynn Cox of Madison, Mississippi to the Mississippi
State Board of Massage Therapy for a four-year term
ending June 30, 2009.
SN
83 was introduced on February 27, 2007. SN 83 appoints
Gloria Jean Waldrip of Guntown, Mississippi to the
Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy for a
four-year term ending June 30, 2008.
New Hampshire
House Bill 908 was introduced on January 31, 2007 by
Representative Baroody. HB 908 establishes the board of
massage therapists for the licensure and regulation of
persons engaged in the practice of massage therapy, and
the registration of somatic and bodywork practitioners.
This bill also repeals the current licensure and
regulation of massage therapists under RSA 328-B and
establishes transition provisions. Last action
taken: HB 908 was referred to the House Committee
on Executive Departments and Administration. A hearing
on HB 908 has been scheduled for March 20, 2007 at 9:30
a.m.
New Jersey
Senate Bill 2536 was introduced on February 8, 2007 by
Senator Gill. SB 2536 revises the laws for the
regulation of massage, bodywork and somatic therapists.
The bill provides for the licensure of massage, bodywork
and somatic therapists. Last action taken: SB 2536
was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee on
February 8, 2007.
New Mexico
House Bill 847 was introduced by Representative Miera on
February 2, 2007. HB 847 exempts practitioners of
certain healing modalities from the massage therapy
practice act. To view the bill, please visit
http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/07%20Regular/bills/house/HB0847.pdf.
HB 847 was referred to the House Health and Government
Affairs Committee on February 2, 2007. A fiscal impact
report was submitted for HB 847 on February 9, 2007.
Last action taken: The House Health and Government
Affairs Committee passed HB 847 on February 20, 2007.
The bill was referred to the Business and Industry
Committee.
New York
Senate Bill 2749 was introduced by Senators Stachowski,
Diaz, Duane, Hassell-Thompson, Onorato, Savino and
Thompson on February 12, 2007. SB 2749 prohibits
limitations in health insurance contracts or policies
with respect to massage therapy performed by a licensed
massage therapist. Last action taken: SB 2749 was
referred to the Senate Committee on Insurance on
February 12, 2007.
Senate Bill 2750 was introduced by Senators Stachowski,
Diaz, Duane, Hassell-Thompson and Savino on February 12,
2007. SB 2750 amends the insurance law, the workers’
compensation laws, and the volunteer firefighters’
benefit law, in relation to prohibiting certain
limitations or exclusions regarding massage therapy.
The purpose of the bill is to provide for the coverage
of massage therapy services in health insurance policies
and to ensure that massage therapy services are
available for the treatment of injured workers who make
claim for such services through the workers’
compensation system. Last action taken: SB 2750 was
referred to the Senate Committee on Insurance on
February 12, 2007.
Oklahoma
Senate Bill 1035, the Oklahoma Massage Therapy Practice
Act, was pre-filed on January 19, 2007 by Senator
Paddack. The bill was formally introduced on February
5, 2007. To view SB 1035, please visit the
AMTA-Oklahoma Chapter website
http://www.amtaok.org/legislation.htm. Last
action taken: SB 1035 was referred to the Senate
Business and Labor Committee on February 8, 2007.
South Dakota
Senate Bill 70 was introduced on January 11, 2007 by
Senators Grant, Garnos, and Napoli along with
Representatives Weems, Peters, and Wick. SB 70 is an
act to repeal the regulation of massage therapy. SB 70
was referred to the Senate Health and Human Services
Committee on January 11, 2007. A hearing was
held on January 19, 2007 by the Senate Health and Human
Services Committee. The Senate Health and Human
Services Committee amended SB 70 and passed the amended
version on January 24, 2007. The Senate passed SB 70 as
amended by vote of 25 YEAS to 10 NAYS. SB 70 was read
in the House and referred to House Commerce Committee on
January 30, 2007. The House Commerce Committee
amended and engrossed SB 70 on February 14, 2007. The
House passed the amended version of SB 70 on February
21, 2007. Last action taken: The Senate concurred
with the House amendments and passed SB 70 on February
23, 2007.
Tennessee
House Bill 543 was introduced on February 8, 2007 by
Representatives Kernell, Cooper, and Rowe. HB 543
amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 18
relating to sunset law for the Massage Licensure Board,
June 30, 2011. Last action taken: The fiscal note
for HB 543 was filed on February 8, 2007. Senate Bill
972, the companion bill to HB 543, was introduced by
Senator Harper on February 8, 2007.
Texas
House Bill 1883 was introduced on February 23, 2007 by
Representative Anchia. HB 1883 relates to licensing and
regulation of massage and bodywork therapies; increases
the education requirement to a minimum of 500 hours;
and, provides penalties for non-compliance. Last
action taken: HB 1883 was referred to the House
Government Reform Committee on February 27, 2007.
Utah
House Bill 419 was introduced on February 8, 2007 by
Representative Clark. HB 419 modifies the
Cosmetologist/Barber, Esthetician, Electrologist and
Nail Technician Licensing Act to provide a stand-alone
barbering license. The bill also removes the 200-hour
training requirement in lymphatic massage for a master
esthetician. HB 419 was referred to the House Business
and Labor Committee and a fiscal note was prepared on
February 12, 2007. Last action taken: The House
Business and Labor Committee amended and reported a
favorable recommendation of HB 419 on February 13, 2007.
Washington
House Bill 1397 was introduced by Representatives
Campbell, Kenney, Curtis, Cody and Upthegrove on January
18, 2007. HB 1397 revises the definition of massage
therapy to include manipulation or pressure inside the
mouth or oral cavity. HB 1397 was read for the first
time and referred to the House Committee on Health Care
& Wellness on January 18, 2007. The Washington
State House of Representatives Office of Program
Research prepared a bill analysis of HB 1397 for the
Health Care & Wellness Committee on February 13, 2007.
Last action taken: HB 1397 was amended and substituted
on February 15, 2007. To view the bill, please visit
http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2007-08/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1397-S.pdf.
Senate Bill 5597
concerning contracts with chiropractors was introduced
on January 25, 2007. SB 5597 was referred to the Senate
Committee on Health and Long Term Care on January 25,
2007. The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA)
released a fiscal note on February 20, 2007. According
to HCA, SB 5597 directs contractors to pay for any
services provided by chiropractors’ employees. This
expands the number of people who can provide services to
PEBB and BH, and is expected to increase utilization.
HCA assumes contracting with a chiropractor for
chiropractic services may now be expanded to include
delegated services. HCA believes the delegation of
services could include such services as dieticians and
massage therapists. The Senate Committee on Health and
Long Term Care offered a substitute for SB 5597 and
passed the substitute on February 23, 2007. SB 5597 was
referred to the Ways and Means Committee on February 23,
2007. Last action taken: A hearing on SB 5597 was
scheduled for February 28, 2007 in the Senate Ways and
Means Committee.
Senate Bill 6118 was
introduced on February 23, 2007 by Senators Fairly and
Regala. SB 6118 provides for the registration of
complementary and alternative health care
practitioners. "Complementary and alternative health
care" means healing methods and treatments including,
but not limited to: (a) Acupressure; (b) anthroposophy;
(c) aromatherapy; (d) ayurveda; (e) culturally
traditional healing practices; (f) detoxification
practices and therapies; (g) energetic healing; (h)
polarity therapy; (i) folk practices; (j) healing
practices utilizing heat, cold, water, touch, and light;
(k) colostrum therapy; (l) healing touch; (m) herbology
or herbalism; (n) homeopathy; (o) nondiagnostic
iridology; (p) meditation; and (q) traditional Oriental
practices, as Qigong energy healing. Last action
taken: SB 6118 was referred to the Health and
Long-Term Care Committee on February 23, 2007.
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. Owens, Government Relations
Program Manager at the AMTA National Office. Toll free
(877) 905-2700 or e-mail
aowens@amtamassage.org.
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American Massage Therapy Association®
