American Massage Therapy Association^®

Michigan Governor Signs Massage Therapy Licensing Act

On January 9, 2009 Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm signed House Bill 5651 to make her state the 42^nd to regulate the massage therapy profession. The new law will now be referred to as Public Act 471 of 2008.  The law creates an 11-member State Board of Massage Therapy that will oversee the practice of massage therapy. 

The new law is the result of years of effort by the AMTA-MI Chapter and representatives of other massage organizations to achieve fair regulation of massage therapy in the state.  The American Massage Therapy Association advocates for fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states.

The law allows only a licensed person to practice massage therapy. It establishes educational and examination standards for new practitioners and establishes provisions for licensing existing practitioners. The law also provides a definition of massage therapy scope of practice, an avenue for consumer complaints and preemption of local ordinances currently in effect.

When the new law is available via the Web, AMTA will provide a link. 
Read the draft bill here.