tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14529 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

In closing out a busy 2011, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) honored California State Senator Lou Correa with its Legislator of the Year award at the final 2011 Board of Directors meeting.

By Editorial Staff In closing out a busy 2011, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) honored California State Senator Lou Correa with its Legislator of the Year award at the final 2011 Board of Directors meeting. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14499 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Massage Today is pleased to announce that the board members of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), California State Senator Lou Correa and Orange County California District Attorney Tony Rackauckas are the winners of the 2011 Heros of the Profession award. As a collective group, these individuals worked tirelessly to pass California Senate Bill 285, the anti-human trafficking legislation that makes it a misdemeanor to sell phony massage school transcripts.

By Kathryn Feather, Senior Associate Editor Massage Today is pleased to announce that the board members of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), California State Senator Lou Correa and Orange County California District Attorney Tony Rackauckas are the winners of the 2011 Heros of the Profession award. As a collective group, these individuals worked tirelessly to pass California Senate Bill 285, the anti-human trafficking legislation that makes it a misdemeanor to sell phony massage school transcripts. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14467 2011-08-03T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-03T12:00:07-07:00

California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed SB 285, the anti-human trafficking legislation that makes it a misdemeanor to sell phony massage school transcripts. The bill is widely supported by the massage therapy profession and the state's certification board.

By Kathryn Feather, Senior Associate Editor California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed SB 285, the anti-human trafficking legislation that makes it a misdemeanor to sell phony massage school transcripts. The bill is widely supported by the massage therapy profession and the state's certification board. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14461 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Texas members of various associations of massage, bodywork and Asian bodywork therapies are busy forming a new Texas Legislative Coalition to prepare for an advisory board. Solid legislative efforts by the Texas Association of Massage Therapists (TAMT), the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA), the Texas Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (TAAOM), the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Texas Medical Association, recently helped to kill the Texas Health Freedom Coalition Bills SB 1084 and HB 1716 at the end of the Texas 82nd Legislative session in June.

By Janine Ray, LMT, MTI, CCMT and Pamela Ellen Ferguson, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), AOBTA(R) and GSD-CI, LMT (TX) Texas members of various associations of massage, bodywork and Asian bodywork therapies are busy forming a new Texas Legislative Coalition to prepare for an advisory board. Solid legislative efforts by the Texas Association of Massage Therapists (TAMT), the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA), the Texas Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (TAAOM), the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Texas Medical Association, recently helped to kill the Texas Health Freedom Coalition Bills SB 1084 and HB 1716 at the end of the Texas 82nd Legislative session in June. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14455 2011-07-18T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-18T12:00:07-07:00

There have been new developments in the California battle between human traffickers and the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), the state established certification agency for massage therapists. The CAMTC is leading a pioneering effort to shut down schools that sell or provide fraudulent massage school transcripts. In a test case closely monitored by massage industry insiders, three massage schools that had their transcripts disallowed by CAMTC, turned around and sued the CAMTC for damages in Los Angeles Superior Court. The judge hearing the matter dismissed all three suits and fined the three schools $18,000.

Editorial Staff There have been new developments in the California battle between human traffickers and the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), the state established certification agency for massage therapists. The CAMTC is leading a pioneering effort to shut down schools that sell or provide fraudulent massage school transcripts. In a test case closely monitored by massage industry insiders, three massage schools that had their transcripts disallowed by CAMTC, turned around and sued the CAMTC for damages in Los Angeles Superior Court. The judge hearing the matter dismissed all three suits and fined the three schools $18,000. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14449 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Many well meaning, concerned people are watching our profession decay from within and are sincerely trying to do something about it. I appreciate that. However, PLEASE STOP with the more hours legislation. STOP with all legislation efforts for just a moment. Unfortunately, this column will probably not get published in time for this year's legislative season. Most state legislatures adjourn for the summer, but they'll be back, so let me explain my plea.

By Ralph Stephens, BS, LMT, NCTMB Many well meaning, concerned people are watching our profession decay from within and are sincerely trying to do something about it. I appreciate that. However, PLEASE STOP with the more hours legislation. STOP with all legislation efforts for just a moment. Unfortunately, this column will probably not get published in time for this year's legislative season. Most state legislatures adjourn for the summer, but they'll be back, so let me explain my plea. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14423 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

A law that would make it illegal to knowingly provide faked massage therapist credentials is moving the California state legislature in response to human traffickers who are selling the phony documents to prostitutes who pose as therapists.

By Ramon G. McLeod, Editor-in-Chief A law that would make it illegal to knowingly provide faked massage therapist credentials is moving the California state legislature in response to human traffickers who are selling the phony documents to prostitutes who pose as therapists. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14368 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

A new year can bring so many changes. Just so you know, my column will only appear four times this year. So many great authors out there, I'm sharing the ink. I have also decided that 2011 will be my "Farewell Teaching Tour" and I will significantly cut back on travels after 2011. So, come study with me when I am near your town as this could be the last time.

By Ralph Stephens, BS, LMT, NCTMB A new year can bring so many changes. Just so you know, my column will only appear four times this year. So many great authors out there, I'm sharing the ink. I have also decided that 2011 will be my "Farewell Teaching Tour" and I will significantly cut back on travels after 2011. So, come study with me when I am near your town as this could be the last time. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14322 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Another patch has been added to the ugly patchwork quilt of massage regulation. This time the great state of New York has passed an amendment to their massage law restricting free trade and interstate commerce in continuing education. The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork did the right thing by opposing it. American Massage Therapy Association lobbied in favor of it.

By Ralph Stephens, BS, LMT, NCTMB Another patch has been added to the ugly patchwork quilt of massage regulation. This time the great state of New York has passed an amendment to their massage law restricting free trade and interstate commerce in continuing education. The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork did the right thing by opposing it. American Massage Therapy Association lobbied in favor of it. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14309 2010-10-04T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-04T12:00:07-07:00

The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education has chosen to support the Massage and Bodywork Therapy Licensing Examination (MBLEx) as the exclusive examination for entry-level credentialing in the field of massage therapy. This exam, offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) is the preferred choice for graduates of massage therapy schools who are seeking state licensure, certification or registration.

Editorial Staff The Alliance for Massage Therapy Education has chosen to support the Massage and Bodywork Therapy Licensing Examination (MBLEx) as the exclusive examination for entry-level credentialing in the field of massage therapy. This exam, offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) is the preferred choice for graduates of massage therapy schools who are seeking state licensure, certification or registration. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14308 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the highly controversial anti-prostitution California bill on Sept. 30, sending it back to the legislature without his signature. Assembly Bill 1822 has been the object of scorn from the massage community since its inception back in February of this year.

By Christie Bondurant Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the highly controversial anti-prostitution California bill on Sept. 30, sending it back to the legislature without his signature. Assembly Bill 1822 has been the object of scorn from the massage community since its inception back in February of this year. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14306 2010-09-17T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-17T12:00:07-07:00

Effective Dec. 1, 2010, an active state license will be required to practice massage therapy and bodywork therapy in Wisconsin. The passage of AB 588, now designated as 2009 Wisconsin Act 355, is available at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/acts/09Act355.pdf.

By Betsy Krizenesky, WRMT, AMTA-WI Government Relations Chair Effective Dec. 1, 2010, an active state license will be required to practice massage therapy and bodywork therapy in Wisconsin. The passage of AB 588, now designated as 2009 Wisconsin Act 355, is available at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/acts/09Act355.pdf. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14305 2010-09-17T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-17T12:00:07-07:00

For the last few months AB 1822 has been making its way through the legislative process. In its original form, the bill would have significantly gutted the authority of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) and the certification process enacted under SB 731 (Oropeza) in 2008. In its current form, the bill would provide both the California Police Chiefs Association and the California State Sheriffs' Association with the ability to appoint a person to the CAMTC board of directors. The bill has passed the General Assembly. The governor must sign or veto legislation within 12 days or it becomes law without his signature.

Editorial Staff For the last few months AB 1822 has been making its way through the legislative process. In its original form, the bill would have significantly gutted the authority of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) and the certification process enacted under SB 731 (Oropeza) in 2008. In its current form, the bill would provide both the California Police Chiefs Association and the California State Sheriffs' Association with the ability to appoint a person to the CAMTC board of directors. The bill has passed the General Assembly. The governor must sign or veto legislation within 12 days or it becomes law without his signature. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14295 2010-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

The highly controversial California Assembly Bill 1822 passed state legislature this week and currently sits on the governor's desk awaiting his review.

By Christie Bondurant The highly controversial California Assembly Bill 1822 passed state legislature this week and currently sits on the governor's desk awaiting his review. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14294 2010-08-30T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-30T12:00:07-07:00

According to a recent American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) letter sent out Friday August 27 to AMTA members, long-time executive director Elizabeth “Liz” Lucas has resigned.

Editorial Staff According to a recent American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) letter sent out Friday August 27 to AMTA members, long-time executive director Elizabeth “Liz” Lucas has resigned. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14293 2010-08-27T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-27T12:00:07-07:00

This week, the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education sent a letter to New York Governor David A. Paterson asking him to veto Senate Bill 5431. This legislation would establish mandatory continuing education requirements for New York Licensed Massage Therapists.

Editorial Staff This week, the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education sent a letter to New York Governor David A. Paterson asking him to veto Senate Bill 5431. This legislation would establish mandatory continuing education requirements for New York Licensed Massage Therapists. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14292 2010-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

It's September! Hope you had a wonderful summer. This year fall will be really interesting because of a very important election. America now has two classes, a ruling class and the rest of us. If you really want affordable health care that includes alternative providers, and a prosperous economy, you have to become active in getting rid of the ruling class.

By Ralph Stephens, BS, LMT, NCTMB It's September! Hope you had a wonderful summer. This year fall will be really interesting because of a very important election. America now has two classes, a ruling class and the rest of us. If you really want affordable health care that includes alternative providers, and a prosperous economy, you have to become active in getting rid of the ruling class. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14281 2010-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

After controversial amendments were made to the infamous "anti-prostitution" law of adding "hostile" law enforcement professionals to a California massage board, the bill gets even more contentious with its most recent language.

By Christie Bondurant After controversial amendments were made to the infamous "anti-prostitution" law of adding "hostile" law enforcement professionals to a California massage board, the bill gets even more contentious with its most recent language. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14280 2010-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

After months of discussions regarding the infamous "anti-prostitution" law, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), American Massage Therapy Association-California chapter (AMTA-CA) and Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) have ended negotiations and have called for an end to Assembly Bill 1822.

By Christie Bondurant After months of discussions regarding the infamous "anti-prostitution" law, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), American Massage Therapy Association-California chapter (AMTA-CA) and Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) have ended negotiations and have called for an end to Assembly Bill 1822. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14279 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Massage Today received a large response to Ralph Stephens' July 2010 article, "Marching Toward Therapeutic Irrelevance", with the overwhelming majority in favor of the article. The following are some of those letters received, along with one response from Mr. Stephens.

Editorial Staff Massage Today received a large response to Ralph Stephens' July 2010 article, "Marching Toward Therapeutic Irrelevance", with the overwhelming majority in favor of the article. The following are some of those letters received, along with one response from Mr. Stephens. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14268 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

It looked like a done deal. An anti-prostitution law was moving quickly in the California legislature that would have dramatically changed the rules for massage therapists. Assembly Bill 1822 was clearly an assault on the profession, yet very little attention was being paid to it, which is exactly what its proponents expected.

By Ramon G. McLeod, Editor-in-Chief It looked like a done deal. An anti-prostitution law was moving quickly in the California legislature that would have dramatically changed the rules for massage therapists. Assembly Bill 1822 was clearly an assault on the profession, yet very little attention was being paid to it, which is exactly what its proponents expected. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14262 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

In early March of this year, calls went out from Will Green, owner and founder of the International Massage Association (IMA), to at least two major players in the massage insurance industry. Green wanted to know whether there was any interest in buying the liability insurance business that IMA had begun in 1994.

By Ramon G. McLeod, Editor-in-Chief In early March of this year, calls went out from Will Green, owner and founder of the International Massage Association (IMA), to at least two major players in the massage insurance industry. Green wanted to know whether there was any interest in buying the liability insurance business that IMA had begun in 1994. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14259 2010-07-12T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-12T12:00:07-07:00

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) will celebrate its award-winning, 16th annual EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week, highlighting the benefits of massage, from Sunday, July 18, through Saturday, July 24. As in years past, ABMP members will hold grassroots events nationwide to give back to their communities and spread the word about the value of professional massage therapy.

Editorial Staff Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) will celebrate its award-winning, 16th annual EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week, highlighting the benefits of massage, from Sunday, July 18, through Saturday, July 24. As in years past, ABMP members will hold grassroots events nationwide to give back to their communities and spread the word about the value of professional massage therapy. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14257 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

As California Assembly Bill 1822 makes its way through both houses of legislature and their various governing committees, the bill's language regarding massage establishments and the authority of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) continues to evolve. This is an update regarding the new language, as of June 23, 2010.

By Christie Bondurant As California Assembly Bill 1822 makes its way through both houses of legislature and their various governing committees, the bill's language regarding massage establishments and the authority of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) continues to evolve. This is an update regarding the new language, as of June 23, 2010. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14252 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

From previous articles, I have been accused of being irrational and needing to do more homework. Seems I pushed too firmly on a few buttons. Homework will be forthcoming along with a softer touch. Once again, I will state that my purpose here is to provoke thought and constructive debate. I am not being critical of anyone or anything just for the sake of "stirring the pot." It is not my intention to be negative or to create fear. I am sharing my view, in hopes of having a positive effect. Sadly, even the most constructive criticism or observation can be perceived as threatening to the "leadership," who I know really do mean well. I know them. I love them. I am just questioning the outcomes that I see resulting from their actions that I feel are detrimental to those of us who take the word "therapy" seriously, or should I say, "to a deeper level."

By Ralph Stephens, BS, LMT, NCTMB From previous articles, I have been accused of being irrational and needing to do more homework. Seems I pushed too firmly on a few buttons. Homework will be forthcoming along with a softer touch. Once again, I will state that my purpose here is to provoke thought and constructive debate. I am not being critical of anyone or anything just for the sake of "stirring the pot." It is not my intention to be negative or to create fear. I am sharing my view, in hopes of having a positive effect. Sadly, even the most constructive criticism or observation can be perceived as threatening to the "leadership," who I know really do mean well. I know them. I love them. I am just questioning the outcomes that I see resulting from their actions that I feel are detrimental to those of us who take the word "therapy" seriously, or should I say, "to a deeper level." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14245 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

They expected "a walk in the park." Instead, the proponents of a California anti-prostitution law that targeted massage therapists found themselves trying to retreat out of a political minefield wondering how it all went so wrong.

By Christie Bondurant They expected "a walk in the park." Instead, the proponents of a California anti-prostitution law that targeted massage therapists found themselves trying to retreat out of a political minefield wondering how it all went so wrong. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14240 2010-05-28T12:00:32-07:00 2010-05-28T12:00:07-07:00

A California state Assembly committee has unanimously approved amendments that effectively gut the most controversial elements of an anti-prostitution bill that targeted massage therapists.

By Christie Bondurant A California state Assembly committee has unanimously approved amendments that effectively gut the most controversial elements of an anti-prostitution bill that targeted massage therapists. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14239 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Susan Manheimer, president of the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) and the major protagonist in the push for a highly controversial anti-prostitution bill that targets massage therapists has told Massage Today that the bill makes "only incremental changes to current law."

By Christie Bondurant Susan Manheimer, president of the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) and the major protagonist in the push for a highly controversial anti-prostitution bill that targets massage therapists has told Massage Today that the bill makes "only incremental changes to current law." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14237 2010-05-24T12:00:32-07:00 2010-05-24T12:00:07-07:00

The California Police Chiefs Association has refused to provide details of the key data that was used to justify a controversial anti-prostitution bill that targets massage therapists.

By Christie Bondurant The California Police Chiefs Association has refused to provide details of the key data that was used to justify a controversial anti-prostitution bill that targets massage therapists. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14225 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Strong backlash from the massage community over California's proposed anti-prostitution bill has caused its proponents to back down on the most controversial aspect of the law: local police certification for work permits.

By Christie Bondurant Strong backlash from the massage community over California's proposed anti-prostitution bill has caused its proponents to back down on the most controversial aspect of the law: local police certification for work permits.