The 2022 legislative season is off to a busy start. Learn more about some new massage legislation introduced, as well as the laws and bills that have been updated and amended across the nation.

Licensing Bills Introduced for Massage Therapy in Minnesota

Legislation for massage therapy licensure and Asian bodywork therapies have been introduced in Minnesota. Statewide licensure would establish a uniform scope of practice and put Minnesota on par with forty-five states and two U.S. territories. Municipalities will not be allowed to require local licensure of massage therapists or Asian bodywork therapists, however, they will still be able to require business licenses. Learn more about the Minnesota bills Senate File 1074 and House File 1275. 

New Pennsylvania Law Passed On Virtual Meetings and Distance Education 

Effective as of December 22, 2021, PA SB 869 was signed into law by Governor Wolf. This new law permits State Board of Massage meetings to be conducted virtually, and authorizes the Board to make its own rules and regulations for continuing education hours to be met via distance education.

Wisconsin Amended Bill Will Protect LMT’s Scope of Practice and Title

WI AB 86 was passed by the House and Senate and has been sent to the Governor to be signed into law. This bill contained language which would have allowed for unlicensed practice of massage therapy in Wisconsin. An amendment to WI AB 86 was filed in late 2021. The amended bill passed through the legislature in January, and once signed into law, it will ensure licensed massage therapists’ scope of practice and title are protected.

New Maryland Licensing Bill Introduced In January 2022

MD HB 220/SB 37 was introduced into legislature on January 13, 2022 on massage therapy licensing. If passed, the bill would phase out the two-tier option for Registered Massage Practitioners and create a single-tier of Licensed Massage Therapists. This bill would also alter the massage education requirements.

Utah Bill Aims To Create a Second Tier of Licensing for Certified Massage Practitioners

UT SB 180 creates a second tier of licensing for a “certified massage practitioner” with less than 200 hours of education. These individuals would be ineligible to take the MBLEX licensing exam. The bill also increases the number of apprentices from two to six, and allows a certified massage practitioner to be under direct supervision of physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists. 

New Oklahoma Massage Therapy Bills Introduced In February 2022

OK SB 1741 creates licensing for massage therapy establishments and removes the Advisory Board on Massage Therapy. OK SB 1764 would add two members to the State Board of Cosmetology: one member would be a massage therapy and one would be a massage therapy establishment owner. 

Kansas Bill Creates the Massage Therapy Licensure Act

KS HB 2400 remains active, as the legislature has a two-year cycle for bills. If passed and established, the newly created Board of Massage Therapy will be under the umbrella of the Board of Healing Arts. Grandfathering language would allow all current massage therapists to easily obtain a state license, while bodyworkers could continue to practice legally and will not be required to have a massage therapy license.

Rhode Island Bill Recognizes Massage As An Opioid Alternative

RI HB 7131/SB649 is a bill relating to opioid alternatives for pain management. This legislation recognizes massage therapy as a nonpharmacological alternative to opioids for treating chronic pain, along with acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and osteopathic care. 

New Hampshire Massage Establishment License Legislation

NH 1429 creates a massage establishment license in order to regulate massage therapy businesses for public safety in New Hampshire. This bill does allow an exemption for sole proprietors or solo practitioners.  

Arizona Background Check Legislation for Massage Therapy Applicants 

AZ 2438 revises the background check process for massage therapy applicants in Arizona. This legislation would remove the criminal background check requirement and replace it with a state-issued fingerprint card. 

New Mexico Bill Allows for Expedited Massage Licensure

NM HB 191 allows for expedited licensure for persons holding a professional or occupational license from another jurisdiction. A massage therapist who possesses a valid license from another state, and has practiced massage therapy for two years would be able to expedite the licensure process. 

Iowa Mandatory Reporter Legislation for Massage Therapists

IA SF 2060 adds licensed massage therapists to the list of persons required to report child and dependent adult abuse. The state board of massage therapy would allow the related training to count towards state-required continuing education hours. 

Washington Bill Expands the Massage Therapy Board

WA SB 5753 increases the number of members on the Washington State Board of Massage Therapy from four to seven. The bill also increases the per diem for board members for meal and travel reimbursement from $50 to $250.

Read More on Legislation Happening in the Massage Therapy Profession:

Federal legislation looks to expand access to massage therapy