The 2023 legislative season is shaping up to be a busy one. Here is a recap of the laws and bills that have been recently signed, updated or amended across the nation, as well as bills that are likely to be re-introduced this year.

Legislation Signed Into Law

Iowa Adopts Mandatory reporter Training for Massage Therapists

The Iowa Board of Massage Therapy adopted new rules, which requires massage therapists who work with dependent adults and children to complete mandatory reporter training. The training will be one hour of credit and will be developed by the Iowa Department of Human Services. The new rules went into effect on March 1, 2023.

CAMTC Fee Increase Goes Into Effect on April 1, 2023

The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) has increased their renewal fee to $300. Massage therapists are required to renew every two years and the new fee goes into effect on April 1, 2023.

New York Passes Bill Including Massage as an Opioid Pain Management Alternative

In December, the New York Governor signed Assembly Bill 273 into law. This legislation, which addresses treatment plans for patients seeking pain management from neuromusculoskeletal conditions, includes massage on the list of non-opioid treatment alternatives.

Washington to Adopt Health Equity Continuing Education Requirements

The Washington Board of Massage is working with the Department of Health to adopt health equity continuing education (CE) rules. The new CE training will aim to provide health care workers with the skills to recognize and reduce health inequities.

Legislation Introduced or Reintroduced in 2023

Kansas Bill Would Establish the Massage Board Under the Healing Arts

Legislation was reintroduced in Kansas that would establish the Board of Massage Therapy under the umbrella of the Board of Healing Arts. Senate Bill 111 (SB 111) was introduced in January and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare. Grandfathering language will 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.

Minnesota Licensing Bill Reintroduced

Legislation for licensing massage and Asian bodywork therapists has been reintroduced this legislative session. House File 973 (HF 973) and Senate File 967 (SF 967) were introduced on January 30. These companion bills would establish state licensure for massage therapists as well as Asian bodywork therapists.

Montana Introduces Criminal Penalties Bill

Montana recently introduced House Bill 115, which consolidates penalties for unlicensed practice across all licensing boards, including the Montana Board of Massage Therapy (Board). This bill would allow the Department of Labor and Industry to create one policy, which every licensing board in the state would be required to follow.

See Also: Massage Therapy Legislative Updates Jan/Feb 2023

New Hampshire Massage Establishment License Legislation

House Bill 341 (HB 341) would create 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.

New York Bill Would Decriminalize Unlicensed Practice of Massage

New York Assembly Bill 1112 (A 1112) would decriminalize the unlicensed practice of massage therapy, as well as decriminalize the aiding or abetting of unauthorized or unlicensed practice of massage therapy in New York. Currently in the state, providing an unlicensed massage is charged as a misdemeanor or E felony, the lowest felony charge available.

Pennsylvania Introduces Licensure of Bodywork Facilities Bill

Pennsylvania has introduced House Bill 2899, which calls for the regulation of facilities where the practice of massage therapy and bodywork is conducted. This legislation would provide statewide regulation of massage businesses and would require a valid facility license, manager’s license and a table shower license.

New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Kentucky Introduce Bills on Massage as Opioid Alternative

Legislation relating to opioid alternatives for pain management have been introduced this year. The legislation recognizes massage therapy as a non-pharmacological alternative to opioids for treating chronic pain, along with acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and osteopathic care.

Utah Bill Creating Lower Tiers of Massage Licensure to be Heard in 2023 Legislative Season

Senate Bill 42 (formerly SB 180) intends to create two additional lower tiers of massage licensure in Utah. In November 2022, the bill was passed through the Business and Labor Interim Committee, and was introduced at the start of 2023. SB 42 has passed both House and Senate Committees.

Bill Regulating the Practice of Massage Therapy in Wyoming

SF 0091, a bill to establish the board of massage therapy, was introduced during the 2022 legislative session and referred to the Labor, Health and Social Services Committee for consideration during the 2023 legislative session. Unfortunately, the bill sponsor was reluctant to move the bill forward due to pressure from massage therapists in the district who oppose the regulation of the profession in Wyoming. In addition, the midterm elections drastically changed the legislature landscape.