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 have been introduced this year.

Legislation Recently Signed Into Law

OKLAHOMA ADOPTS EMERGENCY RULES ON CRIMINAL HISTORIES

The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Board recently adopted emergency massage therapy rules that identify a list of crimes that will disqualify a person from being licensed as a massage therapist. The crimes must be related to the practice of massage and must pose a threat to public safety, health, or welfare.

CAMTC FEE INCREASE GOES INTO EFFECT

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 went 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.

NEW UTAH LAW CREATES LOWER TIERS OF MASSAGE LICENSURE

Utah Senate Bill 42 (formerly SB 180) was signed into law recently. This new law will create two additional lower tiers of massage therapy licensure in the state.

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

GEORGIA, OHIO, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, AND WASHINGTON HAVE INTRODUCED MASSAGE COMPACT BILLS

In 2023, multiple states have introduced the Interstate Massage Therapy Compact bills into their legislature. The Interstate Compact’s purpose is to support the mobility of licensed massage therapists across the country and ease the existing burdens of license portability.

KANSAS BILL INTRODUCED TO ESTABLISH STATEWIDE LICENSURE

Senate Bill 305 was recently introduced into Kansas legislature and would establish statewide licensure for massage therapists. If passed, the grandfathering language allows for current massage therapists to easily obtain a state license while bodyworkers could continue to practice legally without a massage therapy license. As of press time, SB 305 will not be heard this year.

MINNESOTA LICENSING COMPANION BILLS INTRODUCED

In late January, House File 973 (HF 973) and Senate File 967 (SF 967) were introduced to 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.

NEW YORK BILL WOULD DECRIMINALIZE UNLICENSED PRACTICE OF MASSAGE

New York Assembly Bill 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.

NEW HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS, AND KENTUCKY INTRODUCE BILLS ON MASSAGE AS OPIOID ALTERNATIVE

Bills relating to opioid alternatives for pain management have been introduced in multiple states 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.