Georgia is the 35th state to pass massage regulation. On March 31, 2005, Senate Bill (SB) 110 passed the House and Senate thereby enacting the Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act. At press time, the bill was awaiting Gov. Sonny Perdue's signature; the governor will begin appointing members to formulate the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy, July 1.

A grandfather clause written into the bill will remain in effect through July 1, 2007. The clause requires, among other things, that massage therapists submit to a criminal background check and meet at least one of several criteria, such as the completion of a 500-hour educational program; passing, or being eligible to sit for, an approved certification examination; holding a massage license in another state; or practicing massage for at least five years with a minimum of 200 hours. After July 1, 2007, applicants will be eligible for licensure if they have completed 500 educational hours, passed an approved certification exam, and met other basic requirements.

Other states with similar bills working through current legislative sessions include Nevada (AB 250), Indiana (HB 1390), Texas (HB 1842) and Oklahoma (HB 1571). The last state to pass a massage bill was South Dakota, which became regulated in February ("South Dakota Adopts Massage Regulation," www.massagetoday.com/archives/2005/04/02.html).

Massage Today will continue to report relevant legislative updates as they become available.