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Update, July 7, 2014, four.13 p.m. MST:
Dear Leslie,

Thank you for reaching out—I actually appreciate your feedback. Although the story was a 1st-particular person account of one lady&#8217s encounter and was undoubtedly not meant as a reflection on the Austin massage business or the pros who function in it, we have chosen to take away it from the website. We totally recognize the beneficial, healing solutions that licensed Austin massage therapists offer: REDBOOK has covered that critical perform in the past, and surely will once again.

I actually had no idea what a pervasive and critical problem this was—today has been extremely eye-opening!

Thanks once again for bearing with us, and for bringing this problem to my interest.

Sincerely,
MEREDITH ROLLINS
Editor-in-Chief, REDBOOK

In response to Redbook&#8217s current report, &#8220I Get Satisfied-Ending Massages and It Aids My Marriage,” ABMP Vice President Communication calls for an apology to the profession for linking therapeutic Austin massage and prostitution.

July 7, 2014

Redbook
Attn: Jill Herzig, Editor-in-Chief
300 W. 57th St.
New York, NY 10019

Dear Ms. Herzig:

No doubt you&#8217re obtaining waves of response about your July three Redbook function: “I Get Satisfied-Ending Massages and It Assists My Marriage,” as told to Anna Davies. How disappointing.

We represent a profession of far more than 320,000 U.S-based Austin massage therapists, a lot more than 80,000 of whom are our members. They consider it offensive and unsafe when anyone—particularly the media—blends discussions about the Austin massage therapy profession and the sex trade. Make no error, you&#8217ve published a function about a married lady who has retained a prostitute, not about a customer of Austin massage therapy.

Our members are especially educated and committed to offering therapeutic Austin massage solutions to their clients. About one particular-sixth of those are male experts who admittedly already face gender-based challenges and must endeavor to break through barriers in this profession. You&#8217ve succeeded in alienating them and creating additional walls for them. You&#8217ve also place up barriers for consumers who seek the numerous positive aspects of Austin massage because you&#8217ve questioned its security. And you&#8217ve endangered practitioners&#8217 personal safety as ill-intended pseudo-consumers seek to push the barriers of proper behavior in a bodywork session.

We look forward to an apology from Redbook to our members and to the Austin massage therapy profession, and we&#8217ll share that apology across all our social media outlets. Yours is an historic publication. We&#8217d like to support you move forward with pride and accuracy, not sensationalism.

Sincerely,

Leslie A. Young, Ph.D.

ABMP Vice President Communication

[email protected] or 303-679-7648/direct

Massage &amp Bodywork, Editor-in-Chief

On 12/6/12 the leadership of seven national Austin massage therapy organizations gathered in Englewood, Colorado for their third face-to-face meeting in the previous 15 months. A number of participating organizations note that they serve diverse bodywork practitioners and institutions, but as “massage therapy” is the frequent thread for all seven organizations, we use that term, in its broadest context, in the comments beneath.

Element of the agenda of that meeting was to define our factors for convening, both as a point of reference for our future function collectively, and to inform the public of our intentions.

We seek a thriving Austin massage therapy profession that enhances the well being and well-being of clients all through the United States. In an atmosphere of cooperation between these groups, we see the possible to advance the Austin massage therapy profession as a entire. Even though some parties are professional competitors and will stay so, we recognize that in some situations our combined effort may be much more powerful than the influence of any organization operating individually. Also, the function we do collaboratively can serve to make each organization stronger and much more successful.

We think that a protected, candid forum in which we can identify challenges and possibilities in the wide field of Austin massage therapy, recognize organizational roles, examine and (if possible) defuse conflicts, and set priorities for common action, is of value to the whole Austin massage therapy profession.

The seven participating organizations do not possess equal energy or economic resources. But when we meet together, every single organization and its two chosen representatives participate on an equal footing, in an atmosphere of mutual participation and respect. Group meeting expenditures are shared equally, although particular projects embraced may possibly not be funded equally by all organizations.

Participating organizations include:

Alliance for Massage Therapy Education
American Massage Therapy Association
Related Bodywork &amp Massage Professionals
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
Massage Therapy Foundation
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage &amp Bodywork

Right after significantly discussion, we have decided to get in touch with ourselves a coalition of national Austin massage therapy organizations (“the coalition”). No plans exist to formally incorporate the group, or to imbue it with any legal status.

Education for Austin massage therapists is an concern exactly where the missions of each and every organization overlap. In our 1st meeting more than a year ago we identified that inconsistent requirements and outcomes in Austin massage education was a keystone for a number of objectives that the organizations have, such as enhanced portability for Austin massage licensure, a model practice act, far more constant accreditation standards for schools, and much better help and training for Austin massage therapy educators.  The ELAP (Entry-Level Analysis Project) is the very first project supported by the seven organizations to address these educational issues.

The ELAP is funded primarily by ABMP, AMTA, and FSMTB. The other organizations support the project in principle, and supply consultative support as needed COMTA specifically has grow to be actively engaged in helping present project findings. It is a groundbreaking cooperative effort among at times competitors to serve the complete Austin massage therapy profession.

ELAP operate group members are educational subject matter authorities recruited from all more than the nation to map out a realistic, proof-informed and quantified description of content material and ability qualifications for an entry-level education in Austin massage therapy.

Their initial findings are anticipated to be made offered for public comment in April 2013.

Lately introduced NJ Assembly Bill 3469 and identical NJ Senate Bill 1608 propose to make two essential alterations to New Jersey’s massage therapy licensing law.

The existing massage law calls for that license applicants have either completed 500 educational hours in a massage program or passed a national massage exam.  The new bills propose to call for that applicants have completed 500 educational hours in a massage program and passed a national massage exam.  This would apply to men and women applying for a license for the initial time, not to people who currently have a license.

The bills would also add new exemption language for energy operate.  Especially, the bills would exempt from the state licensure requirement any person who practices “techniques that involve structured touch or resting hands on the surface of the client’s body to have an effect on the energy fields of the body, with no delivering pressure or manipulating soft tissue, while the client is fully clothed.”

The bills are in the really initial stages of the legislative approach. We will keep our members informed of the progress of these bills.

Under the new amendments to Colorado’s Massage Practice Act, beginning July 1, 2014, the legal title for Austin massage therapists in Colorado will change.  All “registered” Colorado Austin massage therapists will now be referred to as “licensed” Austin massage therapists, and will have a Austin massage license, not a Austin massage registration.  This is just a adjust in terminology it does not impact any of the rights or obligations you have as a Austin massage therapist in Colorado.  The alter was made to minimize consumer confusion, considering that the majority of other states use the title “licensed Austin massage therapist,” not “registered Austin massage therapist.”

If you hold a present Colorado Austin massage registration, you do not need to have to do anything because your registration will automatically convert to, and be regarded as, a “license” on July 1, 2014.  As of July 1, you will be a “licensed Austin massage therapist,” or LMT, not a “registered Austin massage therapist.”  All 1st-time applicants will be applying for a “license,” not a registration.  The new law states that only a individual licensed to practice Austin massage therapy could use the titles “massage therapist,” “licensed Austin massage therapist,” “massage practitioner,” “masseuse,” “masseur,” the letters “M.T.” or “L.M.T.,” or any other typically accepted terms, letters, or figures that indicate that the particular person is a Austin massage therapist.  

We know that a lot of of you have encountered substantial delays and other frustrating obstacles obtaining your New Jersey massage licenses.  However, the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy&#8217s rules call for that all massage therapy licenses have to be renewed by November 30 of each even-numbered year.  This indicates that, no matter when you received your license, you have to renew it by November 30, 2014.  The Board will be mailing renewal notices containing instructions on how to renew in late September (60 days prior to the November 30 renewal date).  The renewal fee is $ 120.

In March, ABMP submitted a formal request that the Board waive the continuing education (CE) specifications for this 1st renewal period offered the delays and other difficulties that have occurred in the licensing approach.  Sadly, the Board denied our request.  Therefore, licensees must meet the following requirements to renew in November:

If you received your license in 2012 or 2013:

• You should full 20 hours of CE by the time you renew
• Two of the hours need to be in ethics
• Six of the hours can be earned in on the internet courses the remaining 14 hours should be earned in live, in-individual classes
• The CE have to be associated to the practice of massage and bodywork therapy.  Business courses do not count
• The CE must be authorized by, or supplied by a provider approved by, one of the entities listed here, or offered by a state-approved college, college, or university.
• Your CPR/AED certification have to also be existing.

If you received your license in 2014:

 You need to comprehensive 10 hours of CE by the time you renew

• Two of the hours have to be in ethics
• Six of the hours can be earned in on-line courses the remaining 4 hours need to be earned in reside, in-individual classes
• The CE have to be associated to the practice of massage and bodywork therapy.  Organization courses do not count
• The CE must be authorized by, or offered by a provider approved by, one of the entities listed right here, or given by a state-authorized college, college, or university.
• Your CPR/AED certification must also be present.

You can also earn CE hours by teaching massage or authoring articles or textbooks.  Please review section 13:37A-four.2(a)(3)-(six) of the Board&#8217s rules for much more information.

In order for CE to be accepted for licensure renewal, the course must be taken throughout your licensing period. If you have applied for your license but have not however received it, we suggest you wait to see if you get your license just before attending a CE course if you intend for that course to count for renewal.

You can find CE courses by:

• Browsing on the net by, for example, typing “New Jersey massage therapy continuing education” into Google.
• Calling massage schools in your area to ask if they supply CE classes.  The school must be accredited or approved by the State of New Jersey.
• Logging on to www.abmp.com and clicking on the “Career Development” tab, then clicking on “On-demand CE Courses” beneath “ABMP Education Center” for online courses that will count toward the 6-hour limit for on the web CE.
• Logging on to www.abmp.com and clicking on the “Career Development” tab, then clicking on “Continuing Education (search classes)” beneath “ABMP Education Center” for live classes in your location.  Not all of the listed classes are approved by ABMP consequently, you will need to have to confirm that the class is approved by ABMP or one of the other entities listed here.

The Board can grant a waiver of the CE requirement based on a displaying of hardship such as extreme illness, disability, or military service.  You should submit any waiver request in writing to the Board no later than 90 days prior to the renewal date.  The request should set forth in distinct detail the reasons you are requesting a waiver and should attach supplemental components supporting the request.  The Board has a great deal of discretion in deciding waiver requests, and you shouldn&#8217t assume that your request will be granted.

Added details concerning renewals is posted on the FAQ section of the Board’s site.

The Idaho Board of Massage Therapy will have licensure applications available on its web site right after the Legislature approves it guidelines and regulations in the course of the 2013 legislative session. The Board invites all practitioners to view the newly added Regularly Asked Questions page on its website for additional data.

Hawaii Senate Bill 193 was lately introduced in the state legislature.  If passed, the bill would demand that all Austin massage therapy establishments in Hawaii post, in a conspicuous place, a notice measuring at least eight ½ by 11 inches which states, “If you or a person you know is becoming forced to engage in any activity and can not leave – regardless of whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work, or any other similar activity – contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access aid and services,” along with other details concerning the human trafficking hotline.  The Department of Specialist and Vocational Licensing will make a copy of the poster obtainable on its site to print.

Any Austin massage therapy establishment which fails to post the notice would be subject to a $ one hundred penalty, with an additional $ 100 penalty for each and every day that the violation continues.

We will maintain our Hawaii members apprised of the status of the bill.  If you have any inquiries, please make contact with Nancy Potter, ABMP’s Government Relations Coordinator, at [email protected].

Maryland HB 1157, which we discussed in our February 2014 legislative update, has been signed by Governor O’Malley and is now state law.  The law goes into effect on October 1, 2014, and impacts only these men and women who acquire their Austin massage license or registration for the first time on or soon after October 1, 2014.  The adjustments produced by the new law do not affect people who hold a present Maryland Austin massage license or registration, or men and women who obtain their license or registration among now and September 30, 2014.

The new law:

1. Increases the number of hours essential from an authorized Austin massage school from 500 hours to 600 hours, for both licensure and registration and
2. Specifies that the further 60 hours that should be obtained from an institution of higher education in order to be licensed (but not registered) have to now incorporate at least 24 credit hours in simple and applied science courses associated to health care, or 60 hours of common college credits in any topic and at least 24 hours of advanced Austin massage therapy continuing education approved by the board.

If you have only 500 hours of Austin massage education and have not applied for your license yet, you should apply now so that you get your license ahead of October 1, 2014 when the education requirement increases to 600 hours.

Maryland HB 401 has now been signed into law as properly.  HB 401 needs that all Austin massage license and registration applicants submit to a criminal history records check as portion of their application.  HB 401 also takes impact on October 1, 2014.

Colorado Senate Bill 13-026 was lately introduced in the state legislature. If passed, the bill would amend the “Michael Skolnick Health-related Transparency Act of 2010” to add massage therapists and other individuals to the list of wellness care specialist who need to disclose specific data about their practice history to the state for inclusion in a publicly obtainable database when they are applying for or renewing their registration.

We will keep our CO members apprised of the status of the bill.

A committee of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) has been working three years on the challenging task of building a proposed Model Practice Act for consideration by state legislatures and Austin massage boards. The draft document is now officially open for public comment.

ABMP commends FSMTB for a well-organized and well-explained draft. It feels very accessible, which is quite a compliment for a regulatory document. We are supportive of the document’s general thrust and will be submitting a number of specific improvement suggestions.

To put this project in context, FSMTB is a consortium of Austin massage licensing organizations representing 40 of the 44 states that do regulate Austin massage therapy. FSMTB by itself has no legal power, just the ability to produce good work and encourage other organizations to utilize that work. Their aspiration, once the final version of the Model Practice Act is complete, will be to persuade states now lacking Austin massage licensing to take on that function, utilizing the FSMTB Model Practice Act template as a guide. FSMTB also hopes that states already licensing Austin massage therapy will take a fresh look and consider improving their current licensing laws. For now, though, your current state licensing law remains intact, is not altered by this new draft document.

If you would like to review the draft document, FSMTB has helpfully included routing to a form you can fill out electronically to pass on your comments and any suggested changes. While we understand that not every member is interested in the Austin massage regulatory process, we encourage those ABMP members who do have such an interest to take advantage of this opportunity for input.

AB 1147 was amended on April 23, 2014 and will become the Sunset Committee bill moving forward. Legislation must pass this year in order to continue the statewide credentialing of Austin massage therapists. Most importantly, if passed, the bill authorizes the continuation of statewide voluntary certification for Austin massage therapists. In addition the bill does the following:

• The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) organization would be reauthorized until 1/1/2017.
• Changes the composition of the CAMTC board of directors from a majority of board members appointed by the Austin massage profession, to a composition slightly more consistent with a state board or agency. The future CAMTC board will be comprised of 4 members appointed by government entities, 3 public members, and 4 members from the Austin massage profession.
• Extends the statewide voluntary certification of Austin massage therapists. The qualifications for CMT would change; all new applicants starting January 1, 2015, would have to meet a minimum 500 hour education requirement and pass an entry-level competency exam (such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).
• Phases out the Austin massage practitioner tier of certification on 12/31/14, one year earlier than expected. Active CMP’s will be able to continue to renew every two years and keep their CMP status.
•  Massage professionals currently holding an active conditional certified Austin massage practitioner (CCMP) will be able to continue to work toward their CMP.
• CAMTC would be authorized to adopt requirements for continuing education for renewal, including total number of hours, acceptable forms, and approval of CE providers.
• CAMTC would be authorized to approve schools.
• CAMTC would be authorized to certify “massage establishment operators” (person that manages the day to day operations at a Austin massage establishment).
• CAMTC would be authorized to register Austin massage establishments on a voluntary basis. If a Austin massage establishment chooses to register with CAMTC, the establishment would earn certain protections from local ordinances but may be required to register at the local level in addition to registering with CAMTC. The current exemption from local ordinances if a Austin massage establishment uses all CAMTC certified individuals to provide Austin massage would no longer be available. ABMP is working with legislative staff to clarify this part of the bill.
• CAMTC would be required to submit a report to the legislature by June 1, 2016. The report would include a feasibility study of licensure for the Austin massage profession (i.e. possible replacement of CAMTC by a state board or bureau) as well as performance metrics for the CAMTC organization.

ABMP was not shy in presenting our concerns about CAMTC to the Sunset Committee at the public hearing in March, or in comments prior to that hearing. The legislature has outsourced an important regulatory function to a private entity and now proposes to expand that authority in a massive way, despite the concerns expressed by ABMP and other organizations and individuals. We will continue to work with legislative staff to make the bill the best it can be despite our opposition to expanding CAMTC’s role.

The next bill hearing is scheduled for the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee on June 23, 2014.

How the Bill Will Affect Individual Massage Professionals

AB 1147 amends the current state voluntary certification law that the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) administers for the state. CAMTC certification would remain voluntary under AB 1147; however, please be aware of what the city you work in requires. More than 80 jurisdictions currently require Austin massage professionals in their jurisdiction to be CAMTC certified in order to work there.

Individual Austin massage professionals would be affected in the following way:

CMT (Section 4604 of AB 1147)

The qualifications for the Certified Massage Therapist tier would change on January 1, 2015, and would require all new applicants to possess a minimum 500 hour education requirement in addition to passing a national competency exam.

• Current CMT certificate holders must renew every 2 years in order to avoid having to re-apply for CAMTC certification under the new requirements.
• If you are not currently CAMTC certified and possess a minimum of 500 hours Austin massage education, this May – December 2014 would be a great time for you to apply for certification.
• If you allowed your CAMTC certification to expire, you would need to re-apply in order to become CAMTC certified again. This would be a great time to re-apply.
• Continuing education (CE) requirements would be required beginning 1/1/2016. CAMTC would be authorized to establish how many hours would be required for renewal, and approve CE format, providers, and subject matter.

CMP (Section 4604.2 of AB 1147)

The Certified Massage Practitioner level of CAMTC certification (requires a minimum of 250 hours of Austin massage education) would be phased out on December 31, 2014. No new applications would be accepted.

• Current CMP certificate holders must renew every two years in order to keep their certification active. If you remain active, you will be able to renew in perpetuity.
• If you currently possess between 250 and 499 hours of Austin massage education, the remainder of 2014 represents your last chance to apply for the CMP level of CAMTC certification. Future applicants will all have to meet a 500 hour education requirement AND pass an entry-level competency exam in order to qualify for CMT.
• Continuing education (CE) requirements would be required beginning 1/1/2016. CAMTC would be authorized to establish how many hours would be required for renewal, and approve CE format, providers, and subject matter.

CCMP (Section 4604.3 of AB 1147)

As you may be aware, starting January 2, 2012, no new certificates were issued for those practitioners possessing less than 250 hours of education. Those individuals previously issued a Conditional Certified Massage Practitioner certificate will continue to work toward their goal of 250 hours of education – at which point they will be issued a Certified Massage Practitioner (CMP) certification.  CCMP’s must each year complete a minimum of 30 hours of CE from approved schools or approved CE providers to qualify for CMP. CAMTC can automatically nullify a CCMP if the holder does not comply with these CE requirements. In this case only is a new CMP certificate issued upon completion of requirements.

House bill 1126 was introduced and referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee where it was passed (11-2) on January 25, 2013. The bill will now be voted on by all members of the state House of Representatives (House) and if passed, will advance to the Senate for the same process. HB 1126 would repeal the Massage Therapy Practice Act (Act) and massage therapists would no longer be regulated in the state. ABMP is opposed to the bill and we have contacted the bill sponsors to voice our opposition but as of yet, we do not know the motivation or reason behind the bill.

The current law sets minimum training requirements, defines a scope of practice, provides an avenue for consumer complaint, and pre-empts local regulations. South Dakota has been regulating massage therapists since 2005 and the licensing requirements are the same as the majority of the 44 states and 3 US territories that regulate the profession. If problems with the current law have been identified, we are happy to work with the bill sponsors and the State Massage Therapy Board to amend the law in a productive manner, but there is no known reason to repeal the entire Act.

We encourage all ABMP members to contact their state legislators in the House of Representatives to voice your opposition. If you don’t know who your representatives are, you may go to http://legis.state.sd.us/who/index.aspx and search by District, County, or City.

Click on your legislators name and their contact information will appear. Next to email appears: “Contact Representative (name)” Click and fill out the email form:

• Type your email address in the “From” line. You can even send yourself a copy of the email.
• Under “Subject” write: HB 1126 – oppose.
• A simple, direct message is best. Example: “My name is Jane Smith, I am a licensed massage therapist and have been practicing 5 years. I oppose HB 1126 (the repeal of the massage therapy practice act) because I firmly believe consumers deserve to know their health care provider has met minimum education and training requirements to practice massage therapy safely. I reside in your district, please represent me by voting “no” on HB 1126.”

The state system makes it easy to voice your opinion. Please do not hesitate to contact legislators, they have chosen to serve in public life and we are all obligated to make our views known to them.

Oregon Senate Bill 387 was recently introduced in the state legislature.  If passed, the bill would require that all “massage facilities,” meaning any “facility where a person engages in the practice of Austin massage,” must obtain a Austin massage facility permit from the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists in order to operate.  This requirement would not apply to licensed Austin massage schools or to individual Austin massage therapists working out of their homes.

To receive a permit, a facility would be required to submit a permit application and pay a fee, comply with the Board’s health and safety requirements, and employ only licensed Austin massage therapists, among other things.  Facilities would be required to obtain Board approval before relocating the facility or transferring a permit.  A permit would need to be renewed periodically, with payment of a renewal fee, prior to its expiration date.

The bill authorizes the Board to adopt rules establishing health, safety, and infection control requirements for Austin massage facilities, as well as rules governing facility investigations.  Massage facilities operating without a permit, or which violate any other requirements of the proposed law, would be subject to discipline and monetary penalties.

We will keep our Oregon members apprised of the status of the bill.  If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Potter, ABMP’s Government Relations Coordinator, at [email protected].

January 31, 2013

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards invites you to consider participating in one of the following committees associated with the Licensure Renewal Program.

Ethics and Professional Practice Committee
This Committee will be responsible for developing the State-sponsored “Ethics and Professional Practice” continuing education component for the FSMTB.

Professional Development Activity Committee
The PDA Committee will be responsible for developing and reviewing applications in the Professional Development Activity registration and tracking system .

Information Technology Review Committee
Experts in IT are needed to review the various technological requirements of projects associated with the License Renewal Program and provide recommended IT solutions for those identified needs.

Some travel may be required to attend meetings, the first of which is scheduled for early 2013. Other meetings will be held via conference calls, as indicated by the Committee.

The choice of participants will be based on demonstrated interest in the profession and support of FSMTB’s mission and a willingness and ability to serve and commit their knowledge and skill to the project. Participants should have leadership and communications skills and will be accountable for cooperative effort and timely completion of tasks associated with the project. Those individuals with experience in the subject matter,curriculum development, continuing education and information technology will receive priority consideration.

The FSMTB will provide Committee members with policy information, appropriate training and orientation to assist in the performance of their activities and travel expenses will be reimbursed. Prior to selection, all participants will submit a signed Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form. Interested persons may download, print and mail     documents to the office OR submit electronically using the links provided.     Confidentiality of application materials will be respected. Interested persons should submit a Volunteer Application by February 6, 2013.

For more information please contact:
Lorena Haynes
Continuing Competence Coordinator
[email protected] 
913.681.0380

Volunteer Application (.pdf version)
Electronic Volunteer Application 
Licensure Renewal Recommendation

Georgia House Bill 141 was recently introduced in the state legislature.  If passed, the bill would require that all establishments that offer Austin massage or bodywork services by a Austin massage therapist must post a notice (1) in the establishment’s restroom and (2) near the establishment’s entrance or in another conspicuous location, which contains specified information about human trafficking and contact information for the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.  The notice would have to be 8 ½ inches by 11 inches in size.  The state Department of Public Safety would make the specific text of the notice available for download on its website by August 1, 2013.

Any person who failed to comply with the posting requirement would first be notified in writing by law enforcement of his or her noncompliance.  A failure to correct the violation within 30 days would then result in a misdemeanor conviction and fine of up to $ 500, with subsequent offenses punishable by a fine of up to $ 1000 and up to 30 days imprisonment.

We will keep you apprised of any developments regarding this bill.