American Massage Therapy Association^®

AMTA Government Relations Program Aimed at Consistent Licensing

Evanston, IL (May 8, 2006) – The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has begun a centralized government relations program to seek fair and consistent licensure of massage therapy in all states.  Through this program AMTA wants to work to overcome the current patchwork of massage therapy regulations and exemptions.  AMTA believes that in the long-term, commitment to licensure and consistency in licensure will help massage therapists achieve portability for massage practice, so their education and training credentials could be more easily accepted when they move to or open a location in another state.

While AMTA moves forward with this government relations program, the association will continue to collaborate with stakeholders in all states for a cooperative massage approach to legislatures.  AMTA also will work with its chapters to ensure that the AMTA approach in one state supports the AMTA approach in all other states. 

The most significant problem with professional massage therapy regulation is the lack of consistency among the thirty-six (36) states and District of Columbia that have some form of regulation in place.  Some states license massage therapy, some regulate it without licensure, while others still have no regulation of any kind state-wide.  Among those that license massage therapy, there is no consistency.

These wide-ranging massage therapy regulations present many challenges for massage therapists who relocate from one city or state to another, for healthcare professionals trying to refer patients for massage therapy, for clients, and for third parties who reimburse for massage.  AMTA believes state government licensing of the practice of massage therapy is the best way to meet the needs of the public and the massage therapy profession. 

State licensure requires that only a person who holds a valid license from the state can practice massage therapy or advertise that they are practicing massage therapy.  Professional licensure laws establish a minimum level of competency necessary to safely and effectively practice. 

An overview of AMTA’s government relations program is available on its website at www.amtamassage.org.

The American Massage Therapy Association is a non-profit, professional association with more than 55,000 members throughout the U.S.  The association is directed by volunteer leadership chosen through its national election and fosters ongoing, direct member-involvement through its 52 chapters.

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