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Q: I’ve been practicing massage for years. Why do I
need to get licensed?
A: Anyone
who has had at least 100 hours of massage training or at least 3
years in active practice just previous to application for that license will
be grandfathered in. Those who are eligible for grandfathering will not be
required to take the National Certification Exam. The grandfathering option
will cease to exist two years after the law is enacted. (Law goes into
effect July 1, 2005.) Starting July 1, 2007, anyone applying for a massage
license in South Dakota will have to meet the requirements of a new
therapist entering the field.
Q:
What is required of a new therapist?
A: They must show proof of 500 hours of training with a
recognized school and pass the National Certification Exam administered by
the NCBTMB. All therapists, new and grandfathered, will be required to carry
malpractice insurance- limits to be determined by the Board of Massage
Therapy.
Q:
How much will a license cost?
A:
That has not yet been determined. The Governor will appoint a
board made up of 4 massage therapists and a layperson. That board will write
the rules, which will include the bi-annual licensing fee, continuing
education and malpractice insurance requirements. The law states that the
license fee cannot exceed $300 every two years. We anticipate it will be
less than that. For example,
North Dakota,
which is very similar to South Dakota in structure and number of therapists,
has a fee of $50/year.
South Dakota
renewal is every two years.
Q:
How and when do I apply for a license?
A:
The law does go into effect
July 1, 2005 but it is
going to take some time to set up the board, write the rules and get the
system into place. You will have plenty of time to get your licenses before
enforcement starts.
Q:
What shall I do until then?
A:
Find your transcripts from school or proof of at least 100
hours of massage training. If you don’t have that, you’ll need proof that
you have been in active practice for the past 3 years. (e.g. tax returns or
your appointment books)
Q:
Should I start taking continuing ed.?
A:
You can take continuing education anytime you want, but the
new board will only require it when you apply to renew after your
first two years of being licensed. It is unsure at this time of the number
of continuing education hours that will be required. Only classes taken
within that two- year license period will apply to renewal.
Q:
Can I give input to the Board on the rules?
A:
Yes, you can start formulating your thoughts on these rules.
Then compose something for them to consider once the Board has been
established.
Q:
What other responsibilities will the Board of Massage have?
A:
The Board of
Massage Therapy will also be responsible for discipline of therapists who
are in violation of the law.
Once
the Board of Massage is in place there will be informational meetings held
around the state to educate everyone about the process and requirements. If
you have email capability, email Valerie Hinzman at
vjhinzman@pie.midco.net and she will email you updates on the status of
license implementation.
You
can review the entire law at
http://legis.state.sd.us/index.cfm, clicking on Current Legislative
Session, and entering HB 1089 in Find a Bill or do a text search
for “massage therapy.”
Information provided by AMTA-South Dakota Chapter
April 5, 2005
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American Massage Therapy Association®
