Important Update for Minnesota Therapists Regarding HF 362
March 3, 2026
We are sharing an important update on HF 362 and what it means for massage therapists in Minnesota.
After extensive discussions among AMTA staff, volunteers, lobbyists, and stakeholders—and in response to objections from a small number of, albeit influential, legislators—we have shifted from a mandatory licensure model to an optional state registration framework to preserve legislative progress. This approach maintains a path for state-level regulation and serves as a step toward future statewide mandatory licensure, which we will continue to pursue.
After extensive discussions among AMTA staff, volunteers, lobbyists, and stakeholders—and in response to objections from a small number of, albeit influential, legislators—we have shifted from a mandatory licensure model to an optional state registration framework to preserve legislative progress. This approach maintains a path for state-level regulation and serves as a step toward future statewide mandatory licensure, which we will continue to pursue.
What This Means for Minnesota Massage Therapists:
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The regulatory language standards remain intact.
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Education and background check requirements stay the same.
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Enforcement authority is preserved.
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Registration would be voluntary rather than required.
HF 362 will be reintroduced with the amendment and must pass in the remaining committees before the March 27 deadline.
These changes keep the bill moving forward while maintaining HF 362’s momentum, protecting the progress we’ve made, and keeping the door open for long-term, comprehensive massage therapy regulation in Minnesota!
Thank you to the entire massage therapy community for your continued support. We will share updates as the bill moves through the legislative process. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to our Government Relations Team with any questions.
These changes keep the bill moving forward while maintaining HF 362’s momentum, protecting the progress we’ve made, and keeping the door open for long-term, comprehensive massage therapy regulation in Minnesota!
Thank you to the entire massage therapy community for your continued support. We will share updates as the bill moves through the legislative process. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to our Government Relations Team with any questions.