Proposed Updates to the Massage Therapy Compact

AMTA would like to share the following message from the Council of State Governments (CSG) and the Department of Defense (DoD) regarding proposed updates to the Massage Therapy Compact. These updates are designed to strengthen support for the compact within both the massage therapy profession and state legislatures. We encourage massage therapists to review the information below and share their feedback on the proposed revisions.

The Purpose of a Massage Therapy Compact

The purpose of a Massage Therapy Compact is to allow licensed massage therapists to practice across U.S. states without needing to obtain additional state licenses. The compact is intended to enhance professional mobility while maintaining strong public protection standards through consistent eligibility and verification requirements among states.

The CSG and DoD's Proposed Updates to the Massage Therapy Compact

The CSG in partnership with the DoD, is proposing updates to the Massage Therapy Compact to strengthen support. Since its introduction three years ago, only five states have enacted the compact. The current version of the Massage Therapy Compact has been enacted at a significantly slower rate than other compacts developed over the last three years.

To encourage broader adoption, CSG is recommending minor revisions to the education and examination requirements outlined in the model legislation. Although the original intent was for the compact commission to address these requirements through rulemaking, the limited number of enactments suggests that updates to the compact’s language are necessary to build trust within the profession and among states.

Key Proposed Changes:

• Legacy Provision for Exam Requirements:
  Massage therapists who passed the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam before January 1, 2015, would be eligible for a multistate license.
  
  
• Flexibility in Education Hours:
  Therapists who graduated from a state-approved program with fewer than 625 clock hours may qualify for a multistate license if they have held a license in good standing for at least two years.
  
  
• Support for Active Military Members and Spouses:
  The revised language offers greater flexibility in education requirements for active military members and spouses, helping them maintain licensure across state lines.
  
  
• Maintaining Public Safety Standards:
  All multistate license holders must still meet high standards of education and pass a national licensing exam. These updates do not compromise public safety.
  
  
• Expanded Commissioner Eligibility:
  Licensing boards would have more flexibility in appointing compact commissioners. Under the proposed changes, boards could designate either a board member or staff member, rather than being limited to the primary administrative officer or their designee. This adjustment addresses concerns about workload and staffing capacity expressed by some state boards.

Your Feedback is Important

We invite you to review the revised compact language and watch the informational webinar detailing these proposed updates. Your feedback is important—please share your thoughts by November 6th.

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