AMTA Supports the Amended Massage Compact

AMTA's support follows finalization of updates by the Council of State Governments and the U.S. Department of Defense.

 February 1, 2026

At a Glance
  • AMTA supports the Amended Interstate Massage Therapy Compact after updates by the Council of State Governments and the U.S. Department of Defense made it more flexible and inclusive.
  • The Amended Compact allows qualified massage therapists to practice in multiple states more easily while keeping strong public safety standards.
  • New updates include flexible education rules, support for military families, and eligibility for certain past exam takers, increasing support across the profession.
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In August 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) reached out to AMTA seeking feedback on the Interstate Massage Therapy Compact.

AMTA responded by reiterating previously communicated concerns and recommendations aimed at strengthening the Compact and increasing support across the profession as well as among state legislators.

After receiving AMTA’s input, the Council of State Governments (CSG) and the DoD drafted proposed revisions addressing several of the key issues that we raised. These updates were then released for public comment in November and have now been officially adopted with overwhelming support—resulting in a more flexible, inclusive and effective Amended Massage Therapy Compact for the profession.

Importantly, the revisions align with some of the intent outlined in the joint AMTA–FSMTB letter issued in September 2024, and are designed to build broader support for the Compact among massage therapists and state lawmakers without compromising public safety.

Highlights from CSG’s public comment period in November 2025 include:

  • 71% of respondents said they are more likely to support the Amended Compact.

  • 69% believe the changes to the Amended Compact provide greater flexibility.

  • 83% of survey respondents were licensed massage therapists, highlighting strong engagement from those most directly affected.

What Is the Interstate Massage Therapy Compact?

The Compact allows qualified licensed massage therapists to practice across multiple participating states without obtaining separate licenses.

The Compact is intended to reduce administrative barriers, promote professional mobility, and maintain public protection through consistent standards for eligibility, background checks, and verification.

Key Updates Strengthening the Amended Massage Therapy Compact

To encourage broader adoption and build trust within the profession and among states, the CSG and DoD made the following statutory revisions to the Compact:

  • Legacy Exam Provision. Massage therapists who passed a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) licensure exam before January 1, 2015, are now eligible for a multistate license.

  • Flexible Education Requirements. Therapists who have fewer than 625 clock hours of massage education 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 Their Spouses. Only the Amended Compact offers flexibility in education requirements for active military members and their spouses, helping them maintain licensure across state lines.

  • Maintaining Public Safety. 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 now have more flexibility in appointing Compact commissioners. Boards may designate either a board member or staff member, rather than being limited to the primary administrative officer or their designee. This change, brought forward by CSG, addresses concerns about workload and staffing capacity and follows best practices as laid out in other interstate compacts.

Why AMTA Supports the Amended Massage Therapy Compact

We believe the Amended Compact reflects the values of today’s massage therapy profession: flexibility, fairness, mobility and public safety. Survey results further affirm that the massage community supports these improvements—with 71% of respondents reporting they are more likely to support the Amended Compact.

By advancing more inclusive and practitioner-centered legislation, the Amended Compact has stronger potential for nationwide adoption and meaningful impact.

Support the Amended Compact

Supporting the Amended Compact means advocating for a forward-thinking approach to multistate licensure that benefits practitioners, strengthens workforce mobility, and upholds high safety standards. Together, we can help ensure the Amended Compact is adopted across the country. 

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