#USA #Evanston #AMTA #CSG #Massage Therapy Compact

AMTA Endorses Enhanced Massage Therapy Compact

In a significant move for the massage therapy community, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has expressed its wholehearted support for the recent updates to the Massage Therapy Compact, as announced by the Council of State Governments (CSG) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This revised compact aims to improve the professional mobility for licensed massage therapists across state lines, particularly benefiting military families during National Veterans and Military Families Month.

Key Updates and Enhancements

The improved compact incorporates several vital changes, making it easier for licensed massage therapists to operate in different states without the need for additional licenses. This is particularly beneficial for active-duty service members, veterans, and their spouses who may face relocations due to military commitments. The updates are a reflection of initiatives previously outlined in a joint letter from AMTA and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) in September 2024, demonstrating a commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible licensure system that prioritizes public safety.

1. Revamped Compact Addressing Mobility for Professionals

The revised Massage Therapy Compact is designed to facilitate greater workforce mobility for massage therapists while maintaining high public safety standards. Here are some of the key features:

• - Legacy Exam Provision: Massage therapists who successfully passed the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam before January 1, 2015, will now qualify for multistate licenses.
• - Flexible Education Requirements: Therapists from state-approved programs with fewer than 625 clock hours can now qualify if they have held a good-standing license for over two years.
• - Support for Military Families: The updated compact provides necessary flexibility for active military members and their spouses, helping them maintain their licensure during transitions due to relocations and deployments.
• - Commitment to Public Safety: All providers with multistate licenses must uphold rigorous educational standards and successfully pass a national licensure exam, thereby ensuring a commitment to safeguarding public welfare.
• - Expanded Commissioner Eligibility: States now have the option to appoint either board members or staff as Compact commissioners, streamlining administrative processes and aligning with best practices found in other professional compacts.

Advocating for Progress

The AMTA has partnered with the DoD and CSG to rally massage therapists, educators, and industry stakeholders to support the revised Massage Therapy Compact. This initiative promotes an updated approach to multistate licensure that is not only flexible but also forward-thinking, ultimately benefiting practitioners, their states, and the public without sacrificing safety.

AMTA encourages all interested parties to make their voices heard. Stakeholders can reach out to their legislators to advocate for the adoption of the revised Massage Therapy Compact, an essential step towards enhancing the professional landscape for massage therapists across the nation.

About AMTA

The American Massage Therapy Association stands as the largest professional association representing massage therapists, students, and schools in the United States. As a nonprofit organization, AMTA is dedicated to promoting ethical practices, consistent licensure of massage therapists in every state, and providing public education on the benefits of massage therapy. To locate a qualified massage therapist nearby, visit AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist Locator Service™.

For media inquiries or further information on this vital topic, please contact AMTA. Let’s continue to support our military families and create a thriving environment for all massage therapy professionals across the nation.