Title: An act relating to the definition of massage therapy.

Brief Description: Establishing an intraoral massage endorsement for massage therapists.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Campbell, Kenney, Curtis, Cody and Upthegrove).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/07/07, 91-1.

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/22/07, 3/26/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles and Marr.

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: Massage therapy is a health care service involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage techniques include tapping, compression, friction, Swedish gymnastics, gliding, kneading, shaking, and facial or connective tissue stretching.

Any person practicing or representing himself or herself as a massage practitioner must be licensed by the Department of Health.

Summary of Substitute Bill: "Intraoral massage" means the manipulation or pressure of soft tissue inside the mouth for therapeutic purpose. Massage therapists who wish to perform intraoral massage must obtain an endorsement after completing training specified in rules by the Washington State Board of Massage.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This type of therapy is helpful in rehabilitation, especially dealing with scar tissue, headaches, whiplash, and can enhance healing. Massage therapists should be trained appropriately to do this.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Campbell, prime sponsor; Melanie Stewart, Ann Brittain, American Massage Therapy Association.