FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1133

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Requiring massage practitioners to include their license numbers on advertising and display a copy of their license or make it available upon request.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Jinkins, Goodman, Warnick, Rodne, Ladenburg and Maxwell).

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

House Committee on Health & Human Services Appropriations & Oversight

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

A massage practitioner is an individual licensed to provide massage therapy, which is a health care service involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy includes techniques such as tapping, compressions, friction, Swedish gymnastics or movements, gliding, kneading, shaking, and facial or connective tissue stretching. Massage therapists are licensed by the Department of Health.

A massage therapist is required to print his or her license number in display advertisements.

Summary:

A massage practitioner's name and license number must conspicuously appear on all of the massage practitioner's advertisements. A massage practitioner must also display his or her license conspicuously in his or her principal place of business. If the practitioner does not have a principal place of business or conducts business in any other location, he or she must have a copy of his or her license available for inspection while performing any activities related to massage therapy.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	92	3
Senate	49	0