HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 1397


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.

As Passed House:
March 7, 2007

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

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

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

Brief History:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/13/07, 2/15/07 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/7/07, 91-1.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Defines "intraoral massage" and permits licensed massage therapists to obtain an endorsement to perform intraoral massage after completing required training.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Condotta, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.

Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103).

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:

A licensed massage therapist may apply for an endorsement to perform intraoral massage after completing training specified by the Washington State Board of Massage. The training must include, among other things, intraoral massage techniques, cranial anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, and hygienic practices.

"Intraoral massage" means the manipulation or pressure of soft tissue inside the mouth for therapeutic purposes.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 15, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This kind of therapeutic massage greatly benefits persons with temporomandibular joint disorders. Dentist, dental hygienists, and physical therapists do not oppose this bill. There should be some kind of education before beginning this practice. Several other states include this practice in their massage licensure statutes.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Melanie Stewart and Anne Brittain, American Massage Therapy Association, Washington Chapter.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.