HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 2859
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:
February 14, 2008
Title: An act relating to the regulation of massage therapy.
Brief Description: Establishing new requirements for licensing massage therapists.
Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Williams, Hinkle, Moeller and Green).
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/31/08, 2/4/08 [DPS].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/14/08, 93-0.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, DeBolt, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103).
Background:
A license is required from the Department of Health (DOH) to practice massage therapy. The
practice of massage therapy means a health care service involving the external manipulation
or pressure of soft tissues for therapeutic purposes. The practice is regulated under rules
adopted by the Washington State Board of Massage (Board) and approved by the Secretary of
the DOH.
An applicant for a license must successfully complete a course of study in an approved
program, successfully complete an examination, and be 18 years of age or older.
Under Board rules, a massage therapist must complete 16 hours of continuing education
every two years.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
Continuing Education Requirement
Renewal of a massage practitioner's license requires, in addition to other requirements,
completion of continuing education requirements, as established and administered by the
Board.
Inactive Credential
The Secretary of the DOH must grant an inactive credential to a massage practitioner if the
practitioner submits a letter to the Board stating the intent to obtain an inactive credential and
the practitioner holds an active license in good standing and does not practice massage in
Washington.
An inactive credential may be reinstated if the massage practitioner meets the Board's
reinstatement requirements, pays the renewal fee, and provides a written declaration that (1)
no action has been taken by a state or federal jurisdiction or a hospital that would restrict the
practitioner's practice, (2) he or she has not voluntarily given up a credential to avoid
sanctions, and (3) he or she has satisfied continuing education and competency requirements
for the most recent two years.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect July 1, 2009.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The massage therapy industry has been supporting these changes for some years.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Melanie Stewart, Washington Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association.