HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 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 Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to the definition of massage therapy.
Brief Description: Revising the definition of massage therapy to include manipulation or pressure inside the mouth or oral cavity.
Sponsors: Representatives Campbell, Kenney, Curtis, Cody and Upthegrove.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/13/07, 2/15/07 [DPS].
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 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.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill defines "intraoral massage" to mean the manipulation or pressure of soft
tissue inside the mouth for therapeutic purposes, and requires massage therapists who wish to
perform intraoral massage to obtain an endorsement after completing training specified by the
Washington State Board of Massage.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 15, 2007.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: 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.