| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
HB 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.
Brief Description: Establishing new requirements for licensing massage therapists.
Sponsors: Representatives Williams, Hinkle, Moeller and Green.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/31/08
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 eighteen years of age or older.
Under Board rules, a massage therapist must complete 16 hours of continuing education every
two years.
Summary of Bill:
Continuing Education Requirement
An applicant for a massage practitioner's license must, in addition to other requirements,
complete continuing education requirements, as determined and approved 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 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.