HB 1341

SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1341

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 Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, March 26, 2007

Title: An act relating to limiting the regulation of the practice of massage by political subdivisions.

Brief Description: Limiting the regulation of the practice of massage by political subdivisions.

Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, Curtis, Ericks and Alexander.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/23/07, 90-0.

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/22/07, 3/26/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Marr and Parlette.

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: The practice of massage and massage therapy is regulated under state law. The regulation of massage practitioners includes the following:

state licensing and examination requirements;
restrictions on certain advertising practices; and
disciplinary standards and procedures.

The regulation of massage practitioners is overseen by the Washington State Board of Massage (Board). The Board is authorized to adopt administrative rules pertaining to the regulation of the massage profession and is granted specified powers with respect to the following:

evaluation and approval of massage schools and training programs;
administration of licensing examinations; and
establishment of the rules, standards, and procedures regarding the training of practitioners.

The regulation of the massage profession is not exclusive to the state. Statute explicitly allows local governments to impose regulations, require local licenses, charge fees, and levy taxes.

Summary of Substitute Bill: Statutory provisions authorizing local governments to license and regulate massage practitioners are repealed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The stigma attached to massage therapy from long ago is antiquated and discriminatory. Massage therapy is part of health care and should be treated as other businesses.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Melanie Stewart, Ann Brittain, American Massage Therapy Association.