Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 1133

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: Requiring massage practitioners to include their license numbers on advertising and display a copy of their license or make it available upon request.

Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Goodman, Warnick, Rodne, Ladenburg and Maxwell.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires massage practitioner's name and license number to conspicuously appear on all advertisements.

  • Requires a massage practitioner to display his or her license in his or her place of business.

Hearing Date: 1/26/11

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

A massage practitioner is an individual licensed to provide massage therapy, which is a health care service involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy includes techniques such as tapping, compressions, friction, Swedish gymnastics or movements, gliding, kneading, shaking, and facial or connective tissue stretching. Massage therapists are licensed by the Department of Health.

A massage therapist is required to print his or her license number in display advertisements.

Summary of Bill:

A massage practitioner's name and license number must conspicuously appear on all of the massage practitioner's advertisements. A massage practitioner must also display his or her license in his or her principal place of business. If the practitioner does not have a principal place of business or conducts business in any other location, he or she must have a copy of his or her license available for inspection while performing any activities related to massage therapy.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/20/11.

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