SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 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. |
As of March 21, 2011
Title: An act relating to the display of massage practitioner licenses.
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: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Jinkins, Goodman, Warnick, Rodne, Ladenburg and Maxwell).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/02/11, 92-3.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/21/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: A massage practitioner is an individual licensed by the Department of Health 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.
A massage practitioner 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 conspicuously 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, the massage practitioner must have a copy of his or her license available for inspection while performing any activities related to massage therapy.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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: This bill will provide clarity to the profession of massage therapy and will ensure that the people who claim to be licensed massage practitioners are licensed. The industry wants this regulation and it will help the public by letting them know who is and who is not a licensed massage practitioner.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Jinkins, prime sponsor; Melanie Stewart, Lori Bielinski, American Massage Therapy Association, Washington Chapter.