HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 2425
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 Passed Legislature
Title: An act relating to changing the words "massage practitioner" and "animal massage practitioner" to "massage therapist" and "animal massage therapist".
Brief Description: Concerning massage therapists.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Kuderer, Schmick, S. Hunt, Chandler, Goodman, Rodne, Kilduff, Manweller and Jinkins).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/22/16, 1/29/16 [DPS].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/17/16, 95-3.
Passed Senate: 3/1/16, 46-0.
Passed Legislature.
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 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Jinkins, Johnson, Moeller, Robinson, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.
Staff: Ariele Landstrom (786-7190).
Background:
Massage therapy is a health care service involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage practitioners are individuals licensed to practice massage therapy. Animal massage practitioners are individuals licensed to practice massage therapy with additional training in animal therapy.
The Department of Health (DOH) issues licenses to practice massage therapy and endorsements for animal massage therapy. Licenses must be renewed annually.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The terms "massage practitioner" and "animal massage practitioner" are changed to "massage therapist" and "animal massage therapist," respectively.
Beginning July 1, 2017, the DOH must issue new licenses and renewals as they become due using the terms "massage therapist." Any licenses becoming due after July 1, 2017, remain valid with the term "massage practitioner" until the licenses become due.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect July 1, 2017.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This is a straightforward bill that replaces an outdated term. It is a nomenclature change to bring the RCW in line with the industry. It aligns Washington with the rest of the country and is revenue neutral.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Kuderer, prime sponsor; Melanie Stewart, American Massage Therapy Association; and Mark Allen, Washington Massage Envy Owners Cooperative.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.