SENATE 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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Health Care, February 23, 2016
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: Passed House: 2/17/16, 95-3.
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/22/16, 2/23/16 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Cleveland, Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Bailey, Brown, Conway, Frockt, Jayapal, Keiser, Parlette and Rivers.
Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)
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 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.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2017.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This makes a technical change to from practitioner to therapist. The timing of the change is set to avoid a fiscal impact.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Kuderer, Prime Sponsor; Melanie Stewart, American Massage Therapy Association, WA Chapter.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.