HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6698

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care

Title:  An act relating to exempting reflexologists from regulation as massage practitioners.

Brief Description:  Exempting reflexologists from regulation as massage practitioners.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau and Deccio.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care:  2/25/02 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

$Reflexologists limiting their practice to the hands, feet and ears are exempted from the requirements of licensing under the state Massage Practice Act.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Schual‑Berke, Vice Chair; Campbell, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Conway, Darneille, Edwards, Ruderman and Skinner.

Staff:  John Welsh (786‑7133).

Background:

Reflexology involves the  application of various pressure techniques at specified points on the hands, feet, and ears which reflect corresponding areas of the body.

The practice of massage includes reflexology.

Summary of Bill:

An exemption from regulation under the Massage Practice Act is provided for persons limiting their practice to reflexology which involves the hands, feet, and outer ears.

Additionally, the spelling of the term "facial" is corrected to "fascial."

The Department of Health must review implementation of this act and make recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2005.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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

Testimony For:  The sunrise review done by the Department of Health indicated that the practice of reflexology presented no risk of harm to the public and, therefore, regulation is unnecessary.  It is inappropriate to require a person to qualify as a massage practitioner in order to practice a limited and risk free activity such as reflexology.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Thibaudeau, prime sponsor; and Julie McGehe, Washington Reflexology Association.