SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6698

As Passed Senate, February 18, 2002

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 & Long‑Term Care:  2/4/02, 2/6/02 [DP].

Passed Senate:  2/18/02, 40-8.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Fraser, Parlette and Winsley.

Staff:  Tanya Karwaki (786‑7447)

Background:  Reflexology involves applying varying amounts of pressure at specified points on the body, most often on the hands, feet, and ears.  These points correspond to distant areas throughout the body.

Under the Massage Practice Act, reflexology is part of the practice of massage.

Summary of Bill:  An exemption to the Massage Practice Act is provided for the practice of reflexology which is limited to the hands, feet, and outer ears.  Additionally, 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:  This bill reflects an agreement between the reflexologists and the massage therapists.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Julie McGehe, Washington Reflexology Association (pro); Melanie Stewart, American Massage Therapy Association (neutral).