BILL REQ. #:  H-1748.1 

Read first time 02/17/2005.   Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade.

     AN ACT Relating to animal massage practitioners; amending RCW 18.108.010; repealing RCW 18.108.230; and repealing 2001 c 297 s 1 (uncodified).

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 18.108.010 and 2002 c 277 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the following meanings shall apply:
     (1) "Board" means the Washington state board of massage.
     (2) "Massage" and "massage therapy" mean a health care service involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue of the human body for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy includes techniques such as tapping, compressions, friction, Swedish gymnastics or movements, gliding, kneading, shaking, and fascial or connective tissue stretching, with or without the aids of superficial heat, cold, water, lubricants, or salts. Massage therapy does not include diagnosis or attempts to adjust or manipulate any articulations of the body or spine or mobilization of these articulations by the use of a thrusting force, nor does it include genital manipulation.
     (3) "Massage practitioner" means an individual licensed under this chapter.
     (4) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
     (5) "Massage business" means the operation of a business where massages are given.
     (((6) "Animal massage practitioner" means an individual with a license to practice massage therapy in this state with additional training in animal therapy.))

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:
     (1) RCW 18.108.230 (Animal massage practitioner -- Endorsement--Training requirements -- Rules) and 2001 c 297 s 3; and
     (2) 2001 c 297 s 1 (uncodified).