BILL REQ. #:  S-1952.1 

Read first time 02/25/2005.   Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development.

     AN ACT Relating to the certification of animal massage therapists; and adding a new chapter to Title 18 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The certification of animal massage therapists is in the interest of the public, health, safety, and welfare.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Department" means the department of health.
     (2) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
     (3) "Animal massage therapist" means an individual who provides a health care service to animals involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy includes techniques such as tapping, compressions, friction, Swedish gymnastics or movements, gliding, kneading, shaking, and facial or connective tissue stretching, with or without the aid of superficial heat, cold, water, lubricants, or salts. Massage therapy does not include diagnosis or attempts to adjust or manipulate any articulations of the animal's body or spine or mobilization of these articulations by the use of a thrusting force.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   No person may represent oneself as an animal massage therapist by use of any title or description without being certified by the department under this chapter.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Nothing in this chapter may be construed to prohibit or restrict:
     (1) The practice of veterinary medicine by those who are in compliance with chapter 18.92 RCW;
     (2) The practice of animal massage by those who are in compliance with chapter 18.108 RCW; and
     (3) The practice of animal massage therapy by a person who is a regular student in an educational program whose performance of services is pursuant to a regular course of instruction or assignments from an instructor and under the general supervision of the instructor.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   In addition to any other authority provided by law, the secretary has the authority to:
     (1) Adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW as required to implement this chapter;
     (2) Establish all certification and renewal fees in accordance with RCW 43.70.250;
     (3) Establish forms and procedures necessary to administer this chapter;
     (4) Register an applicant or deny certification based upon unprofessional conduct or impairment governed by the uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW;
     (5) Hire clerical, administrative, investigative, and other staff as needed to implement this chapter; and
     (6) Maintain the official department record for all applicants and persons with certifications.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   An applicant shall identify the name and address of the applicant and other information required by the secretary necessary to establish whether there are grounds for denial of a certification or conditional certification under chapter 18.130 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   The secretary shall register an applicant on forms provided by the secretary. Each applicant shall pay a fee determined by the secretary under RCW 43.70.250. The fee shall accompany the application.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 8   The secretary shall establish by rule the procedural requirements and fees for renewal of certification. Failure to renew invalidates the certification and all privileges granted by the certification.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 9   The uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, governs the unregistered practice, the issuance and denial of certification, and the discipline of persons registered under this chapter. The secretary is the disciplining authority under this chapter.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 10   Sections 1 through 9 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 18 RCW.