FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5097

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.

Background: Massage Therapists. Massage therapists are licensed by the Department of Health (DOH) to practice massage, which involves the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. To obtain a massage therapy license, an applicant must provide proof to DOH that they have successfully completed an approved massage therapy program or apprenticeship, successfully completed an examination approved by the Washington State Board of Massage, and are at least eighteen years old. Massage therapists must clearly display their massage therapy license at their place of business or have a copy of the license available while they are practicing.

Reflexologists. Reflexologists are certified by DOH to practice reflexology, which is a health care service limited to applying alternating pressure with thumb and finger techniques to reflexive areas of the lower extremities, feet, hands, and outer ears based on reflex maps. To be certified, an applicant must provide proof to DOH that they have successfully completed an approved reflexology program, successfully completed an approved examination, and are at least eighteen years old. Reflexologists must clearly display their reflexology certification at their place of business or have a copy of the certification available while they are practicing.

Summary: A licensed massage therapist or a certified reflexologist must have government-issued photo identification on their person or have it available for inspection by city, county, or state law enforcement, or DOH personnel at all times while practicing massage therapy or reflexology. The identification must bear the same name as their massage therapy license or reflexology certification.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	45	0
House	89	9