HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5299

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Warnke, Lee, Vognild, Smitherman, Anderson and Kiskaddon)

Revising laws relating to massage therapy.

House Committe on Health Care

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Bristow, Brooks, Bumgarner, Cantwell, Lux, D. Sommers and Sprenkle.

House Staff:John Welsh (786-7133)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 8, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1975, the practice of massage therapy was regulated by the state.  A person must possess a license in order to practice massage and hold oneself out as a massage operator.  A business license is also required.  Applicants for licensure must be at least eighteen years of age, of good moral character and pass an examination and/or practical demonstration.  Currently there is no requirement that applicants graduate from accredited schools or apprenticeship programs.  The Massage Examining Board, composed of four members, conducts examinations for applicants for licensure.

SUMMARY:

The definition of massage is clarified as a health care service to include massage techniques for therapeutic purposes, but excludes adjustments of the spine and diagnosis.  The title of massage operator is changed to massage practitioner.  The title of "licensed massage practitioner" or "L.M.P." is restricted to those licensed.  The fee for renewal of a license is determined by the director and licenses lapsing more than three years can be reinstated upon a showing of competence to the board.  Applicants for licensure may qualify for the examination upon attaining the age of eighteen and completing an approved massage program or apprenticeship program established by the board.  The examination must contain subjects appropriate to the massage practice, and applicants may take the examination again without remedial education.

The name of the State Massage Examining Board is changed to the Washington State Board of Massage.  Five members are appointed by the governor, for four-year terms, composed of four massage practitioners and one public member unaffiliated with a health care service.  The board's authority is expanded to include adoption of rules and the approval of schools.

The director is authorized to adopt rules, set license and examination fees, establish forms, issue licenses, hire staff and act as the disciplinary authority pursuant to the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

Applicants licensed in other jurisdictions with equivalent requirements may be licensed without examination.

The validity of current licenses, including any existing right or obligation, is not affected by this act.  Current statutes in conflict with this act are repealed, and a business license is no longer required to practice massage.

Appropriation:    $112,570 from the Health Professions Account.

Fiscal Note:      Attached.

Effective Date:The bill takes effect on July 1, 1987.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Taya Countryman, Northwest Massage Practitioners Association and American Massage Therapy Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The Massage Practice Act needs updating generally for ease of administration and clarification as a health service.  The scope of practice should be clarified, and educational requirements should be made prerequisite for licensure.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.