Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/135515
Government Relations By Jean Robinson Do You Know the Rules? Are you state licensed as a massage therapist? With licensing comes responsibility. It's not only important that you stay informed, but you are required by law to do so throughout your career. After a licensing law is passed, rules and regulations are adopted that affect your work. These rules and regulations can be reviewed and changed by the regulatory board at any time, and they continue to be a part of your protocol for licensure throughout your career. ABMP recommends you review your regulatory board's website quarterly to make sure you're on top of what's happening in your state. Regulatory boards aren't necessarily good at informing licensees that changes are being considered or have been adopted. Typical rules and regulations address application processes, qualifications for licensure (including minimum hour requirements and exams accepted for licensing), continuing education requirements for relicensure/renewal, protocols for investigating complaints, grounds for disciplinary action, codes of ethics, and standards of conduct. Some states may also develop rules and regulations for facility sanitation or infection control, client access to records, client intake forms, confidentiality, and recordkeeping. Rule Requirements Many states' rules and regulations include some common requirements: • dvertising requirements—your state may require that your license A number be included in any and all advertising. • Display your license in a prominent area at your place of business. • eep client records for a minimum of seven years. K • eport all changes in address or contact information to the R regulatory board within 30 days. • se the proper title; most states require that you use licensed U massage therapist (LMT) or licensed massage and bodywork therapist (LMBT). DS 4 July August 2013 Reminder The term grandfathering relates to the qualifications required for existing practitioners to obtain a license for a certain period of time without having to meet the education and exam requirements set out for new practitioners. Even with grandfathering, you still must apply for a license. New State Licenses With three states issuing licenses for the first time, it's a good time to remind all licensees that you must abide by the rules and regulations adopted by your state. Idaho All massage therapists in Idaho must be state licensed by July 1, 2013, in order to continue practicing. The grandfathering application expires July 1, 2014. Michigan Massage therapists will be required to be state licensed by November 29, 2014, and may apply at any time before that date. ABMP encourages members to apply sooner rather than later. New Jersey All massage therapists are required to be licensed in order to practice in New Jersey at this time. However, ABMP is aware of significant processing delays. If you have questions about your application, please call 973-504-6520. Please be patient. ABMP recommends you keep a current copy of your application at your place of business in case you're questioned about your license status. The grandfathering application expires August 30, 2013. Jean Robinson is ABMP's director of government relations. Contact her at jean@abmp.com.