Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1509769
A B M P m e m b e r s ea r n F R E E C E h o u r s by rea d i n g t h i s i s s u e ! 17 ABMP Government Relations Director Lance Hostetter LEGACY CLAUSES Over the past 25 years, states requiring massage therapists to qualify for licensure have increased from 22 to 45. A consistent feature when discussing licensure is the idea of legacy—often referred to as "grandfathering" in legislative bills—securing a license based on prior education and experience. Legacy consideration is also arising as part of a new trend—consideration by some states to adjust the required hours of education from 500 to the 600–750 range. The driving factor has been the Entry-Level Analysis Project (ELAP) recommendation of "approximately 625 hours," detailed by subject matter that has been widely accepted as needed to prepare students to practice massage safely and effectively. ABMP joined a coalition of national massage organizations and experts in the development of ELAP. While the resulting recommendation language supports some f lexibility, ABMP supports the trend toward the ELAP recommendation. Change is hard, especially when it could be viewed as a barrier or burden. That's why ABMP supports reasonable legacy clauses for seasoned professionals. We know many folks have dedicated their lives to perfecting skills and knowledge, yet their background may not exactly match new requirements. That's why legacy clauses are important to licensure laws: to ensure experienced professionals are not displaced or disregarded. Next year, ABMP will advocate for reasonable legacy clauses in states that introduce legislation to enact massage licensure and those that place new requirements in existing Next year, ABMP will advocate for reasonable legacy clauses in states that introduce legislation to enact massage licensure and those that place new requirements in existing laws. laws. Generally, we believe veteran massage professionals who have practiced for a minimum number of years, acquired a certain level of education, and/or passed the MBLEx should not be penalized by new laws. Instead, your prior experience and education should be acknowledged. INTERSTATE COMPACT The Interstate Compact presents an opportunity for states to establish uniform standards that allow professionals to be mobile and gainfully employed regardless of location. The Interstate Compact will grant qualifying professionals a multistate license that allows them to practice in participating states. Much like a driver's license, the Interstate Massage Compact expands massage professionals' earning ability, allows for mobility, and reduces financial burdens related to licensure. You can learn more about the Interstate Compact at massagecompact.org. Undoubtedly, other themes and policy issues will arise. No matter the topic or circumstance, the ABMP Government Relations team will help you decipher legislature, rules, and proposals. More importantly, we will help you elevate your voice and your expertise. Lance Hostetter is the ABMP director of government relations. To contact ABMP government relations, email gr@abmp.com.