Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2025

Fall 2025 • 13

reimbursement, Medicaid inclusion, and broader health care system integration in states across the country, including Washington, New Hampshire, Minnesota and New York, which currently have active legislation to help achieve these goals. Our long-term vision is one where massage therapy is accessible as a first-line treatment option—supported by policy, reimbursed by insurers, and recommended by health care providers. AMTA is working

Through education requirements, signage laws, and accountability measures— as seen in Indiana and Hawaii —we continue to support policies that protect vulnerable individuals while preserving the high standards and professionalism of massage therapy.

Supporting Mobility and License Portability for Massage Therapists As part of our forward-thinking vision, AMTA is championing solutions that enable massage

to make that future a reality. Advancing Educational Excellence for Massage Therapists AMTA also supports educational excellence. In states like Virginia and Georgia , we backed proposals to increase required training hours, while also advocating for fairness and accessibility in implementation. We are also exploring innovative pathways to entry, such as apprenticeships, that preserve quality while expanding access, as seen in Montana . Our vision is to balance massage therapy without undue barriers. Promoting Safe and Compliant Massage Therapy Practice Environments Establishment oversight is critical to public safety and professional credibility. AMTA is driving policy efforts to strengthen compliance tools in states like Delaware, Oregon and Missouri. Whether through enhanced penalties, visible notices of non compliance, or increased inspection authority, our advocacy is helping ensure that massage therapy is practiced in environments that are safe, ethical and transparent. Combatting Human Trafficking with Legislative Engagement Human trafficking remains a critical concern. AMTA continues to advocate for targeted legislation that addresses trafficking without reinforcing harmful stereotypes about our profession. rigor with inclusivity—ensuring that all qualified individuals can pursue a career in

therapists to work across state lines more easily. Legislation is under consideration in Arkansas and North Carolina that aligns with our goal of reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers while maintaining quality for the massage therapy profession.

We are also continuing to monitor and provide our input on the Interstate Massage Compact which aims to increase licensure portability across states. AMTA is committed to advocating for more inclusive portability legislation that serves the best interests of licensed massage therapists across the U.S. Advocating for Equitable Fees and Fair Access Financial accessibility is a cornerstone of a thriving profession. AMTA continues to oppose unreasonable fee hikes, such as those proposed in Vermont , while supporting efforts to cap and regulate fees in states like Illinois . We believe that entering and maintaining licensure in this profession should be financially feasible for all qualified individuals. AMTA Is Focused on the Future of the Profession At AMTA, we’re driven by a bold vision: a future where massage therapy is fully integrated into health care, universally recognized as a licensed profession, and practiced under clear, fair and consistent standards. We will continue to lead, collaborate and innovate in pursuit of that vision in the next legislative session and beyond! And as always, we are here to support you and the entire massage therapy community every step of the way .

SCAN HERE To learn more about AMTA's position on the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact).

amtamassage.org/mtj