Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

12 • Massage Therapy Journal

Advocacy Advancing the Massage Therapy Profession

AMTA Supports the Revised Massage Compact Following Finalization of Updates by CSG and DoD I n August 2025, the U.S. Department of

issued in September 2024, and are designed to build broader support for the Compact among massage therapists and state lawmakers without compromising public safety. Highlights from CSG’s public comment period in November 2025 include: • 71% of respondents said they are more likely to support the Revised Compact. • 69% believe the changes to the Revised Compact provide greater flexibility. • 83% of survey respondents were licensed massage therapists, highlighting strong engagement from those most directly affected. What Is the Interstate Massage Therapy Compact? The Compact allows qualified licensed massage therapists to practice across multiple participating

Defense (DoD) reached out to AMTA seeking feedback on the Interstate Massage Therapy Compact (Original Compact). AMTA responded by reiterating previously communicated concerns and recommendations aimed at strengthening the Compact and increasing support across the profession as well as among state legislators. After receiving AMTA’s input, the Council of State Governments (CSG) and the DoD drafted proposed revisions addressing several of the key issues that we raised. These updates were then released for public comment in November and have now been officially adopted with overwhelming support—resulting in a more flexible, inclusive and effective Revised Massage Therapy Compact for the profession. Importantly, the revisions align with some of the intent outlined in the joint AMTA–FSMTB letter

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