Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

Spring 2026 • 13

states without obtaining separate licenses. The Compact is intended to reduce administrative barriers, promote professional mobility, and maintain public protection through consistent standards for eligibility, background checks and verification. Two Versions of the Interstate Massage Therapy Compact There are now two versions of the Compact legislation: 1. The IMpact (The Original Compact) The original version of the legislation is more rigid and relies on a future commission to address additional eligibility through rulemaking to realize some of the intent as defined in a joint letter issued by AMTA and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). 2. The Revised Compact The updated version establishes clearer, more inclusive eligibility pathways directly in statute, enabling more massage therapists to participate without jeopardizing public safety. These revisions reflect a more practical and equitable approach to multistate licensure. AMTA strongly encourages massage therapists, educators, stakeholders and policymakers to support the Revised Compact. Key Updates Strengthening the Revised Massage Therapy Compact To encourage broader adoption and build trust within the profession and among states, the CSG and DoD made the following statutory revisions to the Compact: • Legacy Exam Provision Massage therapists who passed a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) licensure exam before January 1, 2015, are now eligible for a multistate license. • Flexible Education Requirements Therapists who have fewer than 625 clock hours of massage education may qualify for a multistate license if they have held a license in good standing for at least two years. • Support for Active Military Members and Their Spouses

Only the Revised Compact offers flexibility in education requirements for active military members and their spouses, helping them maintain licensure across state lines. • Maintaining Public Safety All multistate license holders must still meet high standards of education and pass a national licensing exam. These updates do not compromise public safety. • Expanded Commissioner Eligibility Licensing boards now have more flexibility in appointing Compact commissioners. Boards may designate either a board member or staff member, rather than being limited to the primary administrative officer or their designee. This change, brought forward by CSG, addresses concerns about workload and staffing capacity and follows best practices as laid out in other interstate compacts. Why AMTA Supports the Revised Massage Therapy Compact We believe the Revised Compact reflects the values of today’s massage therapy profession: flexibility, fairness, mobility and public safety. Survey results further affirm that the massage community supports these improvements— with 71% of respondents reporting they are more likely to support the Revised Compact. By advancing more inclusive and practitioner centered legislation, the Revised Compact has stronger potential for nationwide adoption and meaningful impact. Take Action: Support the Revised Compact Supporting the Revised Compact means advocating for a forward-thinking approach to multistate licensure that benefits practitioners, strengthens workforce mobility and upholds high safety standards. Together, we can help ensure this improved

By advancing more inclusive and practitioner centered legislation, the Revised Compact has stronger potential for nationwide adoption and meaningful impact.

version of the Compact is adopted across the country. Contact your legislators today to express your support for the Revised Massage Therapy Compact.

amtamassage.org/mtj