Massage Therapy Licensure - Senate Bill 731 and More

Senate Bill 731
With the new year comes new regulations regarding the licensing of massage therapists in California. It is a hot topic since it changes (increases) the requirements for practicing massage therapy. I wrote an article from a national perspective that came out in the Dec 08 issue of Massage Therapy but here is what CA State Senator, Jenny Oropeza had to say about the changes in CA:

Up until now, regulation of the practice of professional massage therapy has been left to local counties and cities. In larger metropolitan areas, different massage practitioners could be subject to several different sets of rules and regulations, all within a few miles. Some cities require a license, proof of training and/or a background check. Others have no requirements at all.

Legitimate massage therapists, many of whom undergo hundreds of hours of professional training, at great expense, are offended by being tarred with the brush of illegality and harassment from investigators. The system, if it can be called that, is clearly broken.My bill creates a new non-profit statewide organization, the Massage Therapy Organization to certify legitimate massage practitioners and therapists.

Our goal is to help both massage therapists and law enforcement by setting clear, consistent statewide rules. In addition, statewide certification of massage therapy will provide consumers with recourse if they are harmed in the process of receiving a massage. These new rules will also help consumers determine which providers are legitimate and which are not.

Here's the lead in to my article on the changing regulatory landscape for massage therapists.

A Strong Foundation by Camille Hoheb
Although regulation can sometimes be confusing and frustrating, legal recognition of the massage therapy profession is good for everyone. Misconceptions abound, and changing people’s perspective isn’t easy. But with more and more consumers seeking out massage therapy, having a clear, easy way to define your profession is important.

Regulation is a good foundation to stand on when you’re trying to educate consumers. Having laws in place that work to protect your clients and raise the reputation of the massage profession can be invaluable to massage therapists who are working to bring the benefits of massage to more people.

To read more of "A Strong Foundation" click here: tp://amtamassage.org/journal/winter08_journal/winter08_art4-1.html

Massage and Bodywork March 2007

Hot off the press!

One thing I knew back in October- the California wildfires were a hot topic. I securing two assignments and thought nothing of a super-tight deadline with Massage and Bodywork. Hindsight is 20/20. I had no idea how difficult and time-consuming it would be to identify and secure meaningful interviews right at the heighth of the spreading blazes. I hadn't taken into consideration most folks involved in the wildfires were under an extremely stressful situation and of course, they were focused on their families, homes and livelihood. It seems obvious but something I mistakeningly overlooked. What's more, the president of one of the non-profits I was interviewing was in the process of moving to France! Talk about a challenge!

To read the article, "Devastation & Compassion: Massage Therapists React to the California" Wildfires", please log on to http://www.abmp.com/.

Massage Therapy Journal

Having written several articles on finding a great location for a spa, I discovered that massage therapists have different needs, budgets, referral systems and markets. Writing for MTJ was a great experience and I look forward to writing more for them in the future. My article, "Location, Location, Location" featured in the Fall 2007 edition.

For more info: http://www.amtamassage.org/

Medical Spa Report (May 2007)

After receiving a number of calls from spa owners seeking either to sell their business or to buy an existing business to reduce start-up costs, I thought it would be helpful to write an article on the topic.

Below is an excerpt from Medical Spa Magazine. For the online version: http://www.medicalspareport.com/medicalspareport/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=421184

Market Value
Development expert Camille E. Hoheb shares some key factors to consider when buying or selling a medical spa.
May 1, 2007
By:Camille E. Hoheb
Medical Spa Report
Pages 1 2

Having helped develop more than 100 medical spas nationwide since 2002, I've witnessed explosive growth in the industry. Conversely, in the last six months, I've also observed an increasing number of medical spas changing ownership or closing altogether. Now is a dynamic time—some medical spa owners are looking to get out, while others are interested in getting in. If you fall into either category, read on for added insight into the buying and selling process.

Skin Inc March 2007

Most new spa owners don't realize that the construction costs of their spa is directly impacted by their lease. In March, "Reducing the Wrinkles of a Medical Spa Build-Out" was published in Skin, Inc.

www.skininc.com