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

Surviving A Worst Case Disaster - MTJ

Writing spa management articles is a wonderful way to share information and experiences which can help other professionals with their business. I'm always on writing assignment and would love to hear from you. Have you had disasters in your spa and if so, how did you manage them? Post them to this blog so others can learn from your experience!

I have found it to be gratifying to help other spa professionals through my writing and was pleased to see this entry and very nice compliment in Felica Brown's Spalutions blog. I had interviewed her for an an article that was featured in the Fall 2008 edition of Massage Therapy Journal. http://www.amtamassage.org/journal/fall08_journal/fall08_art3-1.html

What Would Your Business Do in a Crisis
Disaster sometimes strikes when you least expect it. What would you do if your business suddenly flooded because of a hurricane or you became injured and unable to work? Click here to read a fantastic article in the most recent Massage Therapy Journal by my friend and colleague Camille Hoheb on Surviving a Worst Case Scenario. You'll actually read about a couple of my own dilemmas in the article and how I handled them!

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/