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January 25, 2006
Licensing Debate in Indiana and Illinois
The South Bend Tribune examines the push to license massage therapists in Indiana and Michigan, and talks to both therapists and clients about the situation, as well as differentiating the two states' approaches.
In their current forms, the bills feature similar requirements including completion of 500 credit hours with an approved school, continuing education credits and passing a recognized written exam, such as the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Both have a grandfather clause.
The Indiana version includes a criminal background check, while the Michigan version requires therapists to be "of good moral character."
However, the Michigan bill will face hurdles, according to Gabe Basso, legislative director for Rep. Fran Amos, the bill's sponsor. Not the least of these is the fact that two organizations, the AMTA Michigan Chapter and the American Medical Massage Association (which is based in Michigan), have differing opinions on what it should contain. The AMMA objects to wording in the bill that would exclude online courses from the 500 educational hours, which director Marie Ruberto says would prevent programs at certain colleges and universities from qualifying. It also objects to the bill's exclusion of its organization's certification exam.
Posted by linda at January 25, 2006 11:11 PM
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