It has come to my attention that even though we have been trying for years to get our Bill for the Licensure of Massage Therapist passed in Indiana, the issue of grandfathering raises quite a bit of misinformation and concern.

The way it has been worded in the past, practically anyone who said they had practiced massage could be grandfathered in. After the grandfathering period applicants would have to had graduated from a 500 hr minimum State approved school, and passed either the NCETMB or another exam approved by the Massage Board.

 Due to the recent developments in our State with the Cosmotology Scope of Practice, this will be changing. We need to tighten up grandfathering qualifications somehow. It has never been the goal of the proposed bill to put educated, legitimate therapist out of business.  As of July 1, 2006 Cosmotologist may "massage" the torso legally as part of their legal definition. This is intended to apply product and not "treat", but enforcing that may be a challenge. It waits to be seen.

If you are a massage therapist in Indiana you are working in a profession that has no legal scope of practice AND the public has little knowledge of qualifications or expectations.

 If you have questions or concerns about the bill, and it is keeping you from supporting it, please contact us. Dialog is vital in this endeavor and we all need to be certain we have all the information possible. We would like to host area meetings to discuss our Licensure. If this is something you might be interested in, please contact Barb Lis, 219 696-0672.

We still need members to help with Chair Massages with the September legislative activities in South Bend and Indianapolis. More information may be found under "Events" at www.amtaindiana.org

Jennie Irving, NCTMB

Chapter President