Indiana took the positive step of certifying Massage Therapists providing title protection during the 2007 Indiana General Assembly by enacting SEA 320. However, the consumers are still subjected to the potential for harm and confusion because no scope of practice exists for massage. Also, communities have still encountered problems with illegitimate massage enterprises in certain communities. This is not seeking a new License, as much as seeking to expand and improve and existing regulation.

This proposal is also fiscally responsible.

The Indiana Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association would like the Indiana General Assembly to consider full licensure for massage therapy and the creation of a scope of practice for all massage therapists in Indiana.

The Indiana Chapter of the AMTA believes that the following benefits come from professional licensure:

Protection of the public through the establishment of high standards for entry into the profession in our state.

Protection of the public through the regulation of practice and recourse to effective disciplinary action. Also gives police and local government a greater ability to police illigetamate “massage” interprises.

Fair and consistent regulation applying to the whole state, while endeavoring Indiana to comply with standards required in adjacent States.

The rights of massage therapists to define their practice, through its appointed board.

Eliminate public confusion regarding legitimate and untrained massage personnel. Current CMT regulations still allow those who desire to practice “massage” to do so through avoiding the title “Certified Massage Therapist”.

A minimum scope of practice for massage based on a definition of those massage procedures that are understandable by the average person.