Legislation and Policies
Government Relations & Legislation
Interested in making an impact on the Massage Therapy Profession in the State of Ohio?
Get involved in the Legislation Committee!
We are working with the Medical Board as well as with the State Legislators to make a difference.
Contact
Melissa Ryan, Legislative Committee Chair
Legislative Updates | Legislative Committee
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131st General Assembly AMTA Platform
Last month the Dispatch reported that law enforcement officials raided several massage parlors in central Ohio, see the story here:
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/01/14/massage-parlors-searched.html
House bill 130 that AMTA-Ohio supported was passed into law provided language prohibiting the advertising of massage using sexually suggestive wording or images, this year we hope to strengthen that law to any advertising of massage or related services unless the practitioner is a licensed massage therapist (LMT).
It is important that we as LMT’s report any suspicious to keep people safe and our profession clean. The National Trafficking Resource Center’s website can be found here: http://www.traffickingresourcecenter.org/ the number is 1-888-373-7888 it’s all confidential. They also have a texting service at 233733.
As we gear up for 2015 your legislative team is planning meetings with legislators to help get the word out and advance our massage modernization bill . We want to remind you that your local representatives often have meetings in your home town, those meetings are how we make change! Our own Jerry Brand met with his legislator (Ann Gonzales) at a meeting in his local library and HB 130 was started! You can do it too! Details on How to talk to your legislator can be found HERE!
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES/LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE CHANGES:
HB 483 has been passed and the Medical Board has also filed proposed rule 4731-1-24 with the Common Sense Initiative Office. (The rule number is a link to the rule and related documents.) 4731-1-24: Massage therapy continuing education. Comments have been submitted to the Common Sense Initiative and awaiting response.
The full code can be found:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText130/130_HB_483_EN_N.html
The state medical board is currently in the rule making process, we are awaiting their draft rule in the coming months and hope to provide it to the membership for comment.
Proposed Massage Therapy Modernization Bill being drafted with consideration to include 100% licensure for massage within the State of Ohio and insurance coverage mandate.
House bill 130 that AMTA-Ohio supported was passed into law provided language prohibiting the advertising of massage using sexually suggestive wording or images, this year we hope to strengthen that law to any advertising of massage or related services unless the practitioner is a licensed massage therapist (LMT).
It is important that we as LMT’s report any suspicious to keep people safe and our profession clean. The National Trafficking Resource Center’s website can be found here: http://www.traffickingresourcecenter.org/ the number is 1-888-373-7888 it’s all confidential. They also have a texting service at 233733.
You can be a part of our legislative efforts. Once our bill is drafted and we have a sponsor, we will need the help of all of membership to garner attention to our efforts by reaching out to your legislators.
Details on How to talk to your legislator can be found HERE!
Clarification on Continuing Education Requirement:
We would like to clarify, CE’s are not currently required.
HB 483 has been passed. Section 4731.155 of HB 483 states: The state medical board may adopt rules that establish continuing education.
The full code can be found:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText130/130_HB_483_EN_N.html
The state medical board is currently in the rule making process, we are awaiting their draft rule in the coming months and hope to provide it to the membership for comment.
As with any work involving the Government, persistence, preparation, and patience are what get things accomplished. It is going to be an exciting year as we diligently pursue elevation of our profession!
MEMBER UPDATE: The Affordable Care Act and Massage Therapy
January 1, 2014 is an important date for healthcare providers across the nation. Many of the significant provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will go into effect on January 1st, including provisions around essential health benefits and non-discrimination in healthcare services. These two pieces may be especially important for massage therapists as they will allow patients greater access to massage therapy services.
Of the 10 categories of coverage in EHB, massage therapy has shown benefit in 4; ambulator