Governor Schwarzenegger has signed into law the first California statewide certification system for massage therapists. S.B. 731 establishes a voluntary certification for the roughly 40,000 people who currently practice massage therapy in California as “massage practitioners” and “massage therapists.”The certification will be managed by a new Massage Therapist organization (MTO). Over the next six years, this organization is charged by the new law with creating a board, developing policies, processing applications, and, ultimately, issuing certifications.
Recommended Action: The establishment of statewide certification–and the attendant professionalization of massage therapy in California–is a positive development for healthcare providers whose current services incorporate massage therapy or who are considering expansion into massage therapy in the future. The current licensing of massage therapy–at the city and county level–is confusing and forces providers who employ massage therapists (for physical therapy or other purposes) to focus excessive attention on compliance requirements that vary from locale to locale. It is hoped that the MTO will work towards establishing uniform regulatory requirements across the state.
Harry Nelson is a partner in Fenton & Nelson, LLP. Fenton & Nelson advises healthcare providers on risk management and compliance issues, including scope of practice and training requirements. For additional information, please contact him at harry@fentonnelson.com
©Harry Nelson 2008
California Healthcare Law 