News and Media

FSMTB Receives Tremendous Feedback on Proposed Model Practice Act

June 26, 2014

Contact: Debra Persinger, Ph.D.
Executive Director, FSMTB
dpersinger@fsmtb.org / 913.681.0380

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2014

(Overland Park, Kan. - June 26) - The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) sought comments from interested parties on its proposed Massage Therapy Model Practice Act (MPA) before finalizing the document. The draft MPA was developed over a period of three years by an FSMTB Task Force comprised of representatives from regulatory boards and agencies.

The public comment period was opened for 45 days on May 1, 2014 and over 1,300 comments were received. Jane Johnson, LMT, MPA Task Force Chair stated, "The level of response was tremendous and reflective of the interest attached to the work. The task force has carefully reviewed each of the comments submitted by both individuals and organizations and swiftly identified areas that needed further consideration along with the many aspects that professionals indicated should be retained." The task force will deliver their final work product to the FSMTB board of directors in July and the MPA will be released shortly thereafter.

The intent of the MPA is to provide a comprehensive resource to FSMTB member boards and to assist regulators with statutory language based upon the collective wisdom of the massage regulatory community. Karen Armstrong, FSMTB president stated, "The board of directors appreciates the thousands of hours that the task force volunteers have invested in developing a model practice act that reflects their diligence and dedication to public protection. This MPA will serve the regulatory community well as the profession evolves and fills a broader, respected role in public health and wellbeing in the United States."

The FSMTB board of directors and MPA task force members extend their thanks to all those who submitted constructive comments in recognition of the opportunity to contribute improvements and impact the final MPA.

About FSMTB
The Federation's mission is to support its member boards in their work to ensure the practice of massage therapy is provided to the public in a safe and effective manner.

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