Requires massage therapists to complete thirty-six hours of continuing education each registration period

BILL NUMBER:S5431C

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to mandatory continuing education for massage therapists

Purpose

Enactment of this legislation would require massage therapists to complete thirty-six hours of continuing education each registration period.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends the education law by adding a new section 7807 to require mandatory continuing education. It provides that those massage therapists, required to register triennially with the State Education Department to practice in New York State, shall comply with this stat- ute, and failure to do so will not allow such LMT to practice. A condi- tional registration may be issued in certain circumstances. An exemption will be granted to massage therapists for their initial triennial regis- tration period. Any licensed massage therapist not engaged in practice shall be exempt, however any return to practicing will trigger the mandatory continuing education requirement.

Subsection two mandates a minimum of thirty-six hours of acceptable formal continuing education during the triennial period, with provisions being made for prorated requirements in certain instances.

Subsection three outlines the Education Department's ability to issue a conditional registration to licensees who fail to complete the required continuing education, including fees associated with such registration, along with the duration of such conditional registration.

Subsection four explains the term "acceptable formal education" and what is acceptable under such definition.

Subsection five provides that massage therapists shall maintain adequate documentation of continuing education and make such information avail- able to the Education Department.

Subsection six establishes a continuing education fee of forty-five dollars which will be paid in addition to the triennial registration fee.

Existing law

New York state law does not require mandatory continuing education for licensed massage therapists (LMTs).

Justification

Currently 37 states have mandatory continuing education for licensed massage therapists. If enacted, this law would protect public safety by ensuring LMT's are properly trained and up to date in the latest methods

and techniques, while also protecting the profession by ensuring that all are held to the same standards. It would also give additional strength in combating illegal practices.

This legislation is supported by the American Massage Therapy Associ- ation which states that continuing education classes can help LMT's advance their knowledge and professionalism, keep up with new massage therapy information and research, and make connections between experi- ence and training.

Legislative history

New bill - 2009.

Fiscal implications

Positive for New York State.

Local fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

January 1, 2012.