AMTA Advocacy: Moving The Massage Profession Forward

AMTA is working to increase public and policymaker awareness of the efficacy of massage therapy, the overall cost and quality of life benefits with the use of massage, and the value massage therapists bring to our nation’s health care systems. 

AMTA’s June Advocacy Activities

Despite the fact that COVID restrictions are still prohibiting most in-person advocacy meetings, AMTA continues our ongoing efforts to engage with policymakers and other organizations that focus on health issues related to massage therapy. Below are examples of some recent activities:

AMTA Meets With Chair of the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee

On June 8, AMTA participated in a virtual meeting with Rep. Anna Eshoo’s (D-CA) health policy staff. Rep. Eshoo is a senior member of Congress who serves as Chair of the Health Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee (E&C) - one of the key committees which focuses on issues related to massage therapy.

AMTA provided information on the number of massage therapists in Eshoo’s district, California, and the US, along with the status of massage therapy coverage by the VA and Medicare Advantage. We also expressed our interest in the passage of legislation (such as the NOPAIN Act and similar bills) that may increase access to massage therapy. Rep. Eschoo’s staff offered to collaborate with AMTA and our colleagues to advance legislation that reduces opioid reliance while promoting access to integrative health treatments.

AMTA Meets with Chief Research and Development Officer at The Department of Veterans Affairs

On June 14, AMTA also participated in a virtual meeting with Rachel Ramoni, Chief Research and Development Officer at the VA. AMTA was able to join this event as a member of the “Friends of VA”. This meeting provided AMTA with the opportunity to hear about the VA’s proposed budget for the coming year and its priority research areas. We will continue to help promote the use of massage therapy within the VA and the massage therapists who work with our nation’s veterans.

AMTA remains engaged in ongoing advocacy efforts to advance the massage therapy profession. To learn more and get involved in your state, visit our advocacy action center.