AMTA's Position on the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)

Purpose of the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)

An interstate massage compact should be designed to improve mobility for licensed massage therapists across the U.S. by creating a streamlined path for license portability. AMTA is concerned that the current criteria in the IMpact language being proposed for state adoption may present challenges for many massage therapists seeking to participate.

AMTA's Commitment to Mobility

Since the IMpact was first drafted, AMTA has actively reviewed its provisions, participated in discussions about its effect on the profession, and expressed our concerns. We aim to improve professional mobility while addressing the needs of massage therapists and not sacrificing public safety. Our stance is shaped by member feedback and the broader needs of the massage therapy community, advocating for improved mobility without unnecessary barriers.

AMTA’s Key Areas of Continued Concern with the IMpact

Educational Requirements

AMTA is concerned with the 625-hour requirement for the following reasons:

• We believe that if a massage therapist has a license in good standing in their home state, then that should be enough to participate in the IMpact. The Compact’s purpose is to improve mobility, and adding more requirements impedes that goal.
  
  
• A specific hours requirement may create barriers at a time when the massage therapy profession needs to attract more therapists, especially as states seek less financially and administratively restrictive pathways to licensure.
  
  
• Trying to set uniform standards through the IMpact is not the best approach, given the current state regulations and the time and cost involved in changing state requirements. Any changes to educational requirements should be discussed separately and addressed in its own legislation, if necessary.

License Portability for Military Families

Massage therapists, including military personnel and their families, should be able to access the IMpact’s benefits without encountering unnecessary restrictions and additional hurdles.

Operational Impact

Introducing unnecessary barriers, like the 625-hour requirement, doesn't align with the IMpact’s goals. This added hurdle could result in fewer eligible participants, increasing costs, and making the IMpact less accessible. Also, recently attempted changes in federal financial aid rules may negatively affect schools and students in states with fewer than 625 hours of training as they would need to make up over 100 hours of education with CE, which could prove to be expensive and time-consuming.

Examination Requirements

Requiring a national licensing exam may exclude therapists who already meet state-level licensing standards and have a clean record. IMpact should recognize therapists who are already licensed and in good standing, avoiding unnecessary costs and time involved in re-testing at an entry level.

Legislative Definitions

The current definition of a “National Licensing Examination” is narrow and may exclude therapists who’ve taken other psychometrically sound exams, including state exams. Clear and flexible definitions are crucial to ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently. We want to emphasize the importance of flexibility to ensure long-term success of the IMpact.

Moving Toward an Inclusive Portability

AMTA has and will continue to work with stakeholders across the profession to improve portability. This includes:

• Establishing Education Benchmarks: Working with stakeholders to create education benchmarks that ensure public safety while preparing students for an evolving profession.
  
  
• Developing State Education Standards: Collaborating with states to establish minimum education standards that respect state autonomy while preparing therapists for success.
  
  
• Creating Uniform Standards of Practice: Developing consistent standards that ensure safety, professionalism, and integrity in the profession.

AMTA supports professional mobility but does not believe IMpact in its current form will provide that for qualified massage therapists in our profession.

If the changes are made to IMpact to address the concerns we’ve outlined above, AMTA would actively support states’ adoption of IMpact.