Utah Introduces House Bill 278 Which Poses a Threat to the Massage Therapy Profession
House Bill 278 (HB 278) will be heard in the Senate Committee on Business and Labor tomorrow morning (Feb. 28) at 8am. HB 278 (Sub 1) proposes an amendment to the Massage Therapy Practice Act, creating a new pathway for individuals without proof of massage education or other qualifications to become a “Registered Massage Therapist.” This new registration would only require a massage safety permit, passing an examination covering contraindications of massage, and paying a fee.
We need YOUR voice to protect our profession! This proposed change in House Bill 278 (HB 278) could weaken regulatory oversight and allow unqualified individuals, or bad actors, to practice without proper training. This poses a serious threat to the safety of our clients, the credibility of our work, and the integrity of our profession.
What’s at Stake?
• A new “Registered Massage Practitioner” designation would allow individuals to perform hand-on massage on clients without meeting education, licensing, or safety standards.
• It removes key safeguards that prevent human trafficking and illicit activities from infiltrating our profession.
• It undermines the hard-earned credibility of Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) who have met rigorous professional requirements.
What AMTA Supports
• Protecting public safety by requiring proper training, testing, and licensing for all massage practitioners.
• Keeping the established Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) title with its professional and ethical standards.
• Ensuring massage therapy remains recognized as a safe and effective healthcare profession backed by clinical research.
Make Your Voice Heard – ACT NOW!
• Message Your State Representative: Let them know you oppose the “Registered Massage Practitioner” designation and support keeping massage therapy as a regulated healthcare profession.
• Spread the Word: Tell your colleagues, clients, and community why this matters.
Let’s take a stand together to protect our profession and the public we serve. Our clients trust us to provide safe, effective care—let’s make sure Utah’s laws uphold that trust! As always, we are here to support you and all Utah massage therapists. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Government Relations Team.