Video Spotlight: AMTA Legislative 2024 Highlights

AMTA’s Government Relations Team works tirelessly year-round to advocate for massage therapists across the country. From supporting licensure in every state to championing massage therapy as a vital part of integrative healthcare, the team is on the frontlines—ensuring both practitioners and the public are protected and empowered.

Watch the video to see some of the team’s most impactful accomplishments from this past year.

Here’s a look at the legislative highlights featured in the video:

National Legislative Efforts

Learn about some of AMTA’s key advocacy efforts at the federal level to advance the massage therapy profession.

• Protecting Federal Financial Aid for Students: AMTA successfully defended the 150% Rule, which allows students at massage therapy and other career schools to access federal financial aid. As a result of our efforts and others, the 150% rule remains in effect for massage therapy schools—until further notice.
  
  
• Advocating for New Research on Massage Therapy for Veterans: AMTA was recognized in the Friends of Veterans Affairs FY 2025 Budget Proposal with a special spotlight for our advocacy work to support new research on the health and wellness benefits of massage therapy for military and veterans’ populations.
  
  
• Promoting Whole Person Healthcare: AMTA became a stakeholder member of the NCCIH Coalition for Whole Person Health. This coalition supports awareness of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the NIH, and the transformative potential of whole person care.

State-Level Legislative Wins

AMTA made strides at the state level too. Here are some recent legislative wins and initiatives to support and protect massage therapy at the state and local levels.

• Louisiana: We stopped proposed tax code changes that could have negatively impacted massage therapists. These proposed changes could have led to confusion, misclassification, or unintended financial burdens on licensed massage therapists working in diverse settings.
  
  
• Delaware: AMTA also eliminated the two-tier licensing system, simplifying the path to practice. The passage of this new legislation will phase out Certified Massage Technicians (CMTs) to establish a single tier of licensure, aligning with the standards followed by nearly all other states.
  
  
• Alabama & Arizona: We also prevented the elimination of state licensure boards, protecting professional oversight. State licensure boards help protect public safety, supporting the integrity of the profession, and ensuring that the unique needs of massage therapists are properly represented.
  
  
• Arkansas, New York & Ohio: Lastly, AMTA hosted lobby days in these three states, providing complimentary massages to legislators and staff, serving as an opportunity to educate lawmakers about the role massage therapy plays in integrative healthcare. The events helped strengthen relationships between massage professionals and policymakers, fostering continued advocacy for the profession.

Check out the video to see how the AMTA GR Team remains committed to supporting you and all massage therapists.

Join us and become an advocate for massage therapy!