Kansas Introduces SB 253 to Establish Statewide Licensure

Kansas is one of the few states without statewide licensure, and we are working to change that. Legal recognition of massage therapy, along with clearly defined requirements, helps advance the profession while ensuring the health and safety of massage consumers.

Additionally, the absence of statewide licensure creates barriers to practice, making it more difficult for massage therapists to work across the state. Statewide licensure also helps alleviate financial and administrative burdens for massage therapists and ensures fair and equal standards statewide.

Kansas Massage Licensure Update

Support for massage therapy licensure remains strong in the Kansas legislature, and AMTA is optimistic about a positive outcome in the coming year. Here is an update on the progress toward licensure and what it could mean for you:

• KS SB 253 was introduced on February 7, 2025. This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare, and we are in ongoing discussions with the Senate leadership to schedule a hearing.
  
  
• Once passed, the newly created Board of Massage Therapy will operate under the umbrella of the Board of Healing Arts.
  
  
• Transitional provisions will make it easier for current massage therapists to obtain a state license. Bodyworkers will still be able to practice legally without requiring a massage therapy license.
  
  
• To qualify for "transitional status" under the new law, current massage therapists must meet at least ONE of the following criteria:
  
  
  • Completion of 625 hours of massage therapy instruction.
  • Completion of at least 300 hours of massage therapy training within three years prior to applying for the license.
  • Established as a practicing massage therapist for at least three years.
  • An active, good-standing member of a professional massage or bodywork therapy association for at least 12 months or having passed an exam approved by the new Board of Massage Therapy.
    

We will keep you informed as AMTA continues to advocate for the statewide licensure of massage therapy in Kansas. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Government Relations Team.