The Vermont chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association is advocating for licensure of massage therapists and massage therapy establishments. We need your help!&nbsp;
House Bill 588 (H.588) has been introduced in Vermont, and we urge your support to amend the bill to include statewide licensure of massage therapy and massage therapy establishments, strengthening public protection and professional standards across Vermont. &nbsp;
Vermont remains one of only five states without statewide licensure of massage therapy. Forty-five states, along with Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, already license massage therapy to ensure consistent education and safety standards. Licensure protects the public and practitioners and brings Vermont in line with the majority of the nation. Massage therapy is widely recognized as an integrative approach to effective pain management, requiring massage professionals to uphold consistent training and educational practices. &nbsp;
Currently, Vermont requires mandatory registration, charging the same fees as other licensed professions. However, registration creates a financial requirement without ensuring credibility for massage therapy professionals. Establishing licensure for both practitioners and the establishments would provide a pathway to distinguish legitimate massage therapists from illicit businesses. Licensure ensures that consumers can confidently receive massage therapy from qualified professionals who meet established standards of education, training, and competency.&nbsp;
Licensing massage therapists and establishments through H.588 would create clear, statewide standards that protect consumers, support professionals, and expand access to the therapeutic care across Vermont.&nbsp;
Please join us in sending a letter of support to amend H.588 to include licensure of massage therapists and massage therapy establishments in Vermont.&nbsp;

Amend H.588 to Include Licensure for Massage Therapists and Massage Establishments

Senate Government Operations Committee Members

As a practicing massage therapist in your state, I am writing to urge your support for amending House Bill 588 (H.588) to include statewide licensure of massage therapists and massage therapy establishments. 
Vermont remains one of only five states without statewide licensure of massage therapy. Forty-five states, along with Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, already license massage therapy to ensure consistent education and safety standards. Licensure protects the public and practitioners and brings Vermont in line with the majority of the nation. Massage therapy is widely recognized as an integrative approach to effective pain management, requiring massage professionals to uphold consistent training and educational practices. 
Without licensure, massage therapists are subject to inconsistent regulatory practices that clearly distinguish qualified professions from illicit businesses. Registration does not require proof of education, passage of an exam, a background check, or any other vetting process. Amending H.588 would result in a uniform scope of practice for massage therapy, placing Vermont on par with neighboring states. 
Establishing statewide licensure provides assurance to the public by setting qualifications and competencies for safe entry-level practitioners. Massage therapy is widely recognized as an effective non-pharmacologic approach to pain management, providing integrative care to consumers, including veterans. 
Under the current system, Vermont practitioners and consumers are deprived of quality care and public safeguards. Requiring a fee structure without upholding professional standards and credibility. 
I urge your support to amend H.588 to include licensure of massage therapists and massage therapy establishments, ensuring access to care and safety for your Vermont constituents.