Governor Perdue appoints Georgia Board of Massage Therapy Members
On Monday, July 10, 2006, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of the five
member Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. The guidelines for the appointment as provided for in SB
110, which he signed in May 2005, requires the appointment of four massage therapists and one lay
person, and that no more than one board member be affiliated with an institution that provided core
training in massage therapy. The appointees are Steven "Steve" F. Earles, Pine Mountain; Jane Johnson,
Marietta; Kathy V. Lescak, Metter; Melony Phillips-Gorin, Acworth (school affiliate); and Marlene Gaskill,
Norcross (consumer member). Three appointees are American Massage Therapy Association members
and one is with International Massage Association.
The Act provides that the board may begin work pending approval of the Senate. The Secretary of State's
office is now able to begin its work providing support for the new Georgia Board of Massage Therapy who
will begin the detailed task of writing the rules, or details of the Act. Once written, we will know the
licensing fee, the number of hours of continuing education required, any additional certifying exams that
will be accepted, and when we can begin to apply for our license.
Bookmark the The Georgia Board of Massage Therapy on the Secretary of State's website to check back
for official announcements.
Although nothing is written in stone, I would look for the first opportunity to begin applying for my license in
August or sometime into the Fall. By July 1, 2007, all massage therapists in Georgia must be licensed by
the state.
Georgia Massage Therapy Licensing Update - March 21, 2006
The state budget, including funding for the Georgia Massage Therapy Licensing Board passed the
Georgia House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 8th, 2006. It has passed out of committee in the
Senate and is expected to be approved this session. The Secretary of State's office expects the board will
be funded on July 1, 2007. We do not yet know when we can begin applying for our license. All massage
therapists in Georgia must have their state license prior to July 1, 2007. Stay tuned for more information
as it becomes available, or regularly check our Government Relations Committee website, www.
massagelaw.com.
Georgia Massage Therapy Licensing Update - May 15, 2006
The budget has been passed and the next step is for Governor Perdue to appoint the licensing board.
There is expectation that he may do that before July 1st. After that, the appointed board will set out to write
the rules, among which will be the fees and the application form, as well as what tests Georgia will accept
for licensing. This rules writing process may take from several weeks to several months.
View the Licensing Act As Passed View the Licensing Archive for more links and information
Georgia Massage Therapy Licensing Update - June 18, 2005
On Thursday, March 31, 2005, the Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act (SB 110) passed the House of
Representatives. On May 10, 2005, Governor Perdue signed it into law at 5:00 p.m. This act will
professionalize massage therapy by setting minimum standards, a minimum of 500 hours of core
education from a state approved school and have passed the National Certification Examination for
Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) or a similar certifying examination that is approved by
the Licensing Board. Virtually every practicing massage therapist in Georgia will be eligible for
grandfathering if they are in practice prior to July 1, 2005 and apply prior to July 1, 2007.
How does this affect your practice? Here are the answers to some of your most common
questions.
When does the law go into effect?
The law is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2005, or when funding becomes available. We expect
that funding will become available the first part of 2006, when the General Assembly is once again in
session. The Governor's office asked me specifically to tell you that this is a popular bill, and is only on
hold until funding is appropriated.
After funding is appropriated, and the Board is appointed, they must write the Rules and create the
necessary forms and procedures. After that, we will be able to apply for our license.
On July 1, 2007, everyone who holds themselves out to be a massage therapist must have a massage
therapy license or a provisional permit. A provisional permit is a temporary permit to practice massage
therapy in Georgia, and is only valid for a maximum of two years.
So, I can't apply today?
No, we have to wait until the Act goes into effect and the Board is appointed and finishes its preliminary
work.
Does everyone have to get a license?
No person may practice massage therapy who is not a licensed massage therapist or the holder of a
valid provisional permit, unless they are exempt.
Who is exempt?
Certain licensed practitioners will not be required to have a massage therapy license while practicing
within the scope of their profession, providing they do not hold themselves out to be a massage therapist.
Massage students may practice massage therapy while fulfilling their course requirements, and
nonresident massage therapists with comparable credentials may practice for a maximum of 60 days on
a temporary sojourner, or they may provide massage services as part of a disaster relief team or as
part of a charity event.
In addition, certain unlicensed somatic practitioners may be exempt if they meet certain guidelines, such
practitioners as energy workers (Polarity, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch practitioners, etc.); structural
integrators (Rolfers, Hellerworkers, Kinesis practitioners, etc.); reflexologists; and Asian bodyworkers
(Shiatsu, acupressure, Thai massage practitioners, etc.).
Why were they exempted?
They asked to be exempt from the massage therapy practice act because their training is a stand alone
training and it is different from massage therapy. Since many of you also integrate some of these
practices into your massage therapy practice, exempting them allowed them to be outside the license
while allowing licensees to use these practices.
What are the minimum requirements to obtain a massage license?
On and after July 1, 2007, any applicant for a massage therapy license, among other things, must have
graduated from a massage therapy training program with at least 500 hours and have passed the
National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or a similar examination
approved by the Board. At that time, anyone who holds himself or herself out to be a massage therapist
must have a massage therapy license or a provisional permit. A provisional permit is issued no longer
than two years and the provisionally permitted massage therapist may practice under the supervision of
a licensed massage therapist as provided by the Board.
Those who are already practicing before July 1, 2005 may qualify under the grandfathering provision by
applying prior to July 1,2007.
What is grandfathering and how does it work?
It is customary when a new license is created to provide for those who are already practicing. The
grandfathering provision allows almost everyone practicing prior to July 1, 2005 to obtain a license
without additional education or examination requirements. Grandfathering is not available on or after
July 1, 2007.
If I am grandfathered in, will I have to take the National Certification Exam
or bring my core education up to 500 hours in order to renew my license?
No, once you are licensed, your requirements to keep your license current will be the same as any other
licensee.
How much will my state license cost?
The cost will be determined by the Board when they write the Rules, so we do not know that at this time.
It will be renewed every biennium (two years).
Who will administer the license?
The licensing board will consist of five members, four massage therapists and one lay person. The board
shall be assigned to the Secretary of State's office for administrative purposes and shall be under the
jurisdiction of the division director.
How do I apply to serve on the licensing board?
Contact the Governor's office. He makes the appointments, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
What can I do now to get ready for licensing?
First, read and understand the bill so you know what to expect. You can go to the link below or contact
the General Assembly and ask for a copy.
Bookmark this website for updates and check it frequently.
We do not yet know which documents will be required, but you can begin gathering them into a folder,
things such as your massage school diploma and proof that you are Nationally Certified in Therapeutic
Massage and Bodywork.
Depending on which provision for grandfathering you intend to use, you can begin gathering such things
as your massage school diploma or school transcript, proof that you have passed the National
Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, your association membership
certificate, your massage therapy license from another state, your business license, or your tax returns.
How do I keep myself informed as we go through this transition?
Check back frequently or, if you prefer contact me or one of the Government Relations Committee
Members to be put on a mailing list for updates. If you are an AMTA member and have been receiving
email notifications from the chapter, you do not need to sign up. If you do not have email and you would
like to be on a phone tree, where someone calls you and you call 10-20 people with a prepared script,
contact me by phone.
Toni Roberts, Chair
Government Relations Committee
AMTA - Georgia Chapter
(770) 984-8040
trobertslmt@gmail.com
Some important links:
SB 110, The Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act AS PASSED
The best way to understand the new law is to read the Act and understand it.
The AMTA-Georgia Chapter
Look for licensing updates on the chapter website.
The American Massage Therapy Association
This is the link to the national association website. You can join AMTA or renew your membership here.
The Secretary of State's Website
Once the board is in place, expect to see updates on the Secretary of State's website. Click to the
licensing board page.
Governor Sonny Perdue's Website
Governor Perdue appoints the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy.
SB 110 Section References
Here are a couple of section references that may be of interest to you. Please keep in mind that you may
need to read other parts of the act to understand any one section.
On Monday, July 10, 2006, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of the five
member Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. The guidelines for the appointment as provided for in SB
110, which he signed in May 2005, requires the appointment of four massage therapists and one lay
person, and that no more than one board member be affiliated with an institution that provided core
training in massage therapy. The appointees are Steven "Steve" F. Earles, Pine Mountain; Jane Johnson,
Marietta; Kathy V. Lescak, Metter; Melony Phillips-Gorin, Acworth (school affiliate); and Marlene Gaskill,
Norcross (consumer member). Three appointees are American Massage Therapy Association members
and one is with International Massage Association.
The Act provides that the board may begin work pending approval of the Senate. The Secretary of State's
office is now able to begin its work providing support for the new Georgia Board of Massage Therapy who
will begin the detailed task of writing the rules, or details of the Act. Once written, we will know the
licensing fee, the number of hours of continuing education required, any additional certifying exams that
will be accepted, and when we can begin to apply for our license.
Bookmark the The Georgia Board of Massage Therapy on the Secretary of State's website to check back
for official announcements.
Although nothing is written in stone, I would look for the first opportunity to begin applying for my license in
August or sometime into the Fall. By July 1, 2007, all massage therapists in Georgia must be licensed by
the state.
Georgia Massage Therapy Licensing Update - March 21, 2006
The state budget, including funding for the Georgia Massage Therapy Licensing Board passed the
Georgia House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 8th, 2006. It has passed out of committee in the
Senate and is expected to be approved this session. The Secretary of State's office expects the board will
be funded on July 1, 2007. We do not yet know when we can begin applying for our license. All massage
therapists in Georgia must have their state license prior to July 1, 2007. Stay tuned for more information
as it becomes available, or regularly check our Government Relations Committee website, www.
massagelaw.com.
Georgia Massage Therapy Licensing Update - May 15, 2006
The budget has been passed and the next step is for Governor Perdue to appoint the licensing board.
There is expectation that he may do that before July 1st. After that, the appointed board will set out to write
the rules, among which will be the fees and the application form, as well as what tests Georgia will accept
for licensing. This rules writing process may take from several weeks to several months.
View the Licensing Act As Passed View the Licensing Archive for more links and information
Georgia Massage Therapy Licensing Update - June 18, 2005
On Thursday, March 31, 2005, the Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act (SB 110) passed the House of
Representatives. On May 10, 2005, Governor Perdue signed it into law at 5:00 p.m. This act will
professionalize massage therapy by setting minimum standards, a minimum of 500 hours of core
education from a state approved school and have passed the National Certification Examination for
Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) or a similar certifying examination that is approved by
the Licensing Board. Virtually every practicing massage therapist in Georgia will be eligible for
grandfathering if they are in practice prior to July 1, 2005 and apply prior to July 1, 2007.
How does this affect your practice? Here are the answers to some of your most common
questions.
When does the law go into effect?
The law is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2005, or when funding becomes available. We expect
that funding will become available the first part of 2006, when the General Assembly is once again in
session. The Governor's office asked me specifically to tell you that this is a popular bill, and is only on
hold until funding is appropriated.
After funding is appropriated, and the Board is appointed, they must write the Rules and create the
necessary forms and procedures. After that, we will be able to apply for our license.
On July 1, 2007, everyone who holds themselves out to be a massage therapist must have a massage
therapy license or a provisional permit. A provisional permit is a temporary permit to practice massage
therapy in Georgia, and is only valid for a maximum of two years.
So, I can't apply today?
No, we have to wait until the Act goes into effect and the Board is appointed and finishes its preliminary
work.
Does everyone have to get a license?
No person may practice massage therapy who is not a licensed massage therapist or the holder of a
valid provisional permit, unless they are exempt.
Who is exempt?
Certain licensed practitioners will not be required to have a massage therapy license while practicing
within the scope of their profession, providing they do not hold themselves out to be a massage therapist.
Massage students may practice massage therapy while fulfilling their course requirements, and
nonresident massage therapists with comparable credentials may practice for a maximum of 60 days on
a temporary sojourner, or they may provide massage services as part of a disaster relief team or as
part of a charity event.
In addition, certain unlicensed somatic practitioners may be exempt if they meet certain guidelines, such
practitioners as energy workers (Polarity, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch practitioners, etc.); structural
integrators (Rolfers, Hellerworkers, Kinesis practitioners, etc.); reflexologists; and Asian bodyworkers
(Shiatsu, acupressure, Thai massage practitioners, etc.).
Why were they exempted?
They asked to be exempt from the massage therapy practice act because their training is a stand alone
training and it is different from massage therapy. Since many of you also integrate some of these
practices into your massage therapy practice, exempting them allowed them to be outside the license
while allowing licensees to use these practices.
What are the minimum requirements to obtain a massage license?
On and after July 1, 2007, any applicant for a massage therapy license, among other things, must have
graduated from a massage therapy training program with at least 500 hours and have passed the
National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or a similar examination
approved by the Board. At that time, anyone who holds himself or herself out to be a massage therapist
must have a massage therapy license or a provisional permit. A provisional permit is issued no longer
than two years and the provisionally permitted massage therapist may practice under the supervision of
a licensed massage therapist as provided by the Board.
Those who are already practicing before July 1, 2005 may qualify under the grandfathering provision by
applying prior to July 1,2007.
What is grandfathering and how does it work?
It is customary when a new license is created to provide for those who are already practicing. The
grandfathering provision allows almost everyone practicing prior to July 1, 2005 to obtain a license
without additional education or examination requirements. Grandfathering is not available on or after
July 1, 2007.
If I am grandfathered in, will I have to take the National Certification Exam
or bring my core education up to 500 hours in order to renew my license?
No, once you are licensed, your requirements to keep your license current will be the same as any other
licensee.
How much will my state license cost?
The cost will be determined by the Board when they write the Rules, so we do not know that at this time.
It will be renewed every biennium (two years).
Who will administer the license?
The licensing board will consist of five members, four massage therapists and one lay person. The board
shall be assigned to the Secretary of State's office for administrative purposes and shall be under the
jurisdiction of the division director.
How do I apply to serve on the licensing board?
Contact the Governor's office. He makes the appointments, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
What can I do now to get ready for licensing?
First, read and understand the bill so you know what to expect. You can go to the link below or contact
the General Assembly and ask for a copy.
Bookmark this website for updates and check it frequently.
We do not yet know which documents will be required, but you can begin gathering them into a folder,
things such as your massage school diploma and proof that you are Nationally Certified in Therapeutic
Massage and Bodywork.
Depending on which provision for grandfathering you intend to use, you can begin gathering such things
as your massage school diploma or school transcript, proof that you have passed the National
Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, your association membership
certificate, your massage therapy license from another state, your business license, or your tax returns.
How do I keep myself informed as we go through this transition?
Check back frequently or, if you prefer contact me or one of the Government Relations Committee
Members to be put on a mailing list for updates. If you are an AMTA member and have been receiving
email notifications from the chapter, you do not need to sign up. If you do not have email and you would
like to be on a phone tree, where someone calls you and you call 10-20 people with a prepared script,
contact me by phone.
Toni Roberts, Chair
Government Relations Committee
AMTA - Georgia Chapter
(770) 984-8040
trobertslmt@gmail.com
Some important links:
SB 110, The Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act AS PASSED
The best way to understand the new law is to read the Act and understand it.
The AMTA-Georgia Chapter
Look for licensing updates on the chapter website.
The American Massage Therapy Association
This is the link to the national association website. You can join AMTA or renew your membership here.
The Secretary of State's Website
Once the board is in place, expect to see updates on the Secretary of State's website. Click to the
licensing board page.
Governor Sonny Perdue's Website
Governor Perdue appoints the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy.
SB 110 Section References
Here are a couple of section references that may be of interest to you. Please keep in mind that you may
need to read other parts of the act to understand any one section.
- Grandfathering: Section 43-24A-8 (b), with the qualifications for grandfathering beginning with
number 4. - Requirements for licensing after July 1, 2007: 43-24A-8 (c).
- Licensing by Reciprocity: (from a licensed state with similar requirements) 43-24A-12.
- Licensing by Endorsement: (from a nonlicensed state or one without similar requirements): 43-
24A-13 - Exemptions from licensing: 43-24A-19.
- Continuing Education Requirements: 43-24A-20.
- Municipal Authority: 43-24A-22.
- Sales Tax: 43-24A
- Act effective when funding is appropriated: Section 2
| Cumberland Muscle Therapy "Professional Massage for Pain Management and Deep Relaxation" 2470 Windy Hill Road, SE, Suite 227, Marietta, Georgia 30067 (770) 984-8040 |
| Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act Updates / SB 110 |
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| Time Line for SB 110, "The Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act" February 2, 2005 Introduced in Senate; sponsored by Renee Unterman (45th) Don Thomas (54th), Preston Smith (52nd) February 9, 2005 Passes the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with a "Favorable Report." February 15, 2005 Passes Full Senate 44-6 March 16, 2005 Passes House Regulated Insdustries Committee with a "Favorable Report" March 31, 2005 Passes Full House 119-23 March 31, 2005 House Substitute passes Full Senate 46-1. May 10, 2005 Governor Sonny Perdue signs SB 110 into law. July 1, 2005 Massage Therapists practicing prior to this date eligible for grandfathering. 2006 Expected effective date not yet known pending appropriations from the General Assembly. July 1, 2007 All applicants from this day must meet full requirements to obtain their license. |
