Massage Therapy Organizations

Dear Hannelore,

On Sunday, Ann Goodwin and I met with representatives from the various Massage Therapy organizations and massage schools. I will have a complete list of their names and titles in a few days.
The purpose of the meeting was to form a coalition of all the different modalities. They hope to meet, at least, once a month.

This first meeting was to determine the status of the pending legislation in New Jersey and to develop strategies and positions to be presented back to the various organizations, the NJMBS committee and the legislative representatives that are sponsoring the bill.
The proposed bill is still sitting in committee, waiting to be presented/voted on in the house of representatives.

My synopsis of the outcome of the meeting is as follows:

1. There is a major movement amongst energy workers such as Oriental Body Workers, Shiatsu, Traeger Methodology and Reflexology practitioners that do not feel that they should be placed under the auspices of this legislation. They have formed a federation and are making an appeal to be exempted from the law. They came to the meeting to ask for the support of the coalition.

2. There are still a significant number of massage therapist that are resisting any kind of legislation that would regulate massage practitioners.

3. The remainder of the group is not opposed to the law, with the following exceptions:

• a. There is an objection to any language or reference to prostitution in the legislation.
  
• b. They object to any prohibition of "treatment".
  
• c. They would prefer licensure over certification.
  

In addition, I made note of the language that implies that a referral from a health care practitioner would be required.
Hannelore, it is my opinion that the group is deeply divided and motivated by their need to protect their independent practices. This has prevented them from moving forward since 1997. In addition, they are bent on using the word "treatment" even though alternative wording could be developed. This is a major obstacle.
I will continue to provide input to and feedback from this group; However, I feel strongly that we need to take an additional path if we want to protect the spa owners interest. It seems to come down to my previous attempts to get the major stakeholders involved/interested in this issue.

I'll take another try at developing a strategy to accomplish this.

Rosemary Weiner