News
Golden, CO (July 21, 2026) — Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), in partnership with Hand & Stone, is proud to announce that Bene's Career Academy in Florida is the first school winner in ABMP's annual Massage Is for EveryBody contest. Now in its 31st year, ABMP's Massage Is for EveryBody is a campaign born from grassroots efforts to ensure that hands-on work is not seen as a luxury for the few, but a powerful therapeutic opportunity for all. This yearlong campaign in
On July 1, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa announced the new appointment of Carrie Walsh as Chief Executive Officer.
Most states require a nationally recognized licensing exam, while a few opt for a state-specific exam. Lately, some jurisdictions are exploring the state-specific testing pathway. Learn the pros and cons of each exam option.
House File 2602 creates statewide licensing requirements for massage therapy establishments. Under this law, some massage businesses must now hold an establishment license to operate. Not everyone will need one, so it's important to understand how this may apply to your practice.
Leaders in the massage therapy profession will share their tools and strategies at a two-day conference in San Diego, California, June 13-14, 2026.
House File 3825 was enacted, creating voluntary registration for massage and Asian bodywork therapists, advancing the profession forward by establishing clearer standards and introducing state-level oversight. The optional registration will take effect July 1, 2028.
House Bill 3000 extended the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (Board) and eliminated the Advisory Board on Massage Therapy. The law added one licensed massage therapist to the Board to ensure the profession still has a voice in regulatory decisions. If you're ready to represent your profession, we want to hear from you.
Legislative session is winding down, but rulemaking is just picking up, and it directly affects what you can do in the treatment room. Find out how massage therapy boards develop rules around new laws that guide your daily practice. Also, discover how to track changes early and your role in advocacy at the regulatory level.
Senate Bill 419 allows current registered massage practitioners (RMPs) to continue practicing massage therapy beyond October 31, 2026. No new RMP registrations will be issued. The State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners will begin converting existing RMP registrations to massage therapy licenses. There is no immediate change to RMP practice status because of this law.
Help protect massage therapy and wellness-related programs by submitting a comment by May 20. Your perspective as a practicing professional (whether you received financial aid or not), a business owner, an educator, or a school leader carries weight, particularly with your congressional representative. Your voice matters.