Washington

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is rolling out a major upgrade to its licensing system, and this will cause a temporary credentialing freeze in mid-March. Avoid any last-minute stress with your massage therapy license renewal this spring and renewal early.

The new continuing education requirement aims to educate massage therapists on health equity so that the highest level of fair and just health and wellness may be provided to all.

The Washington Board of Massage and Department of Health (Department) have proposed two new rules related to health equity that affect continuing education and initial training requirements. You can share your thoughts on the rules with the Department by July 7.

The Washington legislature introduced House Bill 1437, the Massage Compact, in January 2023. The bill will make it easier for licensed massage therapists to work in other jurisdictions. If you believe an interstate license would benefit massage therapists, write a letter to your representatives.

On March 30, 2022, Governor Inslee signed into law Senate Bill 5753, which increases the number of members on the Washington Board of Massage from four to seven.

The Washington Board of Massage revised the Washington Administrative Code in August 2020. The rules are now final and are effective September 1, 2021. The rules amend definitions, the out-of-state application process, transfer programs, school approval, training hours, faculty, continuing education, standards of practice, and recordkeeping. They also create a new section on gluteal cleft and perineum massage.