Below is a review of information for continuing education requirements. All information has been obtained directly from the body to which is pertains. 

Continuing education (CE) requirements for the State of Rhode Island: 

For renewal of the RI License to practice massage therapy there must be a total of 6 hours per year or 12 hours biennially. Any course offering content that is considered to be within our legal scope of practice is accepted. The limitations and/or any restrictions are based on the RI statute defined legal scope of practice. For more detailed information regarding RI State Licensing requirements visit:   http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/regdocs/released/pdf/DOH/7016.pdf 

Continuing education (CE) requirements for AMTA Professional membership: 

Beginning with the first full year of Professional Active membership, members of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) are required to complete 48 clock hours of continuing education (CE) every four years. 

Education programs used to fulfill this requirement must meet the following general description: "an organized education experience directly related to massage therapy, which is offered under responsible sponsorship, capable direction and qualified instruction." This can be experiential learning, theoretical or research. Responsible sponsorship includes: 

AMTA sponsored education, such as online courses, National Convention, Schools Summit, Fascial Therapy Continuing Education program and chapter events 

Continuing education courses offered by massage schools, colleges or universities 

Regional workshops by NCBTMB or state-approved providers 

Home study courses that include an assessment, such as online courses, workbooks, DVDs, etc. 

For more in-depth information or for answers to any specific questions please contact AMTA Member Services at 1-877-905-0577 (8am-5:30pm CT M-F) or visit the website at: https://www.amtamassage.org/index.html 

Continuing education (CE) requirements for NCBTMB:

  

For board certification renewals: Required every 2 years are 24-hours of Continuing Education from NCBTMB Approved Providers (including 3 hours in Ethics, 3 hours in Research and no more than 4 hours in self-care). Also accepted are medical and business courses from any accredited college and/or university. 

For more in-depth information or for answers to any specific questions please contact the NCBTMB customer care center (M-F, 8am-5pm CT) at 1-800-296-0664 directly or visit their website at: http://www.ncbtmb.org/

Deb Kilty, President

It's Official..... The Crisis Massage Team has a new website!
The Crisis Massage Team of Rhode Island (CMT-RI) program was developed through the cooperation of 2 licensed massage therapists and the coordinator of the Rhode Island Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Inc.  The CMT - RI operates under the supervision of this nonprofit organization.

The CMT-RI team provides guidelines and safety measures that prepare massage therapists professionals for deployment during emergency situations within the State of Rhode Island.  There are 2 levels of membership:
    1. Licensed massage therapists
    2. Support staff.

Interested Massage Therapists are required to participate in responder training and must complete the CMT-RI application process. Click on link to learn more..

https://crisismassageri.weebly.com

On March 18, 2018, we had our first initial training of the year at the Special Olympics building in Smithfield.  There were 16 attendees and several were returning members.  The topics were relevant to the situations that we are facing in todays world.  We would like to thank everyone for attending.  Please visit our NEW website and download your application to join today. 

On June 3, and June 10, we are hosting a Scar Tissues Release Training, the cost is $250.00 (16 CE's) don't miss out, space is limited.  Current information is found on our new website.    We look forward to seeing you at our events!

Frank Rapone, BCMT
Regina Cobb, BCMT

You may have heard about this "NPI" number and wondered, "What is it and why should I get one." NPI stands for National Provider Identifier. The NPI number identifies you as a health care provider. There are two types of NPI numbers, 1. for individuals such as doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists. 2. Corporations, hospitals or individuals that are incorporated or have an LLC. The list goes on, essentially anyone who provides a health care service and bills to a third party, insurance, medicare or medicaid is required to have an NPI. Perhaps you are thinking "This doesn't include me, I don't bill through insurance. I don't do this, and why should I obtain an NPI or even care?" 

As the health care system changes, massage therapy is being recognized and used to help people in many more capacities. Massage therapists are now being found in cancer clinics, elder care, hospice and general health clinics across the country. As you realize, ours is a unique profession. We touch people in a different and positive way. No longer are we a profession considered synonymous with luxury and relaxation. Although relaxation massage is a much needed part of what we can provide to our fellow travelers in this crazy unpredictable life. However, we've seen profound benefits in what we do. As the health care system struggles to understand what and how the touch service we provide actually helps people, new research is being provided daily to back up the benefits of our trained professional touch. And yet we still encounter those that don't understand. 

We still hear stories and receive comments that make us want to tear our hair out. Not just from individuals, but from government personnel both local and state. Fortunately we continue to moved forward. Many good therapist now work and volunteer in important health and governmental positions. Our profession continues to grow and gain the legitimization and recognition it deserves. 

So, you're still not convinced how all this effects you. Well maybe at this time in your life it doesn't, but having an NPI helps the health care system realize just how many massage therapists there are out there. This is one more step in helping them realize how vital and needed our services are. 

Right now we are lucky we still have the luxury of deciding whether we want to be in private practice, accepting private pay only or join the brave few who have plunged into the waters of insurance reimbursement. This open ended option, insurance/no insurance is a plus and one could only hope it remains. 

Still not convinced you should apply for an NPI. Let me give you something else to think about, perhaps it will help sway you toward obtaining an NPI. I propose to you, a scenario: One beautiful blustery fall day one of your regular long time clients walks in the door and says "I slipped on some wet leaves walking into work a few days ago and jammed my shoulder. I know you can help me. My doctor wanted to prescribe PT. I told the Dr. my massage therapist can also help with my recovery and he gave me a script for massage too. Can you bill my workers comp?" Flattered, you now have to decide: 1. Do I have the skills to help her/him? 2. Do I send my client/paycheck off to someone else? Perhaps you are ok with that. Maybe you even know another massage therapist that has an NPI and bills workers compensation. 3. Do you even know where to start if you do decide to honor your clients request and bill workers compensation? 

The first step to being ready for this possible scenario is having an NPI number already in place. It doesn't cost you anything but the time to register for it. If you don't ever use it, that's okay. It was free. The second steps to navigating the insurance system can be learned on the AMTA website. https://www.amtamassage.org/career_guidance/type/2 . 

There are also links on the AMTA website to connect you to NPI and NPPES where you can sign up to receive a number, OR you could come to the Rhode Island Massage Therapy Convention, Friday evening October 27th, where Karlo Berger has generously offered to assist MT's in registering on Friday evening. Deb Luhrs and Sue Vandal with be there to help you on Saturday afternoon.

  

So I say to you "Stand up and be counted!" Having an NPI is a way to show our presence. WE are a positive influence to our community, health care system, State and the world.

  

Joanne Lozy, LMT