The American Massage Therapy Association - Wyoming Chapter is considering recommending legislation that would extend licensure to massage therapists practicing in Wyoming. Forty-five states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands require massage therapists to be licensed. In every one of these states and territories a clear set of practice and educational standards were developed for a massage therapist to gain licensure consistent with the best available data and research on the practice of massage therapy and what is necessary to protect the public.
Before we move onto the next steps in this process we are seeking your thoughts on the matter. Do you support the professional licensing of massage therapists in Wyoming? If so, do you have any preexisting relationships with Wyoming State House or State Senate members?
Licensure would result in creating a uniform scope of practice, place Wyoming on par with neighboring states, allow for easier movement to other states, and could also reduce the administrative and financial burdens massage therapists currently face from the patchwork of regulations needed to comply with multiple city ordinances and regulations.
We believe licensure provides assurance to the public by setting minimal qualifications and competencies for safe entry-level practitioners and provides another level of protection for the public by setting massage therapists apart from those who seek to corrupt the good name of massage.
Your voice matters! If interested in seeking licensure in Wyoming, please email your name, contact information and any relationships with Wyoming legislators to Jason Richie, AMTA Program Manager, Government Relations, at jrichie@amtamassage.org.
Please feel free to forward this message. Thank you for your support of massage therapy!
