Ohio

 If enacted, the bill would create a nontherapeutic massage registry for unlicensed bodyworkers in Ohio. Advocate to maintain your license legitimacy by emailing the representatives who introduced House Bill 255.

The Ohio legislature introduced Senate Bill 56, the Massage Compact, in February 2023. If you believe an interstate license would benefit massage therapists, write a letter to your representatives.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther issued an Executive Order that requires everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a facial covering inside indoor public settings. The order is effective September 10, 2021.

The Ohio legislature has introduced House Bill 81 and Senate Bill 55. The companion bills clean up the Massage Practice Act, remove much of the derogatory language about massage therapists, and add minimal establishment licensing and massage therapist registration.

House Bill 442 passed the Ohio House on December 22, 2020, and modifies the minimum number of education and training hours for massage therapists. Required training hours will decrease from 750 to 600 and will become effective April 12, 2021.

There have been many changes in the massage therapy, esthetics, and cosmetology professions and communities in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus), from state orders closing businesses, to reopening phases modifying practice procedures. Below is information regarding your back-to-practice date and safety guidelines to minimize risk of exposure to and spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

The Ohio State Medical Board recently redefined the scope of practice for massage therapists.

Legislators in Ohio are considering Senate Bill 105 (SB105), which modifies existing Ohio massage statutes that address human trafficking and clarifies responsibilities of different government entities.

The State of Ohio has proposed changes to the state's massage therapy rules which would allow massage therapists to apply ultrasound, diathermy, electrical neuromuscular stimulation, or substantially similar modalities provided that such treatment is under the direction or supervision of a licensed physician, podiatric physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, or physical therapist acting within the scope of his or her professional license.