Statewide massage licensure is finally on the table in Vermont, and lawmakers need to hear support from working massage therapists now. This is a pivotal opportunity to strengthen your profession, improve public trust, and join the 45 states that already have licensure.
ABMP is supporting House Bill 623 (H623), which would introduce statewide massage licensure. This bill gets our stamp of approval because it proposes:
- Fair licensing requirements for new grads
- A generous transition period to ensure existing VT massage therapists can keep practicing uninterrupted
- Title protection for licensees
- Clear professional standards
- A well-defined scope of practice
Act today and urge your legislators to support H623.
- Find your elected officials here
- Use our advocacy template to make emailing easy
Below, we break down H623 so you’re prepared to write an email to your representatives and you understand exactly how licensure will work for you and the massage community in Vermont.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL
What H623 Would Do
In a nutshell, the purpose of the bill is to:
- Eliminate Vermont’s current registration system for massage therapists, bodyworkers and touch professions
- Create a statewide licensure system for massage therapists
- Require massage establishment licensure for businesses with two or more practitioners (if you work solo, this wouldn’t apply to you)
- Create a pathway for current and future practitioners to be licensed
Transitional Licensing
Already practicing? You’re covered. The bill includes a provision to protect current massage therapists, allowing you to qualify for a license without returning to school or taking an exam.
How You May Qualify:
You would have to show experience and competency. Instead of schooling or testing, you could demonstrate your qualifications through:
- A peer-review process and
- Documentation showing you have significant experience and skills expected of a licensed massage therapist
This process would be developed with input from the Massage Therapist Advisor Appointees to ensure fairness. Once licensed, you would be expected to renew your license every other year and meet continuing education requirements.
This Pathway Is Temporary:
The transitional period would be available until July 1, 2028. After, anyone seeking a license must meet the full education and exam requirements listed below.
Licensure for Future Therapists
New practitioners will follow a clear pathway to licensure:
- Education requirement: 650 hours
- Licensing exam to ensure competence
- Carry liability insurance
Reminder: Current practitioners do not have to meet these education requirements. Refer to “Licensure by Prior Experience” above.
Scope of Practice
Clear definitions in the bill will prevent misrepresentation, making the profession stronger and safer. The bill outlines what services a licensed massage therapist would be allowed to perform.
“Massage” is defined as systems or structured touch that are applied to the superficial or soft tissue, muscle, or connective tissue. This includes friction, gliding, rocking, tapping, kneading, and stretching techniques to affect the energy fields of the body for the purpose of promoting and maintaining health and well-being.
- Massage may include heliotherapy or hydrotherapy; the use of moist, hot, or cold applications; or the use of oils and other lubricants.
- Massage does not include diagnosing illness, disease, or disability/impairment.
Only licensed massage therapists would be allowed to use the term “massage therapist.” This is your title protection. It’s important because it restricts the use of “massage therapist” to individuals who meet educational, ethical, and competency standards, thereby enhancing public trust and increasing professional credibility. Title protection is a key factor to preventing unqualified individuals from performing massage therapy services.
Massage Establishment Licensing
The bill also states where practitioners can perform massage therapy services.
“Establishment” is defined as any business where two or more persons practice massage. This would require an additional license, for a fee; if you practice independently, you would not need to apply for an establishment license.
Fees and Renewals
Although fees will be determined by rule—which wouldn’t be decided until the bill was passed—we can endorse a fee structure that will be accessible and not a financial burden. A license would be valid for two years.
Massage therapists would have to complete continuing education to renew their licenses. The required number of continuing education units is not noted in the bill. This will also be decided by rule. We will help support a fair number that aligns with professional best standards.
What’s Next
Let’s mobilize and gain momentum!
- We need to push for the bill to be heard and moved in the legislature
- Share your story and contact your reps
- Draw inspiration from our advocacy template to get started
Why Is Change Needed?
Right now, Vermont has a massage registration system, which sounds official but offers little regulation or protection and fails to honor the profession. It only asks for a name, a fee, and basic contact info. A registration does not require proof of training, minimum education hours, or competency exams.
Anyone can register with or without proper training. Some may circumvent the law and not register at all. Because of these loopholes, this system devalues your hard-earned education, weakens the profession, and puts the public at risk.