Bill Proposes New Registration Process For Therapists

New Massage Therapist Registry, Credentialing

Sorry, this video is no longer available

The Minnesota Legislature says it’s time to enact a registration process for local massage and bodywork therapists.

Right now, Minnesota is 1 of 5 states that does not require massage therapists to be registered.

Now, a bill proposed is asking for new regulations for therapists. 

At the state level, anyone can practice with little to no professional experience. 

The act introduced would create a voluntary registration process for massage and bodywork therapists. 

Massage therapy program director at LSC, David Burson, says it would help aid in the fight against human trafficking and other unsavory activity at the state level. 

He also says a uniformed process would provide assurance to clients and patients that they are working with professionals who have been assessed. 

“Massage therapy is much more popular and acceptable now a days.  The public is coming to their massage therapists for significant medical things so it’s important the public know they are well trained and experience,” Burson said.

Bill opponent, Christal McIntyre, believes it’s just another way for the government to make more money. 

She says the added cost for registration fees doesn’t guarantee that person is a more reliable practitioner. 

“When you add more financial pressure on to that it takes away from the performance rather than enhancing it.  This will not enhance their ability to be a better practitioner by any means,” said owner of Christal Center. 

Therapists seeking the credentials would need to pass a competency exam, have current malpractice insurance and have a criminal history background check. 

The bill would be no cost to the taxpayers.