New rules: where are we?

On December 24, 2020, the rule-making order, also known as the CR-103, was filed with the Office of the Code Reviser under WSR 21-02-012.  This document, along with the final rule language and the concise explanatory statement, is on the Massage Therapy webpage.

The new rules go into effect September 1, 2021.  The following highlights amendments to the chapter:

• repealing the requirement of HIV/AIDS education and training as a condition of licensure in accordance with Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1551;
• creating avenues for licensure by endorsement;
• increasing the minimum education and training hours from 500 hours to 625 hours;
• making the student clinic mandatory;
• clarifying continuing education requirements;
• CPR certification as a requirement for renewal;
• reorganizing and clarifying the standard of practice limitation requirements; and
• clarifying and aligning recordkeeping and record retention rules with national standards.

FAQs About the New Rules

Q:  I am currently in a board-approved program that is less than 625 hours and will not graduate until after September 1, 2021.  Will I qualify for licensure?

A:  Yes, you will qualify for licensure if your program started before September 1, 2021.  Any program that begins on or after September 1, 2021, must meet the 625-hour education and training requirement.

Q:  I am licensed in another state.  The state I hold licensure in requires less than 625 hours for licensure, and the program I completed was less than 625 hours.  Do I need to make up the difference in hours?

A:  It depends.  The licensure by endorsement for out-of-state applicant’s rule allows a person who is licensed in another state with substantially equivalent licensure requirements to qualify for licensure by endorsement if they meet all the following:

• Have completed a minimum of 500 hours in a massage program that was approved by the equivalent licensing agency(ies) at the applicant’s time of graduation;
• Have at least two years of experience; and
• Have documented proof of at least 24 hours of continuing education within the two years before making application in Washington state.

If the applicant does not meet these requirements, then they may fulfill the remaining education and training as outlined in WAC 246-830-037.

Q: What changes were made to continuing education requirements?

A: Massage therapists must still do 24 hours of CE every two years.  The following highlights the amendments to the rule:

• Must maintain CPR certification
• Courses must be provided by an individual who has at least three years of professional experience in the subject area being taught
• Changes the two hours of roles and boundaries from required to optional
• Allows up to two hours for in-person attendance at a board meeting
• Allows hours for service on a board, or professional or government organization related to the practice of massage