massage laws
As of March 10, 2005
Currently, 30 states and Washington, D.C. regulate massage therapy. Local laws and ordinances may also apply, even in states with statewide licensure.
The primary national credential is the designation Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, which is designated by the initials NCTMB. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, professional certification differs from governmental regulation because it is private (i.e., non-governmental) and not compulsory. The designation NCTMB is awarded by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), which is a non-profit corporation. The Board is elected by the people who are nationally certified.
For details on massage regulations by U.S. state, please see the American Massage Therapy Association’s Web site – Their Massage Therapy Practice Laws Info Guide is particularly helpful.