The AMTA is the only national non profit, member driven, volunteer based organization, and we are over 58,000 members strong. We are governed by an elected National Board of Directors as well as elected volunteer Chapter Boards in every state.  We are not a business corporation.  Our members have been instrumental in developing national standards of education and regulations in all of the licensed states, and, in other non-legislated states, we endorse the development and regulation of standards for massage therapists. There are currently 40 states that have enacted legislation to regulate massage therapy, six in the last four years.  Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri require a license and Kansas is in the process of submitting legislation. Oklahoma has a mix of city ordinances, most of which have been in place for many years and deal with trying to curb prostitution; rather than recognize and support those who have the education or professional history to support their claims. 

Some people may have issues with the fact that we support legislation to govern the field of massage therapy. To them I say - let us know your concerns, let us look together at the issues and see what can be done. Facts are, the AMTA on a national level, and the AMTA Oklahoma will promote responsible and fair legislation. Our field is very diverse - remember, we do not have to see eye to eye to walk hand in hand. Please join with us, check out the Government Relations section of our website for the latest updates, and contact you local legislators to let them know we need to bring our standards up to those in our neighboring states and do what is fair for the field of massage therapy in Oklahoma.

 

Christopher Deery, NCTMB

President, Oklahoma Chapter of the AMTA