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We want everyone to be aware of recent Oklahoma legistive activity.
The AMTA-Oklahoma is seeking amendment to a piece of legislation put forward this year by the physical therapy organization to ensure it will not negatively impact massage therapists. The legislation has been passed by the State Senate but the State House of Representatives will not take action on this legislation this year, due in large part to the concerns expressed by AMTA-OK. Please know that we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you apprised of any new developments.
We are the professional massage therapists in your community - at medical offices, in private practices, and providing massage throughout Oklahoma. Our goal is to help establish professional massage therapy in Oklahoma as not only the leading complement to other "standard" practices, but also to "alternative" practices, and whatever systems you utilize to increase your general health. We also advance the profession through supporting standards, offering continuing education, providing professional publications, being involved in legislative efforts, endorsing public education, elevating our members, and encouraging those in school not only to expect more, but become more with the AMTA.
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.
