Newsletters > Winter 1999 > Massage Therapy Regulation Discussed

On December 5, 1998, the Ad Hoc Coalition for Fair Legislation hosted a panel discussion at the College of St. Catherine surrounding the question of regulating the massage industry. The panel was comprised of proponents and opponents of regulation. The Minnesota Natural Health Coalition was represented as opposing regulation. The Minnesota Touch Movement Network opposes regulation that is not inclusive and sees the current proposal as exclusive and elitist. The audience of mostly massage practitioners had many questions of the panel. Some thought regulation was inevitable but many opposed it. The biggest question the coalition is hearing is, "Why?" Proponents of regulation stated that it would be to protect the consumer and separate practitioners from prostitutes in the eyes of the public and government officials by elevating the profession and giving massage credibility. No documentation of what the consumer would be protected from was shared. The claims of harm remain undocumented — not only locally but nationally as well. No state that has massage regulation has eliminated prostitution and in fact, the state of Hawaii has seen an increase in prostitution despite regulation of massage. It is also a title protection bill so that no one but those who volunteer to register can use the words massage therapy or therapeutic massage or just about anything with massage in it. It is obvious that the massage community continues to be seriously divided on the issues. If you want to express your opinion, please either write the coalition or call Nancy at 651-690-4123. The Minnesota Touch Movement Network can be contacted by writing 3010 Hennepin Ave.S #275, Mpls. Mn.55408 or e-mail MTMN@yahoo.com. For Network and legislation info call 612-879-4337.