DSHS is having a "stakeholders" meeting next Wednesday the 5th.
Remember that WE are the stakeholders. However the "several
stakeholders" that are in opposition to portions of the proposed
rules and have input comments are, in fact, SCHOOLS, not working
therapists. It would behoove us as a profession to have as many
working therapists show up to this meeting as possible.

Here are the conflict items (read the whole meeting notice at
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/massage/mt_rules.shtm )

As scheduled, the proposed massage therapy rules were considered by
the State Health Services Council on January 30, 2008. Several
stakeholders provided comments opposing portions of the proposed
rules. In particular, there were comments regarding the:
• use of a national examination for state licensure,
• limitation of internship to a maximum of 100 hours, and
• prohibition of unlicensed students to receive compensation,
including tuition waivers, for massages.

One of the main conflicts for working massage therapists is the
proposed extended internship hours. At the last "stakeholder's"
meeting where I was present, 30% of programs hours were proposed by
several school owners. For example, if a program were 1,000 hours,
students could "pay" their tuition by working 300 hours in
internship. There are many issues involved with this – not just
ethical ones! This has the potential for negative financial impact
for many working therapists in this state. If at all possible,
please come to the meeting or as much of it as you are able (the
meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. and will go until 5:00 p.m.) The
location and parking directions are on the site.

Stacey Lemire
Group Moderator