Dear Massage Therapy Community:
I have been talking with representatives and senators at the capital in regards to ME legislation, and I'd like to get your opinion on some of the topics below.  So far we (TAMT) has made headway in getting rid of the inclusion of language relating to sexually transmitted diseases.  We have clarified the documentation that is already necessary for ME compliance in the rules and regulations, as well as the fact that DSHS already does criminal background checks on LMTs, and the ME's have to submit lists of LMTs and employees info with updating changes as they happen.  Accross Texas there are city ordinances that restrict the hours of ME's (many have not been enforced), and the state is trying to deal with the prostitution that has moved into the unincorporated areas where there is no jurisdiction. Any group of 2 or more therapists practicing in a location where they share a common space needs to become licensed.  Spas, health clubs, retreat centers, etc. are supposed to comply (unless they are excluded).   Keeping in mind that there is a difference between an individual therapist or solo practitioner and a massage establishment, please take a minute to answer these questions:

1. Do you know of any Massage Establishments that keep hours before 6 am and after 10 pm?
2. If so, why are they open those hours? 
   
3. If for legitimate reasons, should they be able to receive an exclusion from hours restrictions.
   
4. Do you know of any massage establishments that have sleeping quarters and massage in the same room?
   
5. The law currently states that peace officers may enter a massage establishment at any time during business hours with reasonable cause.  Do you personally know of any "establishment" that would have or has had a problem with that?
6. Since the changes in HB2644 last session included the language "any service with a purported health benefit that involves touch for compensation", would you like to see clarification on that topic to include words like "bodywork" in the definition of massage therapy?

Thanks for answering!
Janine Ray, LMT, ME Owner, MTI and CE Provider
Legislative Chair
Texas Association of Massage Therapists

North Austin Massage Therapy
12741 Research Blvd. #506
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 331-5922