Dear Jann:

Thanks for your input.

I spent this afternoon talking with Rep. Harless, representatives from
DSHS and the Harris County Constable and some of his staff.
Unfortunately, massage "parlors" do exist. None of the other health
care providers are confused with massage therapy, so we have to deal
with this problem. There are 6 bills in the house and senate right now
pertaining to our profession. Most of them because of prostitution,
therefore we are involved and need to protect our rights.

Yes, you are right...the laws are NOT being enforced. The problem is
there is no manpower allocated to this problem in the DSHS or law
enforcement. Until the law enforcement agencies across our state are
trained in the law and the rules and regulations, and until the state
hires personnel to follow through on the "bad actors" posing as
therapists, this problem will continue. The city of Austin doesn't even
have a vice squad. There is no enforcement on advertising rules, etc.
Until legitimate therapists across the state start making formal
complaints to DSHS and law enforcement, nothing will be done. I
personally have made many complaints on behalf of the TAMT membership.
As soon as I am aware of a problem, I will follow through. I wish more
of us would start complaining when we see the law being broken instead
of letting the bad actors ruin our reputations.

The revenue generated by massage licensees is plenty to deal with the
problem, but unless the legislators designate that money to remain in
our department, it goes to the state coffers.
The Texas Association of Massage Therapists has been working closely
with DSHS and the legislators to minimize any adverse affects of any
laws that are trying to be passed.
If and when these bills go to hearing, I will be posting in the
yahoogroups so that MTs will get involved.

In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to call your representatives and the
sponsors of these bills and let them know how you feel.

This is the link to read the bills: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/
And these are the bill numbers:
HB623
HB40
HB2838
SB709
HB123
SB854

FYI: TAMT will be giving an update on Legislative matters at the World
Massage Festival in April during our annual meeting. Hope to see some
of you there.

Blessings,
Janine
Legislative Chair
Texas Association of Massage Therapists
http://www.texasmassagetherapists.com/

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