CenterPoint Shiatsu and Massage school in St Louis Park, MN, has graduated almost 900 students fully trained in ABT/Shiatsu Therapy since 2001. Estimated 450+ graduates practicing Shiatsu or Shiatsu and Massage in MN. c. Describe the work settings, and conditions for practitioners of the occupation, including any special geographic areas or populations frequently served. Massage therapists work in a variety of work environments. Sole practitioners account for the largest percentage of practicing therapists (74 percent). Of all therapists, 59 percent work at least part of their time at a client’s home/business/corporate setting, 42 percent at their office, 29 percent at their home, 23 percent in a healthcare setting, and 24 percent in a spa setting. 2021 AMTA Massage Research: 34 percent in a Spa, 34 percent in a Massage Therapy office, 24 percent in a Massage Therapy Franchise, 21 percent in a Beauty Salon, 16 percent in a Physical Therapy office, 16 percent in a Chiropractic office, and 16 percent in a Home office. These percentages are based on the American Massage Therapy Association’s 2021 Massage Profession Research Report. The percentages are based on primary place of employment for a massage therapist. Many massage therapists work in multiple settings beyond their primary employment. An individual Massage Therapist can work in multiple settings, so the cumulative percentages will exceed 100 percent. d. Describe the work duties or functions typically performed by members of this occupational group and whether they are the same or similar to those performed by any other occupational groups. "Massage Therapy" is a healthcare service involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy includes techniques such as tapping, compressions, friction, gliding, kneading, shaking, and fascial or connective tissue stretching, with or without the aids of superficial heat, cold, water, lubricants, or salts. Massage therapy does not include diagnosis or attempts to adjust or manipulate any articulations of the body or spine or mobilization of these articulations by the use of thrusting force. Other professions such as Physical Therapy or Chiropractic may provide massage services to a patient to prepare them for a specific application of care but not solely for therapeutic massage purposes. The proposed legislation does not impact these other professions from continuing to provide massage services. Questionnaire A – Increased Regulation 4 2) Specialized training, education, or experience (“preparation”) required to engage in the occupation a. What preparation is required to engage in the occupation? How have current practitioners acquired that preparation? Currently, many massage therapists gain education and training from one of the dozen massage therapy schools in Minnesota, from other states in which they have been licensed or through being “self-taught”. In many cities where an establishment ordinance is tied to a credential it is required that a massage therapist has obtained at least 500 hours of education and passed a nationally accredited examination. In other circumstances in Minnesota, there may be no education or training requirements. b. Would the proposed regulation change the way practitioners become prepared? If so, why and how? Include any change in the cost of entry to the occupation. Who would bear these costs? This proposed legislation would not require those already practicing to obtain any additional education or training. They could be licensed through their prior experience. New practitioners entering the profession would be required to attend an institution that provides post-secondary education in massage therapy training. The program requires 625 educational hours in anatomy, physiology, pathology, massage therapy, massage therapy history, theory, research, professional ethics, interpersonal communications, business and legal practices and supervision of practice including demonstrating safe use of equipment and supplies. c. Is there an existing model of this change being implemented in another state? Please list state, originating bill and year of passage? In 47 states massage therapy is a regulated profession. Minnesota, Kansas, Wyoming are the only states that does not regulate massage therapy on a statewide basis. Alabama enacted 1996 Alaska enacted 2014 Arizona enacted 2003 Arkansas enacted 1951 California enacted 2008 Colorado enacted 2008 Connecticut enacted 1993 Delaware enacted 1993 District of Columbia enacted 1994 Florida enacted 1943 Georgia enacted 2005 Hawaii enacted 1947 Idaho enacted 2012 Illinois enacted 2002 Indiana enacted 2007 Iowa enacted 1992 Kentucky enacted 2003 Louisiana enacted 1992 Maine enacted 1991 Maryland enacted 1996 Questionnaire A – Increased Regulation 5 Massachusetts enacted 2006 Michigan enacted 2009 Mississippi enacted 2001 Missouri enacted 1998 Montana enacted 2009 Nebraska enacted 1958 New Hampshire enacted 1980 New Jersey enacted 1998 New Mexico enacted 1991 New York enacted 1967 Nevada enacted 2005 North Carolina enacted 1998 North Dakota enacted 1959 Ohio enacted 1915 Oklahoma enacted 2016 Oregon enacted 1951 Pennsylvania enacted 2008 Rhode Island enacted 1979 South Carolina enacted 1996 South Dakota enacted 2005