Interstate Massage Compact

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What is the Interstate Massage Compact?

The Interstate Massage Compact, or IMpact, is a multistate license option for massage therapists who work in more than one state. The IMpact represents a significant milestone in massage therapy as it is designed to revolutionize and simplify how licensed massage therapists can work across state lines by allowing professionals to adhere to a single set of requirements.

The compact, sponsored by the US Department of Defense and Council of State Governments in conjunction with FSMTB, helps to address the demands of seasonal work, accommodates massage therapists in border cities and helps employers (such as spas, hotels, and online provider applications like Zeel) to move massage professionals around the country to meet variable demand (due to seasonal spikes and special events). The IMpact also eases the financial and administrative burden of maintaining licenses in multiple states.

Details of the Compact

One of the biggest benefits is the increased economic and employment activity that is facilitated. The International Spa Association (ISPA) found that revenue from the U.S. spa industry has
grown from $18.1 billion in 2021 to $20.1 billion in 2023. If this multibillion-dollar industry
were to be able to meet the consumer demand for massage therapy services, it would greatly
help stimulate state economies and encourage more people to join or rejoin the profession.
 
Spa franchises and other large hospitality employers have indicated that millions of dollars in
massage therapy revenue is foregone due to a shortage of massage practitioners.
Massage professionals will benefit from expanded employment opportunities in other states
without requiring a change in residence and significantly reduced administrative burdens.
And finally, massage regulators (and the public) will benefit from the improved information
exchange due to the shared data system.

Primary Provisions for Participation

It's important to note that only therapists that live in states that have the compact enacted will be eligible to participate. Currently, Nevada is the only state to have successfully passed the IMpact, but there are several other states poised to follow suit in the near future. 

For massage therapists to be eligible to apply, these are the primary requirements:

• Have an active, unencumbered license in the state where you reside that is a member of the compact
• Completed at least 625 clock hours of massage therapy education
• Passed a national licensing examination
• Have no disqualifying criminal history

The compact has established a licensing board to oversee its implementation and license approvals once seven states enact the compact.

How You Can Help

You can download a letter of support email template to show your support for this bill to send to your local senator.

Benefits for Massage Therapists and Cross-State Practice

As the Interstate Massage Compact ushers in a new era of professional flexibility, massage therapists stand at the threshold of unprecedented opportunities. 

Easing of Licensure Mobility

The IMpact will make it easier than ever to work across state lines. For example, if an LMT is based in Nevada, which is a compact member state, under the Interstate Massage Compact, this therapist can apply to the IMpact. Once granted, they can practice in other compact member states without needing separate licenses from both of those states.

Military Family Benefits

The compact supports military spouses in the massage therapy profession, who often need to relocate due to military assignments, by simplifying the process of practicing in new states.

Increasing Massage Therapist Client Base and Income

By having the flexibility to work in multiple states, massage therapists can broaden their client base and boost their income potential.

What If I Don't Meet the IMpact Requirements?

First, it should be emphasized that the IMpact serves as an additional option for massage therapy licensure. The compact takes nothing away from the existing licensing options. Professionals will still have the option to go the current route to practice in multiple states which is applying for a license in every state you wish to work. 

Restrictions are in Place for a Reason

Regulations protect the public from unqualified individuals, criminals, and other bad apples. Those with criminal backgrounds may not qualify to get a multistate license but they can still apply to each state individually where they want to practice. When States adopt the Compact they will be able to access to a national licensing database to easily track bad apples moving from state to state.

625 Hours of Massage Education

To secure a multistate license, massage therapists need a minimum of 625 hours of education. However, those with less than 625 hours can still qualify through a provision recognizing the "substantial equivalent." It's crucial to know that the 625-hour rule is for the therapist, not the state. Even in states requiring 500 hours, therapists meeting the 625-hour mark can still get a multistate license.

Licensing Exam Requirement

Licensed massage therapists who have not taken a licensing exam are required to undergo an entry-level exam when applying for a multistate license. This exam serves as an objective measure used by licensing boards to assess competence. For those licensed before the existence of a licensing exam, there is a special provision that allows the acceptance of the national licensing exam or its "substantial equivalent."

Learn more about the Interstate Massage Compact by going to their official website.

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