AMTA Members Approve New Directors, Vermont Becomes 47th State To Recognize Massage


Measures cap off a busy year for massage profession 

AMTA recently announced that over 95% of professional members voting in the AMTA National Board Election approved the slate of new board directors to take office on March 1, 2021.  The elected board members will be Cindy Farrar (GA), Patricia (Patty) Phillips (WA), Bob Jantsch (PA), Kimberly Kane-Santos (PA), and LaDonna Ward (AL). They will join five continuing Board Directors – Christine Bailor-Goodlander (NY), Michaele Colizza (RI), Pat Collins (NY), Jane Horton Johnson (GA), and Scott Raymond (CT) for FY 2021-22.

On March 1, 2021, President-Elect Steve Albertson (IL) will become AMTA President and current President, Angela Barker (WV), will continue on the Board as Immediate-Past President.

The Board of Directors sets the direction for AMTA and its commitment to advancing the profession. The slate process and election allow the association to best ensure that board members have the skills and knowledge to direct AMTA as it continues its rapid growth, and have the choice ratified by the membership.

“AMTA has some 94,000 members,” said AMTA President Angela Barker. “Our members are what makes AMTA the most trusted and respected name in the profession. Thank you members for your involvement with AMTA, your commitment during this year of health challenges in our country, and for the election of your Board.”

Meanwhile, earlier this fall Vermont became the 47th U.S. state to legally recognize massage therapy. On October 12, Governor Scott signed Senate Bill 220. The passage of this bill makes Vermont the 47th state (plus D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands) to offer legal recognition of massage therapy. Congratulations to the AMTA Vermont Chapter, lobbyists, and members who have been working on this effort for the massage therapy profession.

The law provides a registration process for massage therapists in Vermont. And it creates advisor appointees to the State’s Office of Professional Regulation (massage therapists, bodyworkers, and touch professionals), as well as instituting another layer of public protection. More information and details will be forthcoming as we approach April 1, when the law goes into effect.

Legal recognition of massage therapy and clearly stated requirements in every state are critical to advancing the profession—and protecting the health and safety of massage consumers. Since its inception, AMTA has worked toward fair licensing and portability in all 50 states. Each day, our government relations team fights for your right to practice massage therapy.

AMTA is continuing to engage with federal, state and local officials for updates on laws, executive orders, regulations and guidelines that impact massage therapists in every state. We value the community we’ve built together and are here to support our members.

SOURCE: AMTA