Press Release

NEWARK –The State Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy (Board) has proposed amendments to its regulations regarding continuing education, clinical education, and scope of practice to ensure licensee,s are adequately prepared and competent to provide massage and bodywork therapy services in a safe and effective manner and to clarify permitted use of certain electronic devices in the delivery of services.

The proposed amendments require that the 100 hours of clinical practice required as part of a course of study in massage and bodywork therapy for initial licensure be performed on the premises of the applicant’s school. In addition, under the existing rules, continuing education related solely to the business practices of licensees cannot count toward fulfilling a licensee’s continuing education requirements. The proposal rescinds that prohibition and allows licensees to complete up to three continuing education credits in such courses. The proposal also clarifies that the use of electrical devices which provide percussions or vibrations to the body does not constitute the application of electrical current to the body. Lastly, the proposal limits licensees to completing no more than eight continuing education credit hours in a day and removes the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals from the list of entities authorized to approve courses or providers.

The proposed regulation and information on submitting a comment can be viewed here: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Proposals/Pages/mbt-08072023-proposal.aspx
All comments must be submitted by October 29, 2023.