From Vickie Branch, Government Relations, AMTA-NH
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As many of you are aware, House Bill 446 – an act to repeal regulation for certain professions, was introduced to the Executive Departments and Administrations Committee (EDA) this past February. The reasons for this bill are not completely understood, but I understand that it may be more about eliminating government from our day to day lives and not so much about “picking on” the professions named in the bill. The sponsors of the bill feel that the consumer ought to be able to hire whomever they wish regardless of the individuals’ credentials. With that said, the primary sponsor of the bill, Representative Spec Bowers from Sunapee, added an amendment to make licensing voluntary.
A subcommittee met several times this summer to study the merits of the bill. Although testimony from the public was not guaranteed, the subcommittee members allowed persons from each profession to state their reasoning’s for or against the bill. Unfortunately the subcommittee voted 3-2 in favor of the amendment and it now goes to the full committee for a vote. The ED&A committee will hold its first meeting on Thursday October 27th at 10am in room 306 of the Legislative Office Building (LOB). National AMTA has been working tirelessly with NH AMTA drafting letters to committee members. It is our hope that the committee will vote to omit Massage Therapy from this bill.
I have included some of the information written to the committee why we believe that Massage Therapy should be omitted. As AMTA members and Licensed Massage Professionals, you are also encouraged to write to the committee members. You may also write to your local representative, but the committee members will be our first stumbling block. They need to hear from you. I have included a draft of a letter you may use if you don’t want to write something yourself. I have also included a draft you are welcome to give to your clients to encourage them to write also. This bill affects all of us. You and your clients are also invited to attend the ED&A meeting on the 27th. A show of support speaks volumes.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best
Vickie
Links:
1. Contact the ED&A committee: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/committeedetails.aspx?...
In the right hand corner you can click on “email committee members” and you can email all members at the same time.
2. AMTA reasons for licensure
3. AMTA White Paper to ED&A Committee Members
4. Sample letter you may use to send to committee members
5. Sample letter your clients may use to send to committee members