House committee passes bill regulating massage therapy as health profession

INDIANAPOLIS – An Indiana House Committee today passed legislation authored by State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) requiring professional massage therapists to be held accountable to the same standards of practice as other healthcare professionals.

The Indiana House Public Health Committee approved House Bill 1360 that establishes higher ethical and behavioral guidelines for therapeutic massage therapists.

“Professional massage therapists welcome more stringent regulation for their industry,” said Errington. “This legislation helps separate amateur therapists from those who are truly devoted to providing high-quality treatment to their patients.”

Testifying on behalf of HB 1360, Indiana physician Lynn Witty and consumer Judy Refler explained that massage therapists are undeniably healthcare professionals because of their abilities to greatly improve daily functioning and bodily movement in their clients.

Errington collaborated on HB 1360 with co-author State Rep. David Frizzell (R-Indianapolis).

The measure passed unanimously with a vote of 10-0 and now moves to the full House for further legislative action.