| Licensing Bill
by Nancy Porambo, President
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President’s Message
by Nancy M. Porambo, MS
As I prepare to leave the PA Chapter
Board of Directors after many years, I find
myself reflecting upon the many incredible
experiences that serving in this volunteer
position has presented to me. I had the
wonderful opportunity to meet a vast array
of dedicated and compassionate people
that has made me humble and proud to be
part of this great profession.
As most of you know, I have committed
myself to the pursuit of licensure for
the last 16 years and I stumbled many
times over
the hurdles that accompanied
licensure. Becoming familiar with the
infrastructure of governance, the political
environment, establishing communication
with legislators and understanding
other stakeholders’ interests was both
an
education and a revelation. Through
all the challenges that this monumental
process presented, I never lost site of our
common purpose, to represent the interests
of all massage therapists across the state. I
am confident that the current legislation
will
allow the practicing massage therapist
to experience a seamless transition to a
newly licensed environment.
Although the pursuit of licensure has
indeed consumed the vast majority of
my tenure as President and member of
the
PA Chapter, AMTA, I look forward
to promoting the profession of massage
therapy in different ways. For instance, the
2009 PA Chapter Conference is shaping up
to be a dynamic and exciting educational
opportunity and I am honored to be a part
of
the planning. I will also continue to
serve the National organization as the 2008
Chapter President’s Council Moderator
and rest assured, I won’t be far away
when legislative issues come up that affect
the massage therapy profession in PA.
In closing, I would like to say thank you
for allowing me to serve as your President.
Your influences have helped to reshape
my outlook on so many things and I have
grown both professionally and personally
through your support and participation.
As Bob Hope so eloquently said, ‘thanks
for the memories”
bli
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Update - June 24, 2008 (HB 2499 Passed in the House of Representatives
by Nancy Porambo
PA House Bill 2499 sponsored by
Rep. Keith Mccall PASSED today
through the
House of Representatives 193 to 5!!!!!
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Update - June 11, 2008 ( HB 2499 Passed through the House Professional Licensure Committee)
by Nancy Porambo , MS
A TIME TO CELEBRATE! It has been 16 years since the AMTA, PA Chapter, made the decision to pursue licensure for massage
therapists in Pennsylvania. Today, history was made as HB 2499 successfully passed through the House Professional Licensure
Committee.
On June 2, 2008, a public hearing was held and numerous stakeholders testified. During that hearing, AMTA was requested to
provide information regarding harm that could result from an untrained massage therapist. This information was gathered from the
National AMTA as well as other reputable sources. Overwhelmingly, the legislature recognized the importance of the passage of this
bill as evidenced today.
Please let us extend a sincere thank you to all the PA Chapter, AMTA members who took time from their busy schedules to help with
this endeavor! We will continue to update you. Remember - together, we CAN make a difference!
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Update - June 3, 2008 (Public Hearing - HB 2499 )
by Nancy Porambo, MS
There was a public hearing held on Monday, June 2, 2008. Witnesses on behalf of the PA Chapter, AMTA, were President, Nancy Porambo
and Immediate Past-President, Retta Flagg. Also testifying were Les Sweeney of the ABMP, members of the BOD of NCTMB, and two
individuals, Nancy Tomer and Craig Denega.
Nancy and Retta’s testimony included reasons why the PA Chapter supported licensure. They also announced that there is no opposition
from the chiropractors or the physical therapists on the language. An outline was provided of amendments and questions were asked
by the Committee.
Rep. Stanley Saylor of York had concerns about “what harm could be done by a massage therapist to the general public”. He requested
incident reports or statistical information for the Committee to peruse for which National AMTA was requested to provide. As of this
Update, the Committee has plans to peruse the information for a week and will vote as to whether the bill will come out of Committee after
which a formal vote by the House of Representatives will be made.
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Update May, 2008 ( HB 2499 Introduced )
by Nancy Porambo, MS
State Representative Keith McCall recently introduced House Bill 2499, the massage therapy legislation. This comes after a long line of discussions
with the physical therapists and chiropractors over the past two years. The scope of practice is one that we feel will allow massage therapists to
continue to practice as they have been without limitation. A copy of the bill can be obtained at: this link.
This bill will move for the very first time into the Professional Licensure Committee after 16 years of attempts to get it there. Keith McCall has the
support of over 30 House Members who have co-sponsored the legislation. Many Senators have expressed support and are waiting for the bill
to arrive in the Senate Committee.
Scope of Practice:
The application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, holding and treatment of the soft tissue manifestations of the human body in
which the primary intent is to enhance the health and well-being of the client without limitation, except as provided in this act. The term includes the
external application of water, heat, cold, lubricants or other topical preparations, lymphatic techniques, myofascial release techniques, and the use
of electro-mechanical devices which minic or enhance the action of the action of the massage techniques.
Restrictions:
The term does not include the diagnosis or treatment of impairment, illness, disease or disability, a medical procedure, a chiropractic
manipulation/adjustment, physical therapy mobilization/manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, electrical stimulation, ultrasound or prescription of
medicines for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry or other practice of the healing
arts is required passage techniques For more complete information about the bill please access this link.
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Making Law In Pennsylvania
" It is a meticulous process and for good reason." Visit the following links to find out "how a legislative system developed centuries ago still
works today, both for lawmakers and the Pennsylvanians who send them to Harrisburg."
Biography of a Bill (PDF)
Details of the Life Cycle of Fictional House Bill 652 (PDF) This will give you an idea of the life cycle of a bill.
It is only through the combined efforts of our membership that our voices can be heard! |
