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Examination
The Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) provides consistent and nationally recognized entry-level standards that assist state regulators in evaluating an individual’s ability to practice massage safely and competently. Examination
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Education
FSMTB plays a crucial role in supporting schools and promoting continuing education within the field of massage therapy. FSMTB recognizes the importance of maintaining high standards in massage education to ensure that practitioners are well-prepared and equipped with the necessary skills. Education
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Regulation
FSMTB membership is comprised of the massage therapy regulatory boards and agencies in the United States and its territories. Through the provision of education, legislative policy expertise, and regulatory programs and services, FSMTB supports our members in their work to ensure that the practice of massage therapy is provided to the public safely and competently. Regulation
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News & Events
Stay up-to-date on industry news with updates from FSMTB. Network with fellow regulators and other industry professionals at FSMTB hosted events. News & Events
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Resource Center
The FSMTB wants to ensure that consumers of massage and bodywork services have adequate knowledge about what they can expect from a massage and bodywork practitioner. Most importantly, FSMTB wants to ensure that the public is aware of the requirements for licensure for each state and that resources are available to check the license status of practitioners. Resource Center

Summary of Meeting

 

The 2024 Massage Board Executive Summit was held in Savannah, Georgia on April 4-5. Guest speakers included Dr. W. Keith Campbell, a psychology professor from the University of Georgia, who discussed general differences and evolving cultural and societal trends resulting from changing demographics and their impact on educational expectations, standards, and uniformity.  Special Agent Eddie Calienes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, shared his experience with Operation Nightingale, the nursing diploma scam that has affected over 7,000 nurses who used fraudulent education credentials to obtain a nursing license.  Samantha Nance, Esq., from Embry Merritt Womack Nance, PLLC, also spoke regarding the Interstate Massage Compact, dispelling myths and misinformation and answering questions from attendees.

Other sessions included a discussion regarding the importance of and need for licensing uniformity and working sessions on the state of massage therapy education and the most critical issues that need to be addressed to maintain regulatory standards and mitigate licensure fraud and human trafficking.  An optional Hack-A-Thon was conducted at breakfast on the first day to explore ideas to increasing accessibility to the MBLEx while maintaining integrity of the exam for the changing demographics (i.e., increase in non-native English speakers).

Attendees also had many opportunities to network and learn from each other.  A special thank you to those executive directors who facilitated a session, participated in a panel discussion, and served as scribe or spokesperson for the workgroups.