Other Montana Board of Massage Therapy Items:
New Board Member:
Michael Eayrs, the chair, did not seek reappointment (his term expired).
Lyndsay Shott was appointed to replace Michael Eayrs on the MBMT.
According to a news release from the Governor's office (dated 6/24), Lyndsay Schott, Whitefish, owns BodyMind Massage and is also a licensed esthetician. She received a bachelor’s degree in pre-med, biology-environmental science from Colby College. A Google search shows that Ms. Shott is also on the "Whitefish Review" editorial board and is business development manager. "As business development manager for the Review, she manages the web site, databases, distribution & keeps the other editors in line." - a direct quote from the website. The Review is a literary journal.
BLMTB Board of Directors’ Comments The BLMTB Board thanks Michael for his service and welcomes Ms. Shott to the MBMT, and wishes her well during her tenure.
Strategic Planning:
The MBMT will be doing some strategic planning at its next meeting.
BLMTB Board of Directors’ Comments This will be a time that the Board plans out its future goals and how to get there. Are there issues that are important to you for the board to address? You may want to request that the Board include this information in its planning. Contact the board office to provide your input.
Getting Items on the MBMT Meeting Agenda:
Susan asked for clarification on this item as there didn’t seem to be a clear way to submit items for the board’s agenda There are ways that people can request that the board discuss issues: send an email or letter to the board requesting that the board discuss the issue; contact a board member and ask them to raise the issue (they do have the right to choose not to); or attend a board meeting and during the public comment time, ask them to discuss the issue at a future meeting (due to legal public notice laws, it can’t be discussed fully at that meeting). Generally, board staff does not accept agenda items from non-board members, but if you are inquiring about an issue in writing, if the board has not addressed it yet, then it will be taken to the board for consideration. The MBMT decided to add this information to the FAQ section of the state website.
Financials:
The MBMT ended the last fiscal year (July 2010-June 2011) with over $3200 in debt. Revenues collected through renewals and other income so far (July 1, 2011 - November 28) totals $118,160.00. Expenses for the same time period equal $36,340.75. This leaves the MBMT with a cash balance of $78,582.02. This money is used to pay for the remainder of the year (through June 30, 2011).
List update for Application by Endorsement:
Persons licensed in the following states may gain a Montana license using a state license to meet the criteria for licensure by endorsement: Georgia, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington state.
States not accepted for licensure by endorsement: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Oregon.
Applications from Virginia, Nevada and Wisconsin were not accepted for endorsement until more information is received. While both states require an equivalent exam, their statutes are not clear regarding education requirements and the MBMT could not determine whether they are equivalent. Until such time as the board receives clarification, applicants holding licenses from those states are encouraged to apply by the examination method in order to avoid delays in getting a license issued.
FSMTB: (June Meeting)
Deborah Kimmet attended the October 2011 meeting of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB or the Federation). National issues include fraudulent transcripts and human trafficking. These items are important because massage therapy businesses are often used as a front for prostitution using “slave” labor (the human trafficking element). Fraudulent transcripts are a way of getting the person licensed to work. Also, Ms. Kimmet noted that she was told at the Federation meeting, that the National Certification Exam (NCBTMB’s exam) is used more often by human traffickers than the other exams. Apparently, women are taught to recognize words and phrases that lead them to the correct answer.
A letter was also received by the MBMT from the Federation asking whether states regulate the practice of Gua Sha – a procedure used in asian bodywork. The MBMT decided that while they do not keep a listing of approved modalities, that according to the definition given to the MBMT as to what Gua Sha is, is that it could possibly fall within the definition of massage therapy.
BLMTB Board of Directors’ Comments: We’d like to point out that the MBMT considers practices that allow persons to take an exemption from the law technically fall under the definition of massage therapy.
Canine Massage: June Meeting
A letter from the veterinary board was forwarded to the MBMT for informational purposes concerning animal massage. They had received an inquiry concerning the current regulatory state of animal massage. In Montana, animal massage is not currently licensed or certified by the state.
BLMTB Board of Directors’ Comments: The letter was clear that as long as animal massage practitioners do not use health care or treatment language that they will not run afoul of the veterinary board for practicing veterinary medicine without a license.
MBMT elections:
At the end of the June meeting, Deborah Kimmet was elected as board chair. Stacy Baird had been serving as chair, following Michael Eayrs’ tenure.
Board Review:
Jack Kane, the administrator of the Business Standards Division of the Bureau of Labor and Industry (the MBMT is attached to his division), came to the June board meeting. Among the issues he discussed was that licensing boards are currently being reviewed by a legislative interim committee. The massage therapy board will not be reviewed until after the 2013 legislative session. More on this will appear in a future newsletter.