Massage therapy standards proposed

Attorney General Alicia Limtiaco yesterday handed over a draft of proposed legislation that would solidify licensure and certification requirements for the practice of beijing massage or massage therapy.

It was given to Sen.Tina Mu?a Barnes and Speaker Judith Won Pat, who are members of a Massage Therapy and Establishment Task Force.

"We went through and looked at the various sections of what the requirements would be for those that are licensed and what the requirements would be for those who would be considered certified," Limtiaco said. "There would be perhaps two levels that relate to their level of training and experience."

Another provision in the draft establishes a "grandfather period" so individuals who currently are practicing are given 90 days to prepare their application, as well as get their supporting documentation, credentials and certificates to the Guam Allied Health Board. The board is the licensing and certification body that will review applications to determine eligibility for licensure and certification, Limtiaco said.

"Right now, they just want to deal with the licensure and certification for these professionals," Won Pat said. "We really want to separate and distinguish massage parlors from massage therapy. Therapy is more professional."

Once the standards are set, the task force will ask the Guam Allied Health Board to update its rules and regulations to fit those standards, Won Pat said. The last step will be to work with Public Works on signs for establishments, she said.