History Mission Board of Directors Nominating Committee Bylaws FARB Member CLEAR Member
Non Discrimination Policy Reimbursement Policy
Media Releases
501c3 Status Make a Tax Deductible Contribution
Volunteer Application FSMTB Expense Report Job Task Analysis Committee Standard Setting Subject Matter Experts

Home
About FSMTB
Licensing Exam
Apply Online
Boards and Agencies
Forms and Publications
Annual Meeting


Useful Links

FSMTB History


In early 2005 a move to reenergize a former “Alliance” of massage regulators began and in May 2005 Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) convened a meeting of regulators and educators to address issues common to their members. Attended by representatives from seven regulated states along with educators from around the country, this group recognized the need for an organization to formally bring the regulatory community together.

The concerns of most significance were the need for the provision of a valid and reliable licensing exam and the desire to bring commonality in licensing requirements to assist with reciprocity and professional mobility.

This commitment was realized when the group moved to form an interim organization for the purpose of bringing the concept forward. The “Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards” name was selected and an interim board consisting of all the regulators in attendance was established. This group was then charged with conducting research into other like organizations, reaching out to the community for feedback, drafting bylaws and planning a meeting to formally establish the organization.

Between May and September of 2005 the Interim Board fulfilled its mandate by visiting with several organizations both in person and by phone. The information and resources gained from these meetings supported the development of bylaws and assisted the interim board in developing a clearer understanding of what entities like the FSMTB bring to their respective professions.

In September 2005, the FSMTB held its formalizing meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico prior to the annual AMTA convention. The meeting was attended by 22 states plus the District of Columbia. During this landmark event, bylaws were unanimously adopted and the first formal board was elected. In addition, conversations were held to better understand the needs and desires of the regulatory community.

Three key issues continued to rise to the surface:

  • the need for consistent scopes of practice and entry level standards across the country
  • the need for a valid and reliable licensing exam that would be accepted by all jurisdictions
  • the need for a common database with licensing and disciplinary information and the ability to store critical documents

Since the September 2005 meeting, the Board of Directors and committee members have been working diligently to establish a foundation upon which to build the organization and beginning the work necessary to carry out the desires of the states.