The September 2014 Chapter Meeting: a recap

Published: September 16, 2014

On Sunday September 7, 2014 massage therapists from all over the state gathered for education and community at the Hotel Northampton. The chapter meeting covered all sorts of news, but don’t fret, we’ve got a recap if you couldn’t make it!

To begin, Chapter President Lisa Curran Parenteau read our Mission Statement, The mission of the AMTA-MA Chapter is to inspire, educate, empower, and advocate for the massage therapy community.

Lisa also reminded all that anyone can contribute directly to the AMTA-MA Chapter via our website here.

Lisa, along with Immediate Past President Mary White introduced a new standing rule that would allow for online elections beginning in 2015. The membership in attendance voted unanimously to adopt the new rule.

Mary White gave a Law and Legislative Update and noted a change in the fees for a license reinstatement in Massachusetts. The governor has signed the Department of Professional Labor reorganization piece that limits how far back one would have to pay to reinstate a license. For example, previously if you were not practicing for 5 years; you had to pay 5 years renewal fees to reinstate your license. Now, regardless how long it has been, the maximum amount would be the price of two renewal fees.

Mary gave an update regarding dual room use for Cosmetology and Massage Therapy. The governor’s reform legislation requires the Cosmetology Board to promulgate regulations allowing massage and cosmetology to occur in the same room as long as you have both Cosmetology Facility and MT Establishment licenses. This legislation is in progress and AMTA-MA Chapter keep you updated.

Mary also noted that potential continuing education regulations are currently being reviewed and are in process. AMTA-MA Chapter will keep members and all therapists apprised of changes as they are made. You can read a full Law and Legislation update here.

Kelly presented membership information and explained the AMTA workplace benefit. The benefit offers assistance to those who employ massage therapists and membership discounts for employees. You can read more about the Workplace benefit here.

She noted that the Membership Committee is looking for volunteers to “adopt” a school. The member would commit to visiting the school to answer questions about being a massage therapist and about AMTA specifically. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Kelly via email at mkdalbec@gmail.com.

Head delegate Regine Ryder spoke about what it is to be a Delegate. She explained the difference between Position Statements and Recommendations and led a lively discussion with the members. See more about the results of the 2014 House of Delegates here.

Community Service Massage Team Chairperson Gordon PIlotte spoke about the team and noted two upcoming training events in Chicopee and Hyannis. See training details and registration here.

Many door prizes were awarded throughout the meeting and Lisa ended by inviting all to attend the May Annual Meeting and our new education event, IDEA 2015-In Depth Education for All, featuring all the CE hours Massachusetts therapists will need for license renewal in one weekend, at the Sheraton in Needham the first weekend in May 2015.

Lisa also relayed a message from National President Nancy Porambo, thanking all the members for doing the amazing work that they are doing. She reminds us that "Without all the great work that our AMTA members are doing every day, we would not be able to advocate on the national level for our profession."