The National Conference for Reflexology & Bodywork Practitioners has been rescheduled for scheduled for October 1–3, 2021, at the Maritime Conference Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Registration is $425 at www.nationalreflexologyconference.com, and you can view the flyer here. There are virtual attendance options as well.
News
The Washington Board of Massage revised the Washington Administrative Code in August 2020. The rules are now final and are effective September 1, 2021. The rules amend definitions, the out-of-state application process, transfer programs, school approval, training hours, faculty, continuing education, standards of practice, and recordkeeping. They also create a new section on gluteal cleft and perineum massage.
Massage Heights, the franchise known for its resort-quality massage, skin care and wellness services, is under new leadership. Effective now, Susan Boresow will serve as the company’s new President and CEO.
Senate Bill 5229 requires licensees to complete health equity continuing education training at least once every four years to address how bias, racism, and poverty are health inequities and how to develop skills to care effectively for patients.
Senate Bill 227 (SB 227) is essentially a cleanup bill, but also seeks to update licensing requirements, create establishment licensure, increase training hours, and modify fees. SB 227 is out of the Senate, but the South Carolina legislative session adjourned on May 13, 2021. SB 227 will not pass through the legislature this session, but will go through the House in 2022.
Several massage and bodywork school programs have reached out to inform us that they have been receiving email solicitations to purchase an email list of ABMP contacts. This is a fraudulent email, and we have sent a cease and desist notice requesting that these solicitations stop. We appreciate the schools who have informed us of these emails, and if you receive one we recommend that you simply delete it, or report it as spam if your email provider gives you that option.
Researchers at Syracuse University recently conducted a study to determine the mechanisms behind CBD’s ability to reduce pain, as well as the impact the placebo effect may have on pain outcomes.
ABMP members have recently shared more instances of receiving unsolicited "offers" from various web hosting companies that appear as invoices. This confusing “offer” is simply a ploy, and members should ignore these invoices.
The Five Lights Center of Shiatsu Studies announced six courses that are now available through the school’s online educational program. All courses are taught through Zoom’s livestream video platform.
Laura Embleton, ABMP's director of government relations, will be part of a town hall session at ISPA's Stronger Together Summit. The Summit is taking place May 10–14, and the session is on Thursday, May 13.