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HB 6036

Health occupations: massage therapists; massage therapist apprenticeship program; provide for. Amends secs. 16334, 17951, 17957 & 17959 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16334 et seq.) & adds sec. 17959a.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Veronica Paiz

Michigan establishes massage therapist apprenticeship programs as alternative licensure pathway, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom education to expand workforce entry options.

bill electronically reproduced 11/07/2024
#healthoccupations:massagetherapists #occupations:individuallicensingandregistration
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Bill Summary · HB 6036

Legislative bill overview

HB 6036 amends Michigan's health occupations licensing law to establish an apprenticeship program pathway for massage therapists. The bill modifies existing regulations under the Public Health Code and creates a new apprenticeship option alongside traditional licensure requirements for practicing massage therapy.

Why is this important

Apprenticeship programs can expand workforce development by offering alternative routes to licensure that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, potentially making the profession more accessible to workers and addressing labor shortages. This approach may also address cost barriers to entry, as apprenticeships typically provide paid training opportunities while traditional pathways often require substantial upfront tuition.

Potential points of contention

  • Training standards and public safety: Questions about whether apprenticeship-trained therapists receive equivalent clinical education and hands-on supervised experience compared to traditionally-licensed massage therapists, and whether consumer protections remain consistent
  • Labor market impacts: Concerns from existing massage therapy schools about reduced enrollment and revenue, versus arguments that apprenticeships create competition that improves industry standards
  • Regulatory oversight and enforcement: Unclear how the state will monitor apprenticeship program quality, supervising practitioner qualifications, and ensure apprentices meet competency standards before independent practice

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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