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Bill

HB 2448

Interstate Massage Compact; authorizes Virginia to become a signatory to Compact.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Glass

Virginia joins the Interstate Massage Compact, allowing licensed massage therapists to practice across member states without multiple licenses while establishing shared regulatory standards.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0274)
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Bill Summary · HB 2448

Legislative bill overview

HB 2448 authorizes Virginia to join the Interstate Massage Compact, a multi-state agreement that streamlines licensure and regulation of massage therapists across participating states. The compact allows licensed massage therapists to practice in member states without obtaining separate state licenses, while maintaining consistent regulatory standards through a centralized database and commission.

Why is this important

This legislation affects roughly 4,000+ licensed massage therapists in Virginia by reducing licensing barriers and administrative costs for interstate practice. It also impacts consumers by potentially increasing access to massage services and establishing uniform professional standards across state lines, similar to existing compacts for nursing, physical therapy, and other professions.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory autonomy concerns: Critics may worry that joining a multi-state compact reduces Virginia's independent authority to set and enforce its own massage therapy standards and disciplinary procedures
  • Consumer protection questions: Some stakeholders might question whether a centralized compact system adequately protects consumers through enforcement mechanisms or if it favors practitioner mobility over resident safeguards
  • Implementation costs: State agencies face expenses for participating in compact governance, technology infrastructure, and administrative coordination that weren't previously required

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

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