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Bill

SB 203

MASSAGE THERAPY LICENSURE

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Berghmans and 1 co-sponsor

New Mexico bill establishes state massage therapy licensure requirements to regulate practitioners, protect consumers, and create professional standards for the industry.

action postponed indefinitely
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Bill Summary · SB 203

Legislative bill overview

SB 203 establishes a state licensure system for massage therapists in New Mexico, creating regulatory standards, licensing requirements, and oversight mechanisms for the profession. The bill aims to protect consumers by ensuring massage practitioners meet minimum education and competency standards before operating commercially.

Why is this important

Currently, massage therapy operates with minimal regulation in New Mexico, potentially exposing consumers to practitioners without standardized training or accountability. Licensure creates a credible pathway for consumers to identify qualified practitioners and establishes grounds for complaint resolution and disciplinary action against unethical providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden and costs: New licensure requirements may increase startup costs for small massage therapy businesses and create ongoing compliance expenses that could be passed to consumers
  • Scope of practice definition: Disagreement may exist over what services fall under "massage therapy" versus what constitutes medical treatment requiring different licensing
  • Grandfather clauses: Disputes could arise about whether currently practicing unlicensed massage therapists should be grandfathered in or required to meet new licensing standards

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

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