Thank you to everyone who showed their support for HB 1589 by signing in and showing your "pro" support. The "call-to-action" in this blog posting is now expired.  We will keep you posted with future blogs about this bill.

Calling all LMTs: Sign in today to support House Bill (HB) 1589, Deadline: 2/4/25 12:30pm

The Washington State Massage Therapy Association (WSMTA) strongly supports House Bill (HB) 1589 and encourages all LMTs to do the same.  This bill gives healthcare providers greater opportunity to review and negotiate their health insurance provider contracts -- as independent providers, massage therapists are currently forced into “take-it-or-leave-it” contracts without negotiation.

What does HB 1589 do for LMTs and other healthcare providers?

HB 1589 preserves clients’ access to care by requiring insurance companies to engage in good faith negotiations with independent health care providers. “Good faith” means the insurer must:

HB 1589 also prohibits:

What can you do to support HB 1589?

We need every Washington LMT to support this bill by going to HB 1589's webpage and indicating your support for it.  On February 4, this bill will have a public hearing in the House's Healthcare and Wellness Committee at 1:30pm (time is subject to change).

There is a coalition of 20 healthcare professions including massage therapy, chiropractic, physical therapy, speech therapy and more who have been advocating for this bill.  Now, we need every LMT to support this bill.  

How do you show support for HB 1589?

1. I would like my position noted for the legislative record
2. I would like to submit written testimony: We do encourage everyone who is, or who has been, a health insurance provider to provide written testimony and provide your story about your personal experience with health insurance contracts.

We encourage you to please choose not to testify in person or remotely.  The coalition has organized and coordinated this effort. 

Please support HB 1589 to protect client access to necessary and cost-effective Massage Therapy care!  Thank you.

The WSMTA Government Relations team Is dedicated to updating and keeping you informed on issues related to legislation and regulation that impact Washington massage therapists. WSMTA advocates for massage therapy to be a recognized and respected healthcare profession.  We work to protect LMTs' rights, promote fair laws and regulations, and ensure the industry’s growth and integrity.