If your city is considering enacting a Massage Business Ordinance or Massage and Reflexology Business Ordinance, please notify the Washington State Massage Therapy Association (WSMTA) Government Relations Team as soon as possible.

WSMTA has been helping some cities review and write their Massage Business Ordinances since 2019.  While most of these cities have been very receptive to our help, a couple of cities have wanted to stick to their own agendas.  When written well, these ordinances can be highly effective in helping to remove illicit businesses posing as massage therapy clinics while having little to no impact on licensed massage therapists.  However, not all ordinances are written the same and can sometimes be unnecessarily punitive towards licensed massage therapists.

There are currently at least 20 cities or counties in Washington that have approved a Massage Business Ordinance or have adopted municipal code language prohibiting unlicensed massage. More cities are adding them each year.

It is easier for WSMTA to support local massage therapists when we are involved during the planning stages of a Massage Business Ordinance, versus trying to make changes just before it gets approved by a city council.  As soon as you hear about one being proposed, let us know.

Please email us at gr@mywsmta.org if:

• You have questions
• Your city is proposing a Massage Business Ordinance
• Your city is currently in the process of approving one

Thank you,

The WSMTA Government Relations Team -- Robbin Blake, LMT and Marybeth Berney, LMT.