Province introduces legislation to regulate massage therapy industry

After 25 years of lobbying, the Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan (MTAS) is getting its hands on legislation to regulate the industry.

On Monday, the provincial government introduced The Massage Therapy Act, which will establish the Saskatchewan College of Massage Therapy.

That regulatory body will will protect the public through licensing, professional standards, education and a code of ethics.

It also will provide title protection for massage therapists, as only members of the college will be allowed to use professional titles such as massage therapist and registered massage therapist.

The MTAS has been advocating for the legislation since 1995.

“This is indeed a momentous day for the public and the professionals providing therapeutic care in the province,” MTAS president Camille Lapierre said in a media release.

“We are grateful to begin the work to establish professional standards, greater accountability and transparency for the public and title protection for Saskatchewan massage therapists.”

“Establishing self-regulation for massage therapy in our province will help ensure that the services people receive are safe and appropriate,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said in a media release issued by the provincial government.

“This will give greater assurance to the public that the practitioner they’re seeing meets established competency standards. Also, if there are any concerns regarding the practitioner’s competence or conduct there will be a mechanism in place to address those concerns.”

Registered massage therapists attended recent discussions about licensing body rub parlours in Regina, seeking to differentiate their profession from people employed in those establishments.

The newly established College of Massage Therapy will allow members of the public to check on the credentials of a therapist and report any unethical or incompetent behaviour.

“We would like to thank the Government of Saskatchewan, our MTAS members and public who have worked tirelessly to see this day,” Lapierre said. “There is a long road ahead of us to see this legislation proclaimed — and we are ready to work with all massage associations, health providers and stakeholders to see this to fruition.”