The Arizona Board of Massage Therapy has announced that, beginning July 1, 2004 it will be licensing massage therapists working in the State of Arizona. After January 1, 2005, state issued licenses will be required for all massage therapists. In order to qualify for a license, an applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED, graduate from a board recognized massage school, pass a national examination, apply to the board and pass a background investigation.

Separate provisions in the new law will govern persons already licensed by municipalities in Arizona, or who possess licenses issued in other states. Licenses that have already been issued by city or county governments in Arizona will remain in force until they expire or January 1, 2005, whichever comes first. After January 1, 2005 a state license will be required before anyone can practice massage therapy in Arizona. After July 1, 2004, practicing massage therapy without a license will become a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by six months imprisonment or a $2500 fine or both.

Governor Napolitano signed legislation last year forming the Arizona Board of Massage Therapy. It will be housed and administered by the Naturopathic Physicians Board of Medical Examiners in Phoenix Arizona.

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