BILL NUMBER: S7496
SPONSOR: WEBB
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to removing references to
"masseur" and "masseuse"
 
PURPOSE:
To amend the education law, in relation to removing references to "mass-
eur" and "masseuse"
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 7802 of the education law to remove instances
of the words "masseuse" and "masseur." This section includes additional
clarification to the existing language regarding acceptable wording that
may be used in advertisements for massage therapy and only those who are
licensed under section 7801 of the education law may use such words.
Section 2 amends section 7804 of the education law to remove instances
of the words "masseuse" and "masseur."
Section 3 amends section 7806 of the education law to remove instances
of the words "masseuse" and "masseur."
Section 4 is the enacting clause.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
"Masseuse" and "masseur" are outdated and inaccurate terms that minimize
the time and effort required to be a Licensed Massage Therapist. Massage
therapy is considered a health care profession, used to treat conditions
including chronic pain, behavioral health issues such as anxiety and
PTSD, and is a proven alternative to prescription opioid use for pain
management as provided in Chapter 732 of the Laws of 2022.
New York State law should be updated to reflect the accepted terminology
used by the massage therapy profession and industry, and recognize
massage therapists as the highly educated health care professionals they
are.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.

Statutes affected:
S7496: 7802 education law, 7804 education law, 7806 education law, 7806(1) education law