The bill H.625, introduced by Representative Casey of Montpelier, seeks to adopt the Interstate Massage Compact in Vermont, which will enable reciprocal practice for massage therapists across participating states. The proposed legal framework establishes a new subchapter in the Vermont Statutes Annotated, detailing the purpose of the Compact, which includes creating a multistate licensing program aimed at improving public access to massage therapy services while ensuring safety and competence. Key provisions require member states to license and regulate massage therapy, conduct background checks, and investigate complaints, while also defining essential terms and qualifications for obtaining a multistate license.
Additionally, the bill outlines the authority and operational framework of the Interstate Massage Compact Commission, emphasizing that member states can enforce their own laws as long as they do not conflict with the Compact. It mandates transparency through annual reports and public meeting guidelines, while also establishing a coordinated database for multistate licenses. The bill includes provisions for rulemaking, enforcement, and dispute resolution, allowing the Commission to adopt emergency rules and address member states that default on their obligations. Overall, H.625 aims to streamline the practice of massage therapy across state lines while maintaining regulatory oversight and public safety.