2025
Asian Bodywork Therapy
Professional Licensing Bill - Please Support


Subject: Action Needed: Support H.422 – Voluntary Licensure for Asian Bodywork Therapy

Dear Colleagues, We are writing with exciting and time-sensitive news:

MA House Bill H.422 – An Act Relative to Creating a Voluntary Licensure Pathway for Traditional Asian Bodywork Therapy Practices – is scheduled for a hearing this Monday, June 2nd at 1:00 PM.

This bill marks the first time Asian Bodywork Therapy could receive its very own professional license as a distinct profession—aligned with national educational standards (e.g., AOBTA®, NCCAOM®) and not forced under unrelated licensure categories.

H.422 is not a catch-all regulation like the proposals being pursued by Senator Montigny and others that group all bodywork or healing arts together. This bill is specific to lineage-based, culturally rooted healing work grounded in East Asian medical theory. It provides a voluntary, respectful licensure pathway designed by the profession, for the profession.

We are asking for your help in the following ways:

✅ 1. Submit a Written Testimony

Please write an email of support (or use a template below) and send it to:

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure JointCommittee.ConsumerProtection&ProfessionalLicensure@malegislature.gov

Subject: TESTIMONY – In Support of H.422

Download Template Letter (Professional Version)
Download Template Letter (Advocate Version)
Download Template Cover Email (Advocate Version)

Link: Hearing Details (document) More details below.

Please include the bill number and “TESTIMONY” in the subject line of the email. The Committee will accept written testimony on any bill up until such is acted on. Registration is not required to submit written testimony.

✅ 2. Present Oral Testimony

Registration to present oral testimony, both remotely and in-person, is required. To register, please provide your contact information into this FORM not later than Monday, June 2nd at 10am. If providing testimony remotely, you will receive an invitation to the hearing with instructions via email after the registration deadline closes. The Committee may accept in-person oral testimony on the day of without prior registration.

Please note that there is a time limit of 3-minutes per person (or less) for all oral testimony. Testimony submitted to the Committee will be made publicly available. By submission, you agree to release to the public all information you have included unless you clearly advise the Committee otherwise in writing.

✅ 3. CC Your State Representative

Let them know you support H.422 and why it matters.
A call or email helps amplify the message—especially if you live or practice in their district.

Subject: TESTIMONY – In Support of H.422

Download Template Letter (Professional Version)

Look up your legislator here:
https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

✅  4. Call or Request a Meeting with Your State Representative

If you already have a relationship with your local representative or senator, consider calling or requesting a brief meeting. Let them know you support this bill and would be happy to answer questions. We would be more than happy to join you in your meeting!

This is our moment to secure respectful, voluntary licensure that protects cultural heritage, builds career pathways, and affirms the legitimacy of ABT as one of the nationally recognized branches of East Asian Medicine.

Stay informed here: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Hearing: Credit Cards, Event Tickets, Career Pathways, and Continuing Education
https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5194

EMTEC: Legislative News - in development – updates ongoing
https://www.easternmedicinaltherapies.com/2025-ma-abt-professional-licensing

If we work together, we might be able to get this bill passed. We look forward to hearing from you!

With gratitude and appreciation,
Lauren Paap, L.Ac., MAOM, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM®), AOBTA®-CP
P.S. This is my draft letter (05-31-25) will replace with final version.

P.P.S. Historical activity can be found below.

An Act Relative to Creating a Voluntary [Professional] Licensure Pathway for Traditional Asian Bodywork Therapy Practices

By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 422) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf for legislation to establish a board of registration of Asian bodywork therapy. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Bill H.422 194th (Current)
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H422

2/27/2025 House Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
2/27/2025 Senate Senate concurred
5/23/2025 Joint Hearing scheduled for 06/02/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2

Hearing DetailsJoint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5194

Event Date: Monday, June 2, 2025 Start Time: 1:00 PM Location: B-2 and Virtual

Event Description: Credit Cards, Event Tickets, Career Pathways (ABT), and Continuing Education (MA)

The public is invited to participate in this hybrid hearing, which will be live-streamed and recorded for viewing on the “Hearings & Events” page of the General Court’s website.

Written testimony is encouraged in lieu of or in addition to oral testimony; and may be submitted via email to JointCommittee.ConsumerProtection&ProfessionalLicensure@malegislature.gov or mailed to the Chairs:

Senator Pavel Payano, Senate Chair
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
24 Beacon Street, Room 413-B
Boston, MA 02133

Representative Tackey Chan, House Chair
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
24 Beacon Street, Room 42
Boston, MA 02133

Please include the bill number and “TESTIMONY” in the subject line of the email. The Committee will accept written testimony on any bill up until such is acted on. Registration is not required to submit written testimony.

Registration to present oral testimony, both remotely and in-person, is required.

To register, please provide your contact information into this FORM not later than Monday, June 2nd at 10:00 a.m.

If providing testimony remotely, you will receive an invitation to the hearing with instructions via email after the registration deadline closes. The Committee may accept in-person oral testimony on the day of without prior registration. Please note that there is a time limit of 3-minutes per person for all oral testimony.

Testimony submitted to the Committee will be made publicly available. By submission, you agree to release to the public all information you have included unless you clearly advise the Committee otherwise in writing.  The Committee will make reasonable efforts to ensure the email address or other personal sensitive information provided will not be published.  Nevertheless, the Committee advises that you do not include any information you do not intend to make public, such as medical or other sensitive information.

Please be advised that the schedule and agenda are subject to change at the discretion of the chairs.  Further, the Committee may schedule an executive session to coincide with this hearing, and Committee members would expect to be provided any further advanced notice and materials to review.

Pursuant to House Rule 27, the Committee shall make a final report on all House filed bills heard on this date not later than August 1, 2025 (with a possible 30 additional calendar days thereafter).

This public hearing will be chaired by Chair Payano.

Do not hesitate to contact Tom Mahoney (Thomas.Mahoney@masenate.gov) with any inquiries regarding Senate filed matters or Marissa Dakin (Marissa.Dakin@mahouse.gov) with any inquiries regarding House filed matters.

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2025

Forced Licensure
Without Consulting or Support of Professions that would be impacted.
Please Oppose this Bill

An Act Regulating Alternative Healing Therapies

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 261) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to regulate bodyworks. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Bill S.261 194th (2025 - Current)
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S261

2024

Work in progress - details coming soon.

  • Link to Document:
    ABT (02-05-24) Updated Language H.350

  • Date: Fri, Feb 2, 2024 at 9:29 AM

    Subject: Meeting Request Regarding H.350

    To: “Representative Tacky Chan” <Tackey.Chan@mahouse.gov>, Dakin, Marissa (HOU) <Marissa.Dakin@mahouse.gov>, Paul Brennan <paul.brennan@mahouse.gov>, “Senator John Cronin” <John.Cronin@masenate.gov>, “Kevin Bowe” <Kevin.Bowe@masenate.gov>, “Dana Mascari” <Dana.Mascari@masenate.gov>, “Grace O’Leary” <Grace.O’Leary@mahouse.gov>, “Representative David LeBoeuf” <David.LeBoeuf@mahouse.gov>, “Brian Murray” <Brian.Murray@mahouse.gov>
    Cc: Mary McAlister <maryalmc@gmail.com>, Clayton Crosley <claytonbcrosley@yahoo.com>, Rita Glassman <rita@reikiunified.com>, Thomas Bowman <tom@qigongoftulsa.com>, Victor Manuel <votevictor@gmail.com>

    Dear Chairs Chan and Cronin,

    We are writing to request a meeting with you to discuss H.350: An Act Relative to Protecting the Lineages of Asian Bodywork Therapies.

    H.350 aims to enhance and affirm the professionalization of practitioners, prevent inappropriate regulation, standardize local registration processes, and create stronger career pathways through professional licensure in the field of Asian Bodywork Therapies.

    We have collaborated with colleagues to refine the language of the bill, aiming to elevate the status of Asian Bodywork Therapy traditions in Massachusetts. These efforts reflect a common goal of creating positive and productive legislation, and to fend off the trend towards punitive regulation across the country.

    We would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to learn your thoughts and address questions and concerns that you may have. Your insights and guidance are appreciated as we work towards the betterment of our profession and the protection of its rich traditions.

    Thank you for your time and consideration of this request. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss H.350 with you.

    Sincerely,
    Lauren Paap, L.Ac., MAOM, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM®), AOBTA®-CP
    Mary McAlister, AOBTA®-CI

    Link to Attachment:
    ABT (02-02-24) Meeting Request Regarding H.350

  • Link to Document:
    MA H.350: An Act Relative to Protecting the Lineages of Asian Bodywork Therapies.

  • Link to Document:
    LeBoeuf Support (07-07-23) H350

  • Link to Document:
    ABT (07-07-23) H350 Testimony in Support

  • Link to Document:
    Chi Liang (James) Luo (07-07-23) H.350 Testimony in Support

  • Link to Document:
    ABT (07-06-23) H350 Testimony

  • Link to Document:
    ABMP Massage State Regulation Guide

2020

An Act Regulating Bodyworks

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 168) of Mark C. Montigny, Maura Healey, Patricia A. Haddad, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to regulate bodyworks. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Bill S.168 191st (2019 - 2020)
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S168