Several law makers in New Hampshire wish to remove the licensing requirement for many professionals, including Massage Therapists. This is incredibly concerning to me as a Massage Therapist and it should be concerning to the public as well.
Massage Therapists go through extensive training and schooling, with over 750 hours of hands-on clinical study. We take a licensing exam and are required to complete continuing education classes every year to continue holding a license as well as maintaining a clean background check. Without licensing, clients could be seriously injured by someone claiming to know what they are doing. This can leave the client with no cause of action, as there would be no record of who their "MT" was. Licensing also helps protect the public, by completing criminal background checks to prevent unsafe people (sex offenders and those with assault charges) from working on people.
Professionals Testify Against Bill Ending Licensing Requirements
Proposal Would Make Licensing Optional For Cosmetologists, Fishing Guides, Barbers
CONCORD, N.H. -- A large crowd of cosmetologists, barbers and landscapers testified against a bill Tuesday that would deregulate their professions, eliminating licensing requirements.
The licensed professionals called the bill insulting.
"Why don't we get rid of all the licensing?" said barber Spencer Hibbert. "Get rid of lawyer licenses. I'll hang a shingle out front and be a lawyer."
Bill sponsor Rep. Spec Bowers, R-Georges Mills, said the proposal is about consumer choice. "If a willing consumer chooses to hire a willing provider, the state should not interfere with that choice," he said.
Bowers is streamlining his bill and is now calling for licensing to become optional in certain fields, but skin care professionals said that would compromise public safety.
"I'm not sure if people are aware that herpes can be spread through improper waxing," said Pam New of the New Hampshire Cosmetology Association.
"Competency is also very important, along with every service that we can do," said Gary Trottier of the New England School of Hair Design. "There is also a risk of injury if it's not done properly."
The bill also targets massage therapy, athletic training, court reporting and fishing guides. Maj. Kevin Jordan of the Fish and Game Department spoke in opposition to the bill, again citing safety concerns.
"Sportsmen and women who are hiring guides want to be sure they are getting a quality person, and we want it, so I'm not sure why we'd want to change that," he said.
More than 100 people attended the hearing in Representatives Hall. The committee hearing the bill could make its recommendation by next week.
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