A Study of Selected States' Policies and Practices for Regulating Massage Therapy Schools and Training Programs

Abstract

After several studies, much consideration, and many recommendations, no solution has been found to the problems of regulating proprietary vocational schools in Hawai'i. Any ongoing or future consideration of this matter could be informed by a review of other state's policies and practices. The purpose of this study is to review the practices of Hawai'i and other states in regulating massage therapy schools and training programs to gain insight into ways Hawai'i might better regulate proprietary vocational schools in general. The purpose of this study is to improve the regulation of private massage therapy schools and training programs and other proprietary vocational schools in Hawai'i. To achieve that purpose, it is necessary to review the regulation of massage therapy training as well as the regulation of proprietary vocational schools. To better understand the problems and possibilities in Hawai'i, this study reviewed the regulation of massage therapy training and proprietary vocational schools both in Hawai'i and in other states which regulate massage therapy. It was anticipated that a review of the practices of other states might provide insight or guidance for Hawai'i.