Report from the FSMTB Annual Meeting
I just returned from attending the annual meeting of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards in Seattle, WA. 25 of the 30 state boards who are members sent representatives. Also in attendance: several officers of the American Massage Therapy Association; two of the officers of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals; representatives of Pearson Vue; educators from all over; Dale Atkinson, executive director of FARB (Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards); and Diana Thompson, the director of the Massage Therapy Foundation.
Not in attendance: The National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Patty Glenn, President of the FSMTB, announced during the opening comments of the meeting that the NCBTMB wanted to attend, but in light of the overwhelming hostility they have shown to the FSMTB and many of the member boards recently, they were not invited. Patty stated that the focus of our gathering was taking positive action and moving forward with formulating a strategic plan for the future of FSMTB, and that the directors felt the presence of the NCBTMB would have disrupted that intent. I don’t think anyone missed them.
Debra Persinger, executive director of FSMTB, gave a wonderful presentation. Dale Atkinson, a very dynamic speaker I’ve been privileged to hear before, also did a training session for board members. The reps from AMTA and ABMP gave short presentations. The always-effervescent and charming Diana Thompson gave a great talk about the Massage Therapy Foundation. Attendees were also split into focus groups several times throughout the meeting to identify challenges facing their individual boards and the Federation as a whole, and to brainstorm about ways to meet those challenges.
On a personal level, I was thrilled to meet so many board members, therapists and educators from all over. I sat at the table with several members of the Oregon board all weekend, a lovely and dedicated group of people. I was pleased to met Les Sweeney of ABMP, whom I have quoted in this blog before, and who made my day when he told me my book had prepared him for the NCE.
This was one of the most informative and enjoyable conferences I’ve ever attended. To the states who have boards that have not yet joined, I would just say that you are missing an incredible opportunity, and the sooner you sign up, the better. Joining the Federation does not obligate you to adopt the MBLEx as your licensure examination, although after examining the facts, you’ll probably want to. State boards from all over the country coming together in this fashion can only be a good thing for the furtherance of our profession and our common goals.
May the Federation live long and prosper!
Peace & Prosperity,
Laura Allen
Posted on October 20th, 2008 by Laura Allen
Filed under: General
What is going on with the State of Florida ? Will their Board be adopting this test, there is apparently a move under way by NCB to block this. Any info that you can share will be appreciated. I am an Instructor at a Massage program in Ocala, FL. Greg Sharko
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Terry Norman reply on November 9, 2008:
I have some information on your ques. regarding what is going on in Florida, and why the NCB is trying to block the Florida State Board of Massage Therapy from adopting the MBLEX. If you want to know more about this you can contact me at: tnt11@earthlink.net.
Greg,
I’ve sent an appeal for an answer to a couple of people I know in FL. I have heard rumors about the reason for the lawsuit, but I don’t want to print rumors. The NCBTMB doesn’t have anything posted about it on their own website that I could find, nor does the state of FL. FL Board members past and present may be prohibited from commenting due to the lawsuit, but we’ll see. If anyone can enlighten us….
Laura Allen
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