After a thorough review of the changes implemented by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Council of State Governments (CSG), the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) expresses its full support for the revised Compact for the following reasons:
- Expanded Eligibility from Day One: The updated language makes it clear that years of practice with a clean license provide a pathway for thousands of additional therapists to qualify immediately. This change does not limit future therapists’ eligibility and maintains strong public safety standards.
- Recognition of the NCBTMB Exam: For decades, the NCBTMB entry-level exam served as the licensing standard in many states. Including this exam in the statute ensures thousands of qualified therapists can obtain a multi-state license. Contrary to FSMTB’s claims, this provision is not restrictive—it is more inclusive and allows future Compact commissions to recognize equivalent exams, preserving flexibility in the future.
- Support for Military Families: NCBTMB firmly believes that adding language to allow more flexibility for military members and their spouses was long overdue. Providing massage license portability for military members and spouses was, after all, the initial driver for an interstate compact. We are proud to support this important addition.
- Greater Exam Flexibility: Removing the definition of “a national licensing exam” creates room for future adaptability. The original draft’s narrow definition gave exclusive control to FSMTB. Eliminating this definition ensures accountability for all exam providers and prevents protection of any single organization’s revenue in statute.
- Balanced Governance: Eliminating ex officio appointments to the Commission’s Executive Committee safeguards against undue influence by any organization over the Compact and future Commission rulemakings.
In summary, NCBTMB believes these changes promote inclusivity for thousands more qualified therapists, future flexibility, and strong public safety measures—key factors that will accelerate state adoption and broaden support for the revised Compact.