Government Relations

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The AMTA Wisconsin Chapter Government Relations Committee is dedicated to supporting massage therapists by monitoring and responding to legislation that affects our profession at the local, state, and federal levels. We work closely with the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Government Relations and Governance teams to advocate on behalf of our members and the massage therapy profession.

To stay informed, the AMTA National Office provides monthly legislative reports from across the country, and the Wisconsin Chapter maintains a legislative monitoring service that alerts us to current and emerging issues. When action is needed, we notify members as early as possible in the legislative process, often while proposed bills are still in committee, helping to prevent harmful or burdensome legislation from advancing.

Members are encouraged to stay informed through our website, social media channels, Connecting Hands newsletter, and chapter email communications. Non-members may also subscribe to receive legislative alerts by email. Action alerts may additionally be posted through Engage, AMTA’s advocacy platform, making it easy for members to contact legislators and participate in the legislative process.

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Resources

  • Sign up for legislative updates, action alerts, and advocacy news delivered directly to your inbox.

  • Access Wisconsin massage therapy laws and regulations.

  • View local massage establishment regulations currently known to the chapter.

  • Download the Wisconsin Department of Revenue Massage Therapy Sales and Use Tax Fact Sheet (PDF).

Contact

Questions regarding legislation, regulations, or advocacy efforts may be directed to the current Government Relations Chair.

Support Our Advocacy Efforts

If you value the legislative monitoring, advocacy, and member protection efforts provided by the AMTA Wisconsin Chapter, please consider making a contribution. Contributions may qualify as a business expense; consult your tax professional for guidance.

Massage Therapy Awareness Week

Each year, the AMTA Wisconsin Chapter requests an official proclamation from the Governor of Wisconsin recognizing Massage Therapy Awareness Week in conjunction with AMTA’s National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, helping to promote public awareness of the benefits and value of massage therapy. National Massage Therapy Awareness Week.

Wisconsin State Statutes

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Wisconsin State Statutes *

  • Yes, Effective December 1, 2010, an active state license is required to practice massage therapy and bodywork therapy in Wisconsin. The passage of AB 588, now designated as Chapter 460 http://legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/Stat0460.pdf.

  • The Scope of Practice for Massage Therapists language is at http://legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/Stat0460.pdf, specifically in 460.01 Definitions.

  • License status can be verified through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) online credential lookup system:

    https://app.wi.gov/licensesearch

    Select "Health/Business Individual Credential/License Search" and enter the requested information. If searching by profession, select "Massage Therapist or Bodywork Therapist (146)."

    Wisconsin law also requires licensed Massage Therapists and Bodywork Therapists to display their license in a location where it can be easily seen and read by the public. Practitioners who provide mobile services must be able to present their license upon request.

    Because licenses may be suspended, revoked, or otherwise changed after a paper license has been issued, consumers are encouraged to verify a practitioner's current license status through the DSPS online lookup system.

    Please note that Wisconsin massage therapy licenses are renewed on February 28 of odd-numbered years.

  • Wisconsin Statues related to Massage Therapy are found at:

    http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/460

    Statutes include topics such as:

    460.01 Definitions (Include Scope of Practice)460.02 License required.460.03 Applicability.460.04 Duties of affiliated credentialing board.460.05 Licensure of massage therapists and bodywork therapists.460.06 Examinations.460.07 Display of certificate; expiration and renewal.460.08 Temporary license.460.09 Reciprocal license.460.095 Massage therapy and bodywork therapy school, training program, and instructor requirements.460.10 Continuing education.460.11 Practice requirements.460.12 Duty to make reports.460.13 Advertising.460.14 Disciplinary proceedings and actions.460.15 Penalty.460.17 Local regulation.

    Wisconsin Administrative Code (Also Law)- Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy Affiliated Credentialing Board

    http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/mtbt

    Chapter MTBT 1 – Authority, intent, and definitionsChapter MTBT 2 – Application (Requirements to apply for a massage license in WI, reciprocal licensing & more)Chapter MTBT 3 – EducationChapter MTBT 4 – Requirements for renewalChapter MTBT 5 – Unprofessional conductChapter MTBT 6 – Temporary licensureChapter MTBT 7 – Continuing education

    DSPS Administrative Rules related to Administrative Procedures for all licensed individuals:

    Chapter SPS 1 Procedures to review denial of an applicationChapter SPS 2 – Procedures for pleadings and hearingsChapter SPS 3 – Administrative injunctionsChapter SPS 4 – Department application procedures and application fee policiesChapter SPS 6 – Summary suspensionsChapter SPS 7 – Professional assistance procedureChapter SPS 8 – Administrative warningsChapter SPS 9 – Denial of renewal application because applicant is liable for delinquent taxes

    You may also find the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) page for Massage Therapists and Bodywork Therapists helpful:

    https://license.wi.gov/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F

    Is there any current forfeiture in massage statutes?

    460.15 Penalty. Any person who violates this chapter or any rule promulgated under this chapter shall forfeit not more than $1,000 for each violation. http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/460/15

  • Complete Wisconsin laws and regulations governing massage therapy and bodywork therapy are available online:

    Wisconsin Statutes (Chapter 460 – Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy) Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 460

    Wisconsin Administrative Code (MTBT Chapters 1–7) Wisconsin Administrative Code – Massage Therapists and Bodywork Therapists

    You may also find the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) resources helpful:

    These resources contain the current licensing requirements, renewal requirements, continuing education requirements, scope of practice, and professional conduct rules for Wisconsin massage therapists and bodywork therapists.

  • The Wisconsin Massage Therapy and Bodywork Therapy Affiliated Credentialing Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The board includes:

    • Six licensed massage therapists and bodywork therapists who have practiced for at least two years.

    • Of those six professional members:

      • One member represents private occupational schools approved by the Educational Approval Board.

      • One member represents massage and bodywork therapy programs offered through the Wisconsin Technical College System.

    • One member serves as a public representative.

    Board members serve four-year terms and help advise on matters related to licensure, professional standards, and regulation of the massage therapy and bodywork therapy profession in Wisconsin.

  • Serving on a Wisconsin state board or commission is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the massage therapy profession and to help shape policies that affect practitioners and the public. AMTA-Wisconsin encourages qualified members interested in meaningful volunteer service to consider applying.

    Please note that board positions are volunteer appointments and are not paid.

    Information about the board, current members, vacancies, and the appointment process can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) website.

    Questions regarding appointments may be directed to:

    Governor's Office – Appointments Department
    PO Box 7863
    Madison, WI 53707-7863
    Phone: (608) 266-7493
    Email: govappointments@wisconsin.gov

    Prospective applicants are encouraged to verify current vacancies, term expiration dates, and application requirements through the Governor's Office and DSPS, as board membership and appointment schedules may change over time.

  • The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is responsible for reviewing complaints involving licensed Massage Therapists and Bodywork Therapists, as well as allegations of unlicensed practice.

    Complaints may be submitted online or by mail through the DSPS complaint process. Information about filing a complaint and access to complaint forms can be found on the DSPS website:

    https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/SelfService/FileAComplaint.aspx

    When filing a complaint, provide as much detailed information and supporting documentation as possible to assist the department's review.

  • If you believe a business is allowing individuals to practice massage therapy without the required Wisconsin credential, you may file a complaint with DSPS for review.

    When submitting a complaint, include any information you have about the business and individuals involved, such as names, dates, advertisements, websites, social media posts, or other documentation that may assist an investigation.

    Complaints can be submitted through the DSPS complaint portal:

    https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/SelfService/FileAComplaint.aspx

    You may also contact local municipal officials if you believe a business is operating in violation of local ordinances or business licensing requirements. Local enforcement prcedures vary by community.

    Providing accurate, factual information and supporting documentation can help state or local officials evaluate the situation.

  • If you believe someone may be practicing massage therapy or bodywork therapy without a Wisconsin license, first verify their credential status through the DSPS online license lookup system.

    If you are unable to locate an active credential and believe the individual may be practicing without the required Wisconsin license, you may submit a complaint to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services for review.

    When filing a complaint, provide as much information as possible, including the individual's name, business name, location, advertisements, website, social media pages, or other supporting documentation that may assist an investigation.

    Complaint information and forms are available through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services:

    https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/SelfService/FileAComplaint.aspx