By Ashley Booker

The House Health and Human Services Committee tabled a bill that would require massage therapists to be licensed by the state.

The bill’s main proponent, Stuart Little, a lobbyist for the Kansas chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association, said the group is disappointed that House Bill 2123 likely is done for this legislative session.

“There will be a license to practice massage in Kansas someday, but sadly that process was slowed down today,” Little said. With this move, Kansas remains one of five states that do not regulate massage therapists. Massage therapists who are willing to protect the public will continue to advocate for a fair regulatory system, Little said.

Ashley Booker is an intern for KHI News Service in Topeka, a partner in the Heartland Health Monitor team.