West Virginia Senate committee approves licensure bills for midwives and massage therapy
February 25, 2025 | 2025 Legislature WV, West Virginia
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The West Virginia Senate Government Organization Committee convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss several significant legislative proposals, including the establishment of a licensing framework for midwives and amendments to massage therapy regulations.
The first major topic was Senate Bill 482, which aims to create a separate licensing category for licensed midwives. This bill does not establish a new licensing board; instead, it places midwifery licensure under the existing Board of Registered Nurses. This integration is designed to streamline the regulatory process, as the board already oversees certified nurse midwives. The bill has garnered support from the Registered Nurses Board and various midwifery groups across the state. After a brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to recommend the bill for passage to the full Senate.
Next on the agenda was Senate Bill 496, which proposes to amend the definition of massage therapy to exclude energy work practitioners, such as reflexologists, from needing a massage therapy license. This change aims to clarify the scope of practice and reduce regulatory burdens on practitioners of energy work. The Massage Therapy Licensure Board has expressed no opposition to this amendment. The discussion highlighted the need for this bill, as reflexologists previously faced licensing requirements that did not align with their practices. The committee also voted in favor of advancing this bill to the full Senate.
The meeting concluded with a brief introduction of Senate Bill 586, which addresses the requirements for filling vacancies in various elected offices. However, detailed discussions on this bill were not covered in the transcript.
Overall, the committee's actions reflect a commitment to refining regulatory frameworks in West Virginia, particularly in healthcare professions, to better serve both practitioners and the public. The next steps will involve further consideration by the full Senate, where these bills will be debated and potentially enacted into law.
The first major topic was Senate Bill 482, which aims to create a separate licensing category for licensed midwives. This bill does not establish a new licensing board; instead, it places midwifery licensure under the existing Board of Registered Nurses. This integration is designed to streamline the regulatory process, as the board already oversees certified nurse midwives. The bill has garnered support from the Registered Nurses Board and various midwifery groups across the state. After a brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to recommend the bill for passage to the full Senate.
Next on the agenda was Senate Bill 496, which proposes to amend the definition of massage therapy to exclude energy work practitioners, such as reflexologists, from needing a massage therapy license. This change aims to clarify the scope of practice and reduce regulatory burdens on practitioners of energy work. The Massage Therapy Licensure Board has expressed no opposition to this amendment. The discussion highlighted the need for this bill, as reflexologists previously faced licensing requirements that did not align with their practices. The committee also voted in favor of advancing this bill to the full Senate.
The meeting concluded with a brief introduction of Senate Bill 586, which addresses the requirements for filling vacancies in various elected offices. However, detailed discussions on this bill were not covered in the transcript.
Overall, the committee's actions reflect a commitment to refining regulatory frameworks in West Virginia, particularly in healthcare professions, to better serve both practitioners and the public. The next steps will involve further consideration by the full Senate, where these bills will be debated and potentially enacted into law.
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