Committee exempts certain energy‑work modalities from massage‑therapy licensure in committee substitute for SB 496

The Senate Government Organization Committee voted to report Senate Bill 496 to the full Senate with the recommendation that it pass. The bill narrows the statutory definition of massage therapy in Chapter 30, Article 37, to exclude energy‑work practitioners, such as reflexologists, so those practitioners would not be required to hold a massage‑therapy license.

Committee counsel Carl explained that the bill amends a single section of Chapter 30, Article 37 to exclude specified energy‑work modalities from the scope of regulated massage therapy. He said the Massage Therapy Licensure Board does not oppose the change and that the executive director of that board was present. The transcript records Jonathan Bellingham, identified as a reflexologist, on Teams and available to answer questions.

Senators asked whether the bill was prompted by a specific enforcement action and whether other modalities (for example, healing touch) fall under an existing licensure scheme. Counsel said that practicing reflexology previously required a massage‑therapy license, which prompted the bill; other modalities do not all fall under a separate board and some are not licensed in West Virginia.

No amendments were offered. The vice chair moved that the bill be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it pass; the motion passed on a voice vote and the committee adopted the recommendation.

The bill clarifies which modalities are subject to massage‑therapy licensure and removes the unintentional requirement that energy‑work practitioners obtain a massage‑therapy license.