NY Senate OKs out-of-state massage therapist bill

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

New York’s Senate has passed a measure that would allow licensed massage therapists from other states and countries to provide hands-on instructions at education programs in the state.

The measure is now on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk for consideration. It passed the Senate Friday and the Assembly earlier in the month.

Under current law, massage therapists must be licensed in New York to be able to touch another person. Sponsoring Sen. Betty Little says the measure would broaden the field of instruction.

The Republican senator says that similar changes in state laws have been made for physical and occupational therapists.