Manitoba RMTs to Become a Regulated Health Profession
Massage Therapists in Manitoba Move Closer to Regulation under the Regulated Health Professions Act
On November 24, 2015, it was announced that the Manitoba Minister of Health, Sharon Blady has accepted the recommendation of the Health Professions Advisory Council that the profession of massage therapy be granted self-regulation under The Regulated Health Professions Act (the RHPA)
What are the next steps?
The Minister has set a course for the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM) to work though core key issues that need to be addressed prior to self-regulation including consultation with healthcare professions. Once this work is complete, a timeline will be set for the development of a regulatory college to be known as the College of Massage Therapy of Manitoba.
What does Regulation mean for Massage Therapists
Self-Regulation Through a Massage Therapy Regulatory College
- Massage therapists have the necessary knowledge, skills and are therefore best suited to regulate their own profession within the requirements of the Regulated Health Professions Act.
Professional Status
- Although many Massage Therapists work alongside regulated health professionals such as physiotherapists and chiropractors, they are often not perceived to be on the same level as other health professionals. Designating massage therapy as a regulated health profession will help to raise the status of the profession, and will provide a much clearer distinction between therapeutic massage provided by RMTs versus “cosmetic massage”.
Title Protection
- The titles “massage therapist” and “registered massage therapist” will be reserved only for those who are eligible to register as an RMT with the Regulatory College.
Insurance Recognition
Massage therapists who are registered with the Regulatory College will be recognized as qualified massage therapy providers by all insurance companies.
Labour Mobility / Credential Recognition
- Manitoba RMT’s credentials will be recognized by all other provinces (regulated or not), making it easier to move and practice in other provinces
Education Standards
The Regulatory College will have input into the approval/registration of massage therapy diploma programs, so that graduate will have the minimum education required to complete the provincial examinations for entry-to-practice. All schools registered and recognized by the Regulatory College will be required to deliver comprehensive curricula and quality assessment methods to ensure that students acquire all the required practice competencies for new massage therapists. These practice competencies are consistent across all regulated provinces.
