Retrospective: All About IMpact

Greetings from Washington, D.C., where I’ve had the incredible opportunity to engage with fellow professionals at the Legislative Summit.

I’m here to share something groundbreaking for the massage therapy profession—the Interstate Massage Compact, or IMpact.

If you're a massage therapist or someone who cares about the profession’s future, stick with me. This initiative has the potential to change how we work, where we work, and how easily we can bring care to the people who need it.

So, What Is a Compact Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. An interstate compact is a contract between two or more states that creates a shared agreement on a specific issue. It’s not just a handshake deal—it’s constitutionally authorized, must be passed by each state’s legislature, and is a legally binding commitment.

Think of it like a driver’s license: if you’re licensed in one state, other member states recognize that license. The Interstate Massage Compact works in much the same way.

What Does IMpact Mean for Massage Therapists?

With IMpact in place, a licensed massage therapist (LMT) could practice in any member state without having to get a separate license for each one. That means:

• Less red tape

• Fewer licensing fees

• More flexibility in where and how we work

Other professions have similar compacts—nurses, physicians, physical therapists, psychologists, and even counselors already benefit from this kind of mobility. It’s time massage therapists did too.

Who’s Behind IMpact?

IMpact was developed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) in collaboration with the Council of State Governments and funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. Yes, the Department of Defense—more on that shortly!

Definitions to Know

To understand how IMpact works, here are some key terms:

• Single-State License: Your existing license, valid only in the state where it was issued.

• Home State: The state where you live and hold your active license.

• Remote State: Any other member state of the compact.

• Member State: A state that has passed the IMpact legislation and officially joined the compact.

• Multi-State License: A license that lets you practice in your home state and all other compact member states.

• Commission: The governing body made up of representatives from each member state that oversees the compact’s rules and implementation.

How Will It Work?

1. You must hold an active, unencumbered license in your home state.

2. Apply for a multi-state license through your home state.

3. The IMpact Commission will verify you meet eligibility requirements.

4. If approved, you’ll receive a multi-state license—allowing you to practice in all compact member (remote) states without additional licenses.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, a massage therapist must:

• Reside in a compact member state

• Have an active, unencumbered license

• Have completed at least 625 clock hours of massage therapy education

• Have passed a national licensing exam

• Have no disqualifying criminal history

The 625-hour requirement is based on research showing that between 600 and 650 hours of education results in an 81% first-time pass rate on the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). Importantly, states do not have to change their internal licensing standards—this requirement applies only to therapists seeking a multi-state license.

Also, continuing education hours may count toward meeting the 625-hour threshold—pending clarification from the Commission.

Benefits Galore

For Clients and Consumers:

• Greater access to care

• Continuity of care when clients relocate

• Stronger public safety through shared data among states

• Instant verification of license status and disciplinary history

For Therapists:

• Mobility—no more reapplying for licenses every time you move

• Expanded job opportunities across state lines

• Less administrative hassle and financial burden

• Support for military families (more on that in a minute!)

For State Regulators:

• Reduced admin work

• Easier response during emergencies like pandemics

• Continued jurisdiction over therapists working in their state

• Enhanced cooperation on investigations

• Shared data systems to protect the public

For States:

• Workforce development

• More qualified therapists available to meet demand

• Improved access to care without sacrificing regulatory control

• Stronger labor markets

A Game-Changer for Military Families

Military families move. A lot. And with every move comes job disruption—especially for spouses in licensed professions like massage therapy. It can take up to two years for a military spouse to re-enter the workforce after relocating. By then, they might be moving again.

That’s why the Department of Defense is a key supporter of interstate compacts. These agreements reduce employment barriers for military spouses and support service members and their families—helping with retention, recruitment, and readiness.

With IMpact, military spouses holding a multi-state license can seamlessly continue their careers in each new duty station.

I believe in IMpact wholeheartedly, and if you’re a massage therapist, client, or state regulator, I think you should too.

Massage therapy is a vital part of healthcare. IMpact helps eliminate outdated, arbitrary barriers to practice while still protecting public safety. It supports the professionals who care for our bodies, minds, and communities—making sure they can do their work wherever they’re needed most.

If you're ready for a smarter, more unified future for massage therapy—IMpact is the way forward.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s keep the conversation going!