What is the Interstate Massage Compact?
The Interstate Massage Compact is a state-based licensure compact designed to allow eligible licensed massage therapists to practice in other compact member states through a multistate license, instead of applying for a separate license in every compact state.
FSMTB describes IMpact as a way to reduce administrative barriers, support therapist mobility, and increase access to massage therapy services while preserving state regulation and public protection.
Illinois currently has active IMpact legislation through SB 1756, which would allow Illinois to enter the Interstate Massage Compact. The Illinois General Assembly summary states that the compact is intended to reduce burdens on state governments and facilitate interstate practice and regulation of massage therapy, with the goal of improving public access to and safety of massage therapy services.
Why IMpact Matters for Illinois
Joining the Interstate Massage Compact would help Illinois:
- Improve workforce mobility for licensed massage therapists
- Support military spouses and families who relocate across state lines
- Reduce duplicate licensing barriers for qualified professionals
- Preserve state licensing authority and public protection
- Strengthen regulatory communication between compact member states
- Improve access to massage therapy services across urban, suburban, and rural communities
For Illinois massage therapists, employers, schools, clients, and healthcare partners, IMpact is about more than convenience. It is about creating a stronger, safer, and more modern licensure framework for the profession.
Illinois SB 1756
IMTPA supports SB 1756, Illinois legislation to join the Interstate Massage Compact using the original IMpact model language.
SB 1756 would create the Interstate Massage Compact in Illinois and establish Illinois as a compact member state. The bill includes provisions related to member state requirements, multistate license eligibility, regulatory authority, adverse actions, military members and spouses, data systems, rulemaking, oversight, enforcement, withdrawal, and conflicts with state law.
IMTPA's Position
IMTPA supports the original FSMTB-backed Interstate Massage Compact because it reflects a responsible balance of:
Illinois should not fall behind neighboring states in modernizing licensure mobility. IMTPA will continue to educate massage therapists, employers, schools, policymakers, and the public about why SB 1756 matters for Illinois.
Take Action
Illinois massage therapists and supporters can help by contacting their state senator and asking them to support SB 1756 — the Interstate Massage Compact.