An interstate compact is a legally binding agreement between two or more states that enables them to collaborate on shared policy matters. In occupational licensing, compacts allow states to mutually recognize or streamline professional licensure across member states — supporting workforce mobility while preserving each state’s authority to regulate the profession.
The Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) is a state-led agreement that enables licensed massage therapists to practice across member states under one multistate license — while preserving each state’s authority to regulate the profession and protect the public. The IMpact was developed through a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), administered by the Council of State Governments (CSG), in partnership with the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), whose members are the state boards and agencies responsible for massage therapy regulation.
The development of IMpact was initially funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to the Council of State Governments (CSG). The purpose of this grant was to improve license portability for military families and mobile professionals by facilitating the creation of occupational licensure compacts.
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) was selected through a competitive grant application process to serve as the steward and primary subject matter expert and for the massage therapy compact. FSMTB did not receive or manage any of the federal grant funds. Those funds were administered entirely by CSG and used solely for the development of the compact language and stakeholder engagement necessary to draft the model legislation.
When the compact language was finalized in December 2022, the DoD-funded project concluded. Since that time, FSMTB has fully funded all ongoing IMpact efforts, including legislative support, communications, technology provisions, and opted to continue collaboration with CSG under a direct contract for technical and legislative assistance.
This ensures that IMpact remains a regulator-led initiative, sustained by FSMTB and its member boards, independent of external funding or federal control.
The IMpact allows a massage therapist licensed in their home state of residence (a compact member) to apply for a multistate license. Once eligibility is verified, the therapist receives authorization to practice in all other compact member states. The therapist must keep their home-state license active and unencumbered to maintain that privilege.
A state legislature must enact the model compact bill and the governor must sign it into law. To qualify, the state must license and regulate massage therapists, require a national licensing exam, conduct background checks, and maintain continuing-competence requirements. Once seven (7) states enact the IMpact, the Compact Commission is formed to adopt rules and operating procedures.
The Interstate Massage Compact Commission is the governing body that administers the Compact on behalf of all member states. It is an instrumentality of the states, ensuring consistent implementation, protecting state authority, and providing a forum for coordination on licensure and enforcement.
Each IMpact member state appoints one Commissioner, which will be the state board administrator/executive director or their designee. All member states have equal representation. No private entity or association controls the Commission — it operates as an instrumentality of the member states.
The Commission can adopt rules and bylaws, administer the data system, facilitate cross-state cooperation on enforcement, manage fees and budgets, and hire staff as needed. All rulemaking follows a public process with advance notice and open meetings.
All Commission meetings and rulemaking sessions are open to the public. Draft rules are published for notice and comment, ensuring transparency.
The IMpact enhances consumer protection by sharing disciplinary information, establishing uniform minimum standards for education and examination, and enabling instant license verification. It also helps prevent human trafficking and unlicensed activity by improving cross-state communication and enforcement.
The IMpact requires certain minimum standards for education, examination, and thresholds of professional disciplinary history that must be met regarding eligibility for a multistate license. It also strengthens public protection by linking verified data on licensees, disciplinary actions, and criminal histories. Shared intelligence among boards helps identify bad actors and prevents them from relocating or operating undetected across states.
Yes. A state may withdraw by repealing the compact statute. Withdrawal takes effect one year after written notice to the Commission to allow for orderly transition.
The DoD funded development of the IMpact to support license portability for military families. The DoD does not oversee or regulate the Compact — authority remains entirely with participating states.
The IMpact data system uses secure, encrypted technology that meets state and federal standards. Only authorized regulatory officials can access the information.
It preserves state sovereignty while ensuring uniform national standards. Each state retains control over its own licensing and disciplinary processes.
Costs vary depending on infrastructure but typically include integrating with the data system and staff training. These are offset by efficiencies and revenue from multistate license fees. The FSMTB is also funding certain components to reduce or eliminate the burden on government.
All rules are adopted publicly. States can provide input and may appeal or challenge a rule if it conflicts with their laws or exceeds Commission authority. States can withdraw from the Compact if necessary.
Like a driver’s license, the IMpact allows qualified massage therapists to practice in multiple member states with one multistate license — enhancing mobility and reducing administrative barriers.
Once the Compact Commission is operational the application procedure will be published. Until then, therapists can prepare by maintaining their home-state license in good standing, verifying or attaining 625 hours of education, and ensuring they have passed the national licensing exam.
Applicants must:
The Entry-Level Analysis Project (ELAP) identified 625 hours as the minimum number of hours required for a basic massage therapy education. This standard reflects empirical data, national consensus, and public input.
Yes. Documented continuing education can be applied toward the total when determining equivalency, subject to Commission rules.
Yes. The 625-hour education requirement applies to individual therapists seeking a multistate license, not to state education requirements.
The Commission will define “substantial equivalence” to ensure qualified long-practicing therapists can participate while maintaining safety standards.
No. Therapists meet their home state’s CE requirements but must follow each remote state’s laws and scope of practice.
You must reactivate your home state license first and reapply for multistate privileges as directed by Commission rules.
Fees will be determined by each state and the Commission. They are expected to be comparable to current single-state renewal fees.
Maintain good standing, confirm your education hours, pass the MBLEx, and advocate for your state to join. Sign up for updates and the IMpact: Survey of the Profession at massagecompact.org.
Once seven states enact the Compact, the Commission will form, adopt rules, and build the data system. Multistate licenses are expected 12–18 months after Commission formation.
Each member state continues to investigate and discipline under its laws. The Commission ensures that disciplinary information is shared quickly among member states.
All licensure and disciplinary information is encrypted, securely transmitted, and accessible only to authorized regulators.
FSMTB provides administrative and policy support to member boards through multiple programs (MBLEx, CE Registry, etc.). The IMpact complements these by enabling national license mobility while reinforcing FSMTB’s mission of supporting public protection.
Yes, if they meet licensure and regulatory requirements. Currently, California, Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming are ineligible due to lack of state licensure.
States can appeal or challenge rules through established procedures and retain the right to withdraw from the Compact if necessary.
Regulators remain responsible for licensing, enforcement, and discipline within their state. They also serve on the Commission to guide policy and rulemaking.
Disciplinary actions are shared instantly through the IMpact data system. Other states can take reciprocal or protective actions as needed.
To promote public protection, regulatory collaboration, and workforce mobility, ensuring qualified professionals can practice across state lines while maintaining professional standards.
