Georgia Builds Momentum for the Interstate Massage Compact

Georgia and the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)

Georgia has demonstrated strong and sustained support for the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), with legislation introduced during the 2025 legislative session that made significant progress and came close to passage.

Due to end-of-session timing constraints—unrelated to the substance or support for the bill—the legislation was unable to complete the final steps before adjournment. Importantly, the momentum built during that session carried forward.

In 2026, IMpact was well-positioned to advance, with clear support from the profession, the regulatory community, and legislative stakeholders.

That support is also reflected in recent survey data from Georgia massage therapists:

• 95.6% support the Interstate Massage Compact
• 85.3% are likely to obtain a multistate license
• 58.8% have practiced in more than one state
• 91.2% are willing to engage in support of licensure mobility

As the session progressed, however, new and competing narratives emerged late in the process—creating confusion that disrupted an otherwise strong and aligned path forward.

It is important to note: the outcome of the 2026 session does not reflect a lack of support for IMpact in Georgia. The foundation remains strong, and the interest across stakeholders is clear.

Why IMpact Matters in Georgia

The Interstate Massage Compact allows eligible, licensed massage therapists to obtain a multistate license, increasing mobility while maintaining each state’s authority over regulation and public protection.

For Georgia, this means:

• Expanding workforce mobility and access to care
• Supporting therapists who relocate or live near state borders
• Strengthening public protection through coordinated licensure and data sharing

Massage therapists in Georgia also report consistent challenges when attempting to practice across state lines, including:

• Inconsistent licensing requirements between states
• The cost of obtaining additional licenses
• Delays in application processing timelines

As one Georgia massage therapist shared:

“Each state has different rules—it makes it difficult to expand or relocate.”

Take Action

Georgia is closer than ever to joining IMpact—and your voice is critical right now.

The 2026 outcome does not reflect the will or support of the massage therapy community. Legislators need to hear clearly and consistently that IMpact remains a priority for professionals across the state.

More than 90% of Georgia survey respondents indicated they are willing to take action in support of licensure mobility—your voice adds to that collective impact.

Your support matters now more than ever.

You can help ensure Georgia moves forward:

• Send a letter of support to your legislators
• Take the Survey of the Profession to demonstrate statewide support
• Share your story about why license mobility matters to you

Every message reinforces that the momentum behind IMpact is real—and that Georgians want to see it across the finish line.

Looking Ahead

Georgia has already built the relationships, understanding, and support needed to successfully enact IMpact.

With continued engagement from the massage therapy community, the state is well-positioned to move forward—and to ensure that future outcomes reflect the strong support that already exists.