Mississippi and the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)

Mississippi has not yet enacted the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) — the nationally aligned licensure compact developed through a regulator-led, multi-year process to improve workforce mobility while maintaining strong public protection standards.

During the current legislative session, HB 833 has been introduced. This bill proposes an alternative compact framework that differs from the original IMpact language already adopted by participating states.

This distinction is important.

Interstate compacts only work when every state adopts the same uniform statutory language. Consistency ensures license portability, shared safety standards, and coordinated oversight. Creating different versions results in separate systems that do not connect.

If enacted as introduced, HB 833 could:

• Limit true multistate license portability
• Create confusion for licensees, regulators, and employers
• Require duplicative administrative systems
• Isolate Mississippi from states already aligned under IMpact
• Undermine the purpose of a single national compact framework

How You Can Help

Mississippi professionals and stakeholders play an important role in shaping the outcome.

• Learn more about the official IMpact and review the model legislation at massagecompact.org
• Complete the IMpact Survey to share your perspective
• Contact your legislators regarding HB 833
• Encourage adoption of the original, nationally aligned IMpact language

👉 Links to each action step are available on the right side of this page.
📄 Scroll down to access the letter of support you can send directly to your lawmakers.

By taking action now, Mississippi can join a growing network of states working together to create a consistent, portable, and protective pathway for massage therapy licensure.