IMpact Builds Momentum in Missouri

‍Missouri and the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)

Missouri has been actively engaged in considering legislation to join the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact). During the 2026 legislative session, the lMpact legislation demonstrated meaningful progress and strong alignment with workforce needs and stakeholder interest in both the House and Senate.

As the session progressed, however, the bill was unable to complete the legislative process before adjournment. This outcome reflects the realities of legislative timing and competing priorities — not a lack of support for the Interstate Massage Compact.

Support for IMpact in Missouri remains strong and consistent across the profession, aligning with national trends and reinforcing the need for a more efficient, coordinated licensure model.

Recent survey data from Missouri massage therapists highlights this strong support:

• 96.1% support the Interstate Massage Compact
• 86.3% are likely to obtain a multistate license
• 58.8% have practiced in more than one state
• 92.2% are willing to engage in support of licensure mobility

What Missouri Massage Therapists Are Experiencing

Massage therapists in Missouri report consistent challenges when attempting to practice across state lines. The most commonly cited barriers include:

• The cost of obtaining additional licenses
• Redundant application and documentation requirements
• Delays in application processing timelines

These barriers can delay employment, limit professional mobility, and create unnecessary administrative burden for qualified practitioners.

As one Missouri massage therapist shared:

“I’ve had to repeat the same steps for every state. The cost and time make it difficult to expand my work.”

Why IMpact Matters in Missouri

Missouri’s massage therapy workforce is already mobile, with nearly 60% of respondents reporting experience practicing in multiple states. However, inconsistent licensing requirements across states create friction that can delay or prevent therapists from working.

Survey data also indicates strong projected utilization, with more than 86% of Missouri respondents indicating they would likely obtain a multistate license if available.

These findings reflect a workforce that is:

• Actively seeking greater mobility
• Experiencing measurable barriers under the current system
• Prepared to utilize a more efficient, consistent licensure model

Take Action

Your voice matters.

More than 92% of Missouri survey respondents indicated they are willing to take action in support of licensure mobility. Continued engagement helps ensure that legislators clearly understand the needs and priorities of the massage therapy profession.

You can help ensure Missouri continues moving 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 need for IMpact is real—and that Missouri massage therapists are ready for a more efficient path forward.

Looking Ahead

Missourihas 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.