Vote NO: H.625 Is Not the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact)

Vermont does not currently have statewide licensure for massage therapy. Because interstate compacts are agreements between state licensing authorities, licensure is a foundational requirement for participation in any occupational compact.

During the current legislative session, H.625 has been introduced — but it is not the original Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact) language.

Instead, H.625 proposes an alternative compact framework that differs from the Interstate Massage Compact developed through the official Council of State Governments (CSG) process and already enacted by five states using identical, uniform language.

This distinction matters.

Compacts only function when states adopt the same model language — and when participating states have established licensure systems that allow regulators to verify qualifications, ensure public protection, and enforce standards. Uniformity and licensure are what make true multistate portability possible.

Why H.625 Is Problematic for Vermont

Even aside from the language differences, Vermont does not currently have statewide licensure in place — which means it is not positioned to participate in an interstate licensure compact.

If H.625 were to move forward as introduced:

• Vermont would still lack the licensure framework necessary to participate in any occupational compact
• The state would not be joining the existing Interstate Massage Compact
• It would create confusion about portability where no regulatory infrastructure exists
• It would place Vermont further out of alignment with the states that have enacted IMpact

In short, H.625 does not connect Vermont to the established Interstate Massage Compact. Without licensure, Vermont cannot meaningfully participate in a national compact system.

What Vermont Massage Therapists Should Do Now

Your engagement is critical.

✔️ Support Establishment of Statewide Licensure

Licensure is the first and necessary step toward professional mobility.

Without licensure:

• There is no regulatory authority to join a compact
• There is no uniform standard for public protection
• There is no mechanism for multistate practice

Encourage Vermont legislators to prioritize the creation of a statewide licensure framework for massage therapy.

✔️ Learn About the Original IMpact

The Interstate Massage Compact was developed through a multi-year, CSG-facilitated process involving regulators, educators, practitioners, military-family advocates, and public-protection experts. Find out more right here on massagecompact.org.

✔️ Take the IMpact Survey

Your voice matters. Legislators need accurate information about:

• Workforce mobility needs
• Public safety priorities
• The real-world impact of licensure barriers

Take the IMpact Survey using the button on this page.

✔️ Encourage Licensure + the Original IMpact Language

Ask your legislators to:

1. Establish statewide licensure for massage therapy in Vermont; and
2. When Vermont qualifies, support adoption of the original Interstate Massage Compact language — the version already enacted in other states and moving toward activation.

You can find the original IMpact language at:
https://www.massagecompact.org/resources

Vermont massage therapists and stakeholders have an important opportunity. The path to meaningful professional mobility begins with licensure. From there, Vermont can position itself to join a functioning, national compact — rather than standing apart from it. The future of professional mobility in Vermont depends on informed, strategic engagement now.

‍