Current Status of Massage Therapy Regulation in Manitoba
Massage therapy has been identified for establishment as a regulated health profession under Manitoba’s Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). However, in November 2022, CMMOTA was informed that the regulation of massage therapy will only proceed after the transition of other health professions to the new RHPA framework.
While the timeline for this transition remains uncertain, we continue to engage with the Manitoba government, the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM), and the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) to advance the regulation of massage therapy in the province.
Background
In early 2020, the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM) submitted a Working Draft of the Regulation Workbook for the Regulation of Massage Therapy in Manitoba. Following this submission, CMMOTA was invited by the Minister of Health to provide feedback on the proposal. In our response, we addressed several concerns with the proposal and reiterated our support for the regulation of the profession moving forward.
Future Updates
Any new information on massage therapy regulation in Manitoba will be made available here as it becomes available.
General FAQ’s Related to Regulation in Manitoba
What is a College of Massage Therapy/Governance under Provincial Legislation?
Under provincial legislation (in Manitoba under the RHPA), health professions are organized into regulatory bodies called “colleges.” These colleges are delegated powers and authorities for self-governance. Regulatory colleges are not post-secondary institutions.
Provincial legislation requires that colleges carry out governance responsibilities in a manner that protects and serves the public interest. Health profession colleges do this by:
· Setting entry requirements (including required education, practical training, and examinations);
· Identifying services provided by regulated members, setting standards for professional practice;
· Setting continuing competency requirements; and
· Investigating complaints about regulated members and imposing disciplinary actions if required.
Regulatory colleges are not professional associations. Professional associations usually operate to represent the interests of their members and to advance the profession.