Reprinted below is the Position Statement on Legislation, adopted by the NCBTMB Board of Directors in October 2000. The Position Statement was drafted by the Government Relations Committee of NCBTMB. The original Position Statement was first adopted three years ago. 

Position Statement on Government Relations

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

NCBTMB Mission
The mission of the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is to foster high standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of services through a recognized credible credentialing program that assures the competency of practitioners of therapeutic massage and bodywork.

The National Certification Board
for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
NCBTMB is committed to professional excellence in providing a credentialing program of the highest degree of integrity to serve the public interest. In 1994, the program was granted accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NCCA/NOCA), ensuring that the program is conducted under rigorous standards of independence and fairness.

National Certification Examination
The National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCE), psychometrically developed with the guidance of an independent testing company, serves as a reliable assessment of practitioner competency. The exam is based on a nationwide job analysis survey that is conducted every five years to maintain accuracy and objectivity during the testing process. Since the examination accurately reflects the standards of practice for the profession, it is a legally defensible examination.

Requirements
Certification through NCBTMB requires that practitioners meet appropriate educational requirements as well as pass the psychometrically developed certification examination. Continuing education in the field of therapeutic massage and bodywork is also required to maintain National Certification status; this assures continued competence and proficiency of the certified practitioner.

Recognition and Support
NCBTMB is a voluntary program that has enjoyed widespread support throughout the profession since 1992. Examinations are administered all through the year in every state in the country. The first nationally accredited program offered in the field of therapeutic massage and bodywork, many states and municipalities throughout the country use the NCTMB credential. As of September 2000, more than 40,000 practitioners of therapeutic massage and bodywork have achieved and continue to maintain National Certification status.

Use in Legislation and Regulation
NCBTMB provides information regarding the National Certification Program to state, county and municipal agencies for their consideration when addressing legislative and regulatory issues. 

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FROMTHECHAIR
By Neal Cross, PhD, NCTMB

This issue of NCB Connection contains the ballots for electing new Board members to NCBTMB. I vividly recall my experience four years ago as I went through this process. First there was the encouragement from colleagues within NCBTMB to run for the Board of Directors. There was support from outside the organization as well. After lengthy and considered thought, I decided to run. The next step involved getting my credentials together and presenting them to a committee. In addition, I needed to write a vision statement for what I thought NCBTMB should be. Next, I had a series of interviews with members of the Nomination Committee. End resultómy name was one of several forwarded to the Board for ratification. In this edition of NCB Connection four years ago, my name, picture, credentials and vision statement appeared. At that point it became clear to me that I really would like to be elected to the Board. I sincerely felt that I had a contribution to make. I also had doubts about my chances of being elected given the slate of candidates at that time. I was fortunate and received enough votes to get elected.

However, I was disappointed when I discovered how many certificants voted out of the number possible. Less than 10 percent had bothered to vote! As I remember, way less than 10 percent! Given the significance of these positions and the effort that has already gone into this selection process, I encourage each and every one of you to vote. As Board members, we strive to reflect the needs and wishes of our certificants. I need only point out the recent Presidential election to demonstrate how important your vote can be. I thank you in advance for your thoughtful participation. Let us demonstrate to this slate of candidates that we care.

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NCBTMB 2001 ELECTION
Click here for the Election Ballot!

Nominee Profiles for Board Members

Garnet Adair, NCTMB
Massage Therapist, The Right Touch Massage, Tucson, AZ
Massage Instructor, The Desert Institute of the Healing Arts, Tucson, AZ

EDUCATION:
Graduate, The Desert Institute of the Healing Arts, Tucson, AZ

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Chair, NCBTMB Ethics and Standards Committee
Professional Member, AMTA
Immediate Vice President, AMTA-Arizona
Chair, Strategic Plan Committee, AMTA-Arizona
Past President, AMTA-Arizona
Past Second Vice President, AMTA-Arizona
Past Member, AMTA National Commission on Grievances
Past Member, AMTA National Commission on Nominations 

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:
Stress reduction and soft tissue rehabilitation, lymphatic and pre-natal massage

VISION STATEMENT:
Having chaired the NCBTMB Ethics and Standards Committee and managed the development of the recently approved Standards of Practice, I have had the opportunity to interact with many certificants and learn more about their opinions and ideas concerning certification. Certificants have identified that they want NCBTMB to look at specialty or advanced certifications and for the Board to make visionary decisions when determining the qualifications for those certifications. Also, as NCBTMB moves further into the realm of recognition by consumers, educators, legislators and other stakeholders we need to keep our mission statement about high standards at the forefront of all decisions.

My two years serving as a committee chair has also allowed me to attend Board meetings, observe how the Board operates, and understand the issues facing certification today. I feel I can bring what I have learned during this time, along with my 11 years experience as a massage therapist and educator, to the Board table, should you choose to elect me.

Tree Bright, NCTMB
Self-Employed Massage Therapist, Winston-Salem, NC
Former Program Coordinator and Instructor, Massage Therapy Program, Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC

EDUCATION:
Graduate, The Desert Institute of the Healing Arts, Tucson, AZ
Bachelor of Media Arts, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Member, AMTA National Meeting Planning Committee
Treasurer, NC Law and Legislation Task Force (now called Law and Legislation Coalition)
Professional Member, AMTA; LMBT
Past Membership Chair, AMTA North Carolina Chapter
Past Second Vice President, AMTA North Carolina Chapter
Past Treasurer, AMTA North Carolina Chapter
Past President, AMTA North Carolina Chapter
Immediate Past President, AMTA North Carolina Chapter
Member, NCBTMB Review Committee

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:
Contemporary Western, structural integration, injury recovery

VISION STATEMENT:
I have served my profession for nine years by participating in my professional organization, on a local, state and national level and have found the experience fulfilling. It is now time for me to contribute in a different way. I would like the opportunity to serve by being a member of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

Leadership is about service. Service to the certificants, the consumers and the general public. Our diversity and uniqueness give us all the opportunity for growth. This diversity allows for a wealth of great ideas. I would like to facilitate their actualization.

I consider it an honor to be part of this organization and would consider it a privilege to serve on the board. Previous board members have worked very hard to establish clear, relevant ethical standards. I would like the opportunity to continue their work to support and strengthen our provision. We have been able to achieve so many things in support of massage therapy, bodywork, oriental modalities and movement therapies by working with our diversity while achieving cohesiveness.

Elaine Calenda, NCTMB
Clinical Education Director, Boulder College of Massage Therapy, Boulder, CO
Massage Therapist, Private Practice
Creative Director, Digit Press Publishing, Longmont, CO

EDUCATION:
Graduate, The Swedish Institute School of Massage and Allied Sciences, New York, NY
Training in European Kinesiology and Applied Kinesiology
Continuing education courses in Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology, toward AA/AS, Occupational Studies, Boulder College of Massage Therapy, Boulder, CO.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Chair, NCBTMB Examination Committee
Professional Member, AMTA
Former Chair, AMTA Special Committee on Standards of Care
Author, ìMassage Therapyî chapter for Alternative Medicine in Neurologic Illness, to be published 2001
Researcher, The Effects of Massage on Headache, Boulder College of Massage Therapy, Boulder, CO
Presenter, various seminars on massage and bodywork
 
AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:
Orthopedic and medical massage; energy work

VISION STATEMENT:
The NCBTMB has provided one of the first viable means toward securing and standardizing the ancient healing arts of touch therapies in the modern world. As chair of the National Examination Committee for the last three years, I have attended NCBTMB board meetings, events and forums. I have had the privilege to participate in the development of the strategic plan. I feel I am now ready to serve the organization as a member of the Board of Directors.

As we approach a new era in health care, record numbers of people are trying massage and bodywork for the first time. Our influence in the medical and sports arenas is stronger than it has been since the 1930s. We must continue to serve the public safely and with honor. To do this effectively will require open communication, integrity and a unification of bodywork practitioners. The NCBTMB has since its conception been in pursuit of these goals on a national and global scale. The NCBTMB is not just an exam, but an entire organization dedicated to foster the growth of the profession and protect the public trust. As a member of the board, an ambassador of the NCBTMB vision and mission, I will continue to educate other health care professionals and society at large on the benefits of massage therapy and bodywork and the value of national certification.

G. Cosper Scafidi, NCTMB
Certified Advanced Rolfer, American WholeHealth Inc., Alexandria, VA

EDUCATION: 
Advanced Certification in Structural Integration, Rolf Institute, Boulder, CO
Master practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming, Family Therapy Institute, Alexandria, VA
MBA, Marketing and Organizational Development, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
Graduate study in clinical psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
BA, Counseling Psychology, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Graduate, Mind-Body Medicine Skills Program, Center for Mind-Body Medicine, Washington, DC

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Board Chairman, The Rolf Institute, Boulder, CO
Regional Clinical Director, American WholeHealth Inc., Alexandria, VA
Co-founder, Complementary Medicine Center, Alexandria, VA
Lecturer on mind-body medicine, bodywork at metropolitan Washington, DC medical centers/hospitals
Management consultant in organization development, marketing and strategic planning, Alexandria, VA
Rolf Institute representative, Federation of Massage Therapy, Bodywork and Somatic Practice Organizations

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:
Rolfing, cranial, energetic and osteopathic techniques and approaches

VISION STATEMENT:
The stated mission of the NCBTMB relates to ìfosterîing high standards. This is my personal mission for the field. Twenty years ago, when I first sought a license in the city of my birth, Alexandria, Virginia, I was treated like a prostitute by the city government. The field of massage and bodywork was in its professional, educational and business infancy. We have grown exponentially since 1980. However, there is a lot of hard work to do to secure our place in the field of integrated medicine. I think that credentialing is of the highest priority to continue to grow credibility and professionalism in our field. This will be essential for maintaining public and professional trust and assuring that high caliber individuals continue to be attracted to joining our field as members.

I would like to see the NCBTMB continue to be a leader in articulating the ideas around the distinct fields of inquiry within bodywork and massage. As the public sophistication grows, I believe a greater need will exist to differentiate and distinguish the many approaches to somatic therapy and education. I hope to use my experience both as a clinician and administrator to help evolve these conversations.

Lynda Solien-Wolfe, LMT, NCTMB
Massage Therapist, Private Practice, Merritt Island, FL
Public Relations/Marketing Consultant for the Massage Therapy Industry

EDUCATION:
Graduate, Space Coast Massage Institute, Melbourne, FL

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Chair, NCBTMB Communications Committee
Professional Member, AMTA; FSMTA
Florida Delegate to National AMTA
Former Vice President, Communications/Public Relations, Florida AMTA
Massage Therapist of the Year, Florida Chiropractic Association, 1998
Florida State Massage Therapy Association National Achievement Award, 1998

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:
Medical Massage, Chair Massage, Prenatal/Infant Massage, Spa Therapies, Massage Therapy Public Relations/Marketing

VISION STATEMENT:
Serving our profession is both an honor and privilege for me. My professional vision is to promote the massage profession one person at a time. I believe the vision of NCBTMB aligns with my professional vision. I desire to be a part of the growth and success of NCBTMB. As a member of the Board of Directors, I will utilize my creative talents to help envision our future, work as a team member to plan for the future growth of NCB and our profession, and carry through with enthusiasm to manifest objectives into reality.

Entering this profession almost a decade ago, Iíve worked hard to enhance and establish the overall picture of our profession. With my genuine desire to see the bodywork industry grow, Iíve dedicated much time to communicating and educating the public on the value and benefits of massage therapy. Additionally, I have worked to increase awareness about the benefits of massage to other health care professions and legislative professionals.

I have been challenged and rewarded as chair of the NCBTMB Communications Committee during the past three years. I am very proud to be Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and welcome the chance to continue to serve NCBTMB and our profession.

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NCBNEWS

Fee Increases January 2001
In January, 2001, NCBTMB implemented several enhancements to its certification program that are related to the key initiatives of its Strategic Plan. These changes to the National Certification Program translate into a more effective and efficient program for all certificants and consumers of the National Certification Program. In an effort to keep costs as low as possible, only the examination fee was revised. Beginning January 1, 2001, the examination fee increased to $225. For additional information about enhancements to the National Certification Program visit the Web site article at www.ncbtmb.com.

Web Site Improvements
Be sure to visit the new and improved NCBTMB Web site, www.ncbtmb.com. Many improvements have been made, including the addition of new sections, such as ìWhatís New at NCBî and ìMedia Room.î The Important Forms section has been revised and the Practitioner Locator Service is slated for expansion in the very near future. If you havenít already done so, please complete the Practitioner Profile Form and return it to the NCBTMB office. This will assist NCBTMB in building our locator program and increase our resource bank for interviews and article authoring opportunities.

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COMMITTEEUPDATES

Communications Committee
Lynda Solien-Wolfe, NCTMB, Chair
The Communications Committee is pleased to announce it has grown by one member. LeAnn Ricke-Vergara, NCTMB, of Merritt Island, FL has joined the committee. LeAnn, a recent certificant, will bring a fresh perspective to the group. Welcome LeAnn!

In February, committee members met in McLean, VA to work on committee charges and action plans in accordance with the NCBTMB strategic plan. The committee will focus on the development of an outline for the educational program. The completed education program outline will review: the existence of NCBTMB as a certification program, the definition of certificationówhat it means and how it is used, and the value (real and perceived) of NCBTMBís certification to its stakeholders. 

The committee is also working with NCBTMB staff to revamp the locator service for the NCBTMB Web site.

Government Relations Committee
Sally Hacking, Chair
The Government Relations Committee is pleased to announce the NCBTMB Boardís approval of the GRC Position Statement at the October Board Meeting. The updated document reflects technical changes to accurately state the Boardís current position on legislative or regulatory issues. Accuracy of information in a Position Statement is vital to the credibility of the NCBTMB. Hence, this Position Statement must be regularly reviewed and updated.

The Committee attended the National League of Cities Annual Congress held in Boston last December. This venue offered one-to-one contact with key city and county officials, many of whom had issues and concerns with local Massage Ordinances. The opportunity to answer questions, provide resource materials, and give specific information about the National Code of Ethics created an excellent foundation for future cooperative working relationships with local governing bodies. The exhibit booth, one of the most popular in the hall, was rarely quiet, as it provided on-site massage and bodywork. There was a constant flow of weary attendees, anxiously awaiting their turns. As a result, NCBTMB was able to enjoy their undivided attention, a rarity with elected officials. Michael Murphy, a volunteer rarely lost for words, Sally Hacking, committee chair, assisted by Paul Parker, Director of Certification, and Mary Downes, General Information Coordinator, ably assisted the attendees, resulting in a very successful venue for NCBTMB.

Recertification Committee
John Kelley, NCTMB, Chair
The Recertification Committee continues to meet on a regular basis via conference call. The committee has been actively involved with the Recertification/Continuing Education Task Force simplifying the recertification process. Our efforts have been focused on increasing the recertification rate and revising the criteria for recertification. Please remember that university credit hours count toward Category ìAî requirements if the courses comply with our definition of ìcontinuing education.î

The value of National Certification is increasing as more states are using the NCTMB exam for licensure and more employers are requiring the credential for employment. You can enhance the value of our credential by educating your clients about NCTMB and why National Certification is important.

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Newly Approved Category A Providers

AMTA Minnesota Chapter
Suite 813
15500 Wayzata Boulevard
Wayzata, MN 55391
952-475-2508
Various courses

AOBTA-Louisiana Chapter
Box 6752
Metairie, LA 70009
504-542-1476
www.aobtala.com
Various courses

Acupressure Institute
1533 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-845-1059
Various courses

Australasian College
of Herbal Studies
PO Box 130
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503-635-6652
www.herbed.com
Various Homestudy courses

Bill Baker
BSC
Suite 100
2004 Quail Creek Drive
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
940-692-9925
igmtbsc@aol.com
Geriatric Massage

Judi Blakely
119 S. Winooski Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
802-865-2444
blakelyjaz@aol.com
Various courses

Dr. Robert Borzone
Woodbury Colonial Center
8243 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 250
Woodbury, NY 11797
516-692-7373
Various courses

Phyllis A. Braun
HCR 74-22124
El Prado, NM 87529
505-737-0808
Various courses

Ginna Browning
1407 Nottingham Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-821-9006
ginnabear@mindspring.com
Various courses

Center of Living Light
62A Bellows Terrace
Hampton Bay, NY 11946
631-728-4173
www.CenterofLivingLight.org
Reiki courses

The Center of REIKI Touch
Therapy
12 Coriander Drive
Mt. Holly, NJ 08060-4223
609-518-2038
info@CenterofREIKI.com
Reiki Touch Therapy courses

Chinese Cultural Center
PO Box 610
Wonder Lake, IL 60090
262-249-1013
Various courses

Kathy Chism
35 Brighton Court
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1709
707-575-7707
www.vicus.com/kchism
Ethics and Supportive Touch

Nicholas Chitty
1847 SW 12 Street
Miami, FL 33135
305-642-7780
nchitty@aol.com
Various courses 

CME Resource
2266 Lava Ridge Court, #200
Roseville, CA 95661
916-783-4238
netce@netce.com
Various courses

Tom Cochran
1833A 10th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-396-9653
Various courses

Cathy Cohen
15208 Cricket Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33919
941-433-4494
Myofascial Pain Therapy

Earl E. Conner
319 Caernarvon Road
Wales, WI 53183
262-968-9831
Various courses

Randall A. Cummins
1322 W. Wellington
Chicago, IL 60657
773-248-1641
Various courses 

Pam Fry
PO Box 1386
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360-378-5864
www.jinshinheals.com
High Touch Jin Shin I and II

Jackie Hauf
74 Berwick Road
Delmar, NY 12054
518-475-1744
JHauf1@excite.com
Various courses

Peter & Laura Selby Mead 
The Healing Works
2621 SW Fillmore Street
Topeka, KS 66611
785-233-3689
TheHealing@aol.com
Matrix Integration Therapy

Jodi Hermans
4184 Winners Circle, #1921
Sarasota, FL 34238
941-925-3371
JodiHermans@aol.com
Belavi Facelift Massage/Homestudy

W.D. ìPeterî Lane
78 Kiva Place
Sandia Park, NM 87047
505-286-3448
eatlofat@msn.com
NMT Workshops

Bill McDonald
HCR 2, Box 140-A
Spur, TX 79370
806-263-4535
Various courses

Nina McIntosh
PO Box 111017
Memphis, TN 38111-1017
901-327-9659
NinaMac@aol.com
Ethics/Homestudy and Seminar

Medical Arts Massage School
Suite 113
6541 Meridien Drive
Raleigh NC 27616
919-872-6386
www.medicalmassage.org
Ethics and Various courses

Morter HealthSystem
1000 W. Popular Street
Rogers, AR 72756
501-631-2749
Various courses

Ousia Spa Center
121 N. Churton Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-732-1164
ousia@touchamerica.com
Various courses

Luann Overmyer
1830 San Pedro Street
Berkeley, CA 94707
510-527-6869
OrthoBionomy courses

Phyto Distribution, Inc.
2990 N. Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306
954-630-9003
www.phytobiodermie.com
Various courses

Polarity Healing Arts
19600 Cave Way
Topanga, CA 90290
877-455-7873
www.polarityhealingarts.com
Various courses

Ginni Selle
515 East Oak Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-202-1577
gselle@yahoo.com
Various courses

Pam Shelline
248 N. 2230 East
St. George, UT 84790
435-652-9003
Various courses

Linda Silfies
5864 Old Carriage Road
Bath, PA 18014
610-837-3045
Various courses

Sterling Health Center
15070 Beltwood Parkway
Dallas, TX 75244
972-991-9293
Various courses

Vedic Conservatory
337 B Ocean Boulevard
Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-222-7245
vedamystic@aol.com
Classic Ayur-Vedic/Thai Massage

Bette Waters
1905 Sheryl Way
Las Cruces, NM 88001
505-647-1408
bwaters@zianet.com
Massage during pregnancy

James West
Suite 294
15 Paradise Plaza
Sarasota, FL 34239
941-488-0106
Zi Neng Qi Gong

Western Institute
of Science and Health
130 Avram Avenue, Suite 103A
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
707-664-9267
mjhastings@westerni.org
Supportive Touch

Robert Wootten
5 Salem Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
828-645-0647
rwootton@worldnet.att.net
Thai Massage 

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RECERTIFICATIONCORNER  
Where Do I Find an Approved Provider?
The list of approved providers can be found on our Web site at www.ncbtmb.com under Continuing Education. You can search for a provider by using specific criteria, such as: state, type of specialty, or providerís name. It is best to contact the provider to see what types of courses are offered. Many of the providers have provided NCBTMB with a link to their Web site to allow browsers to view their course offerings . Also, please note that some providers travel all over the United States, so if they offer courses of interest, contact them and see if they will be coming to your area.

The NCBTMB Category A Approved Provider List is updated every six weeks.

Where Can I Obtain Category A CEUs if There Are No Approved Providers Within a Reasonable Distance of Me?
Many of the approved providers offer correspondence courses. This is a situation that arises quite often where certificants live in an area where there are no providers. Unfortunately, NCBTMB cannot control who applies to become a provider, so if you know instructors or schools currently offering CEUs, let them know how valuable their service can be to others who live in the area. Have them contact NCB and we will be more than happy to set them up with the information.

Where Can I Find Professional Ethics Courses?
The ethics requirement can be from Category A or Category B. This makes the requirement easier to obtain since most schools offer some sort of ethics program. There is also a list of providers offering ethics courses, and some of them have correspondence courses. You can contact NCB to get a list of Category A ethics providers at (703) 610-0235 or visit our Web site at www.ncbtmb.com under Continuing Education. If the two hours of ethics are offered within another course, the requirement can be met if the acceptable documentation is submitted (i.e., certificate of completion, transcript or letter from the provider stating the ethics was included in the course). 

What Constitutes a Professional Ethics Course?
In order to promote skills aimed at fostering honorable professional behavior, NCBTMB has included an ethics course requirement as part of the recertification criteria. Ethics is a system of principles of human conduct guided by positive, right or good intent. 

A sample list of course topics that deal with issues specifically geared toward the massage and bodywork profession include:
ï Scope of Practice/Legal Guidelines
ï Cultural Diversity
ï Boundaries
ï Client/Therapist Confidentiality
ï Professionalism
ï Financial Issues (such as fair billing prices)
ï Conflict Resolution
ï HIV/AIDS

Just a Reminder 
An application is incomplete without the ethics documentation. This drastically slows down the time it takes for you to become recertified. Save time by sending in your ethics documentation.

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CALENDAROFEVENTS    

NCBTMB Board of Directors Meeting Nashville, TN May 18-20, 2001

NCBTMB Board of Directors Meeting Las Vegas, NV October 5-7, 2001

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NCBTMB
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102
703-610-9015 … 703-610-9005
1-800-296-0664 (totally automated line)
e-mail: mswiscoski@ncbtmb.com