Legislative Testimony for LB244: Provide for mobile massage therapy establishments
Good afternoon Chairwoman Howard and members of the HHS Committee. My name is Nicole Fox, and I am the Director of Government Relations for the Platte Institute. I am here today to testify in support of LB244. Thank you for this opportunity to discuss entrepreneurship in our state.
Innovation occurs when potential problems or opportunities are identified and solutions to improve upon or take advantage of those problems and opportunities are developed. Successful entrepreneurs take that innovation and come up with a business model that can be marketed to the public to fill a need.
A legislative priority of the Platte Institute is to support policies that promote current and would be entrepreneurs as we feel this helps grow Nebraska’s economy.
Professionals in many personal care service industries have identified a need for delivery of those services in a mobile fashion. Their clientele includes those who are home-bound due to disability, recovery from illness, or due to advanced age; those who do not have reliable transportation; those who live in nursing facilities; and those with a schedule or lifestyle that makes it difficult to travel to a traditional brick and mortar establishment.
Mobile delivery of personal care services is allowed in several states across the country. In fact last year, the Legislature passed legislation allowing the mobile delivery of cosmetology and nail services.
Owners of mobile businesses can tap into a whole new client market, expand consumer choices and increase their income earning potential. Mobile business owners can offer more flexibility in the hours they schedule services, and this can be very appealing to customers.
Mobile businesses require far less capital, allowing greater ease for a new entrepreneur to pursue starting their own business or expand a currently established business.
Current Nebraska statute defines a massage therapy establishment as “any duly licensed place in which a massage therapist practices his or her profession of massage therapy.”1 LB244 clarifies the definition of what constitutes a massage therapy establishment, so that individuals wanting to be able to deliver massage therapy services from a mobile unit such as a trailer or RV, are able to do so.
LB244 would to allow this new service delivery model while requiring owners to meet reasonable requirements that address health and safety concerns just like brick and mortar salons are currently required to do.
The Platte Institute views LB244 as a win for both entrepreneurs and consumers; and it will help grow Nebraska’s economy. I ask that committee members advance LB244 out of committee.
- 2017 State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Statutes Relating to Massage Therapy Practice Act, Laws 2007, LB463, § 614. Revised Statute 38-1707. Massage therapy establishment, defined.