Legislative Testimony for LB958: Allowing Mobile Massage Therapy Establishments
Good afternoon, Chairman Riepe 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 LB958. Thank you for this opportunity to discuss mobile salon licensing in our state. I’d also like to thank Sen. Erdman for sponsoring this bill.
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 LB958 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.
Professionals in many personal care service industries have identified a need for delivery of those services in a mobile fashion. Their clientele include 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. One such individual reached out to both Senator Erdman’s office and the Platte Institute as she wanted to provide mobile massage services to a variety of clients in the western part of the state.
Mobile delivery of personal care services are allowed in several states across the country. The owners of these businesses are able to tap into a whole new client market, expand consumer choices and increase their income earning potential. Many 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.
LB958 would to allow this new service delivery modality 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 LB958 as a win for both entrepreneurs and consumers; and it will help grow Nebraska’s economy. I ask that committee members advance LB958 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.