As a spa director in Arizona, I am deeply concerned by the Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy's recent halt of license renewals.

This abrupt action has created significant uncertainty and challenges for our industry, impacting both therapists and businesses. This disruption also threatens the financial stability of therapists in our industry without adequate support.

Governor Hobbs has the full authority to grant a grace period to address this critical issue, yet, from what we understand, she has not been responsive to the urgent needs of those impacted by this situation.

This inaction is causing undue hardship for many in our community. We urge Governor Hobbs to take immediate action to resolve this critical issue and protect the livelihoods of licensed massage therapists in Arizona.

 This unprecedented decision, implemented without warning, has crippled our industry and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of licensed massage therapists (LMTs) across the state.

The Board's Failure:

In citing an ambiguous "system upgrade," the Board has halted all license renewals until January 21, 2025, and ceased the issuance of new licenses. This abrupt action, taken without any prior notice or consideration for the immediate consequences, is unacceptable.

The Impact:

Immediate Income Loss: Therapists are facing immediate and devastating financial hardship as they are unable to work legally.

Staffing Shortages: Spas and clinics are experiencing severe staffing shortages, forcing service reductions and potentially leading to business closures.

Client Disappointment: Clients are being denied access to essential massage therapy services, impacting their well-being and leaving businesses with significant losses.

We Demand:

Immediate Implementation of a Temporary Grace Period: Allow licensed therapists to continue practicing legally while the Board resolves these critical issues. This grace period can be issued by the Governor of Arizona to swiftly address this immediate crisis.

Full Accountability: Investigate the planning and execution of this system upgrade, identify those responsible for this disastrous outcome, and implement necessary corrective measures.

Compensation for Losses: Explore options for compensating therapists and businesses for the financial losses incurred due to this Board failure.

Take Action Now:

Sign and Share this Urgent Petition:

 https://www.change.org/Hold_AzMassageBoard_Accountable

Contact Your Representatives:

Director of Arizona Department of Administration - Elizabeth Alvarado-Thorson - elizabeth.thorson@azdoa.gov

Office of the Governor Katie Hobbs -  engage@az.gov 

Arizona Attorney General - AGInfo@azag.gov

Contact the Board Directly: Director Tom Augherton, Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy - tom.augherton@massageboard.az.gov - Express your concerns directly to the Board Director.

Share This Message Widely. Even if you are not a massage therapist, this situation directly impacts your access to quality massage care. As consumers, we rely on licensed professionals for our health and well-being.

 Post this message on social media and encourage others to share it with their networks. Share the hashtag  #holdazLMTboardaccountable

Contact local news outlets and urge them to investigate this critical issue.

Your voice matters! Join us in demanding a swift resolution to this crisis and ensuring the survival of Arizona's massage therapy industry.

Sincerely,

Ski Kobylanski

Spa Director 

Anthem, Arizona

#holdazLMTboardaccountable