Florida Senate - 2011 (NP) SR 1498 By Senator Jones 13-01938-11 20111498__ 1 Senate Resolution 2 A resolution recognizing April 12 and 13, 2011, as 3 “Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Days.” 4 5 WHEREAS, members of the Florida State Massage Therapy 6 Association and the Florida Chapter of the American Massage 7 Therapy Association throughout the state are actively involved 8 in public awareness and health programs to improve the health 9 and quality of life of Florida residents, and 10 WHEREAS, the Florida State Massage Therapy Association and 11 the Florida Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association 12 have been holding Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Days at 13 the Florida Capitol since 1988 for the purpose of educating the 14 Legislature and the public concerning the many health benefits 15 of massage therapy, and 16 WHEREAS, the practice of massage therapy is regulated by 17 the Board of Massage Therapy within the Department of Health 18 under chapter 480, Florida Statutes, and 19 WHEREAS, massage therapists have been licensed and 20 regulated in Florida since 1943, and currently more than 30,000 21 massage therapists are licensed by the state, and 22 WHEREAS, massage therapy is a high-quality, low-cost means 23 of enhancing and restoring health, and 24 WHEREAS, increased awareness of the benefits of massage 25 therapy will lead to improved health and vitality of the 26 residents of this state, and 27 WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes massage therapy for 28 wellness and preventive health measures, NOW, THEREFORE, 29 30 Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 31 32 That April 12 and 13, 2011, are recognized as “Massage 33 Therapy Legislative Awareness Days” in Florida.