House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

Posted:	May 26, 2020 12:20 PM
From:	Representative Justin J. Simmons
To:	All House members
Subject:	Waiver Provisions for Massage Therapists

The Covid-19 virus has changed many things in our daily lives. However, what has not changed, are the people of this Commonwealth that have preexisting conditions that require massage therapy to live comfortably and safely. Massage therapists treat some of the most severe illnesses and ailments such as MS, Parkinson's disease, Orthopedic injuries, PTSD, those seeking to avoid using opiates to alleviate their pain, and anxiety. During this crisis, the many Pennsylvanians that have these ailments cannot currently get treatment. This leaves these individuals with making their choice between either dealing with the pain associated with their ailment or use pain killers just to get out of bed in the morning. That is why I will soon be introducing legislation that would extend business closure waiver provisions to licensed massage therapists. These therapists already follow strict sanitation protocols, but my bill will also require therapists to adhere to social distancing measures and other mitigation measures defined by the Center for Disease Control to the extent practical. Let's allow our citizens with preexisting conditions to seek the professional help they need. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation.
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