Protecting Our Right to Practice:
The Judicial & Governmental Review Committee (JGRC)

The BCTA/NA Judicial and Governmental Review Committee (JGRC) works with our members to assist in the exemption of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) from state massage therapy governing organization regulations and licensure in congruence with our commitment to maintain the highest professional standards for practitioners, teachers and students of BCST. The JGRC also educates the public and legislators about BCST’s distinct identity and works to maintain BCST’s autonomy. The ultimate goal of the JGRC Committee is to support BCTA/NA members’ right to practice. Read below for valuable information and resources.

Edwin Nothnagel, RCST® - JGRC Chair
Gayle Buchner, RCST® - JGRC Board Liaison 
Deborah Fox, RCST®, CCH, BCPP - JGRC Member

 2021 Report

Read about the JGRC's activities during 2021 here

 

JGRC Resource Links

Influencing Legislation Governing Your Right to Practice

The JGRC tracks issues which affect your right to practice BCST through our organization’s membership and participation in The Federation of Therapeutic Massage, Bodywork and Somatic Practices Organizations (FedMBS). Learn more about our partnership with the FedMBS here.

The BCTA/NA is opposed to legislation by which a massage therapy education and license is required for practitioners of BCST or inclusion of language defining BCST (energy work) as within the scope of practice of massage therapy.  For a complete view of the BCTA/NA’s legislative position with regard to massage therapy, please see the BCTA/NA View on Massage Legislation.

U.S. Massage and Bodywork State Licensing Requirements

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) website has information on state regulations and legislative updates. Visit the AMTA State Regulations web page to learn more about regulations in the state where you practice biodynamic craniosacral therapy

The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) organization also provides information on state licensing requirements for massage therapists in the United States. For a U.S. map with easy reference to licensing requirements in each state, visit the ABMP website.

More resources for learning about U.S. state bodywork regulations can be found here on the JGRC Resources page.

BCST Practitioners: We Need Your Help

Although different from massage, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is regulated as massage in many states and localities. Learn why this impacts you and how you can help support your right to practice.

We need and want your input and interest around issues which affect our right to practice. If you hear of any proposed legislation or massage board rule changes which might impact your right to practice, please click here to learn more and contact the JGRC.

Check out JGRC Resources for educating yourself and communicating with state legislators.