California Massage Therapy Council Working to Help Address Illegitimate Massage Establishments


SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - Feb 5, 2013) - As California communities such as Eagle Rock continue to struggle with the issue of illegitimate massage establishments, the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) is committed to working closely with local officials -- including the LAPD Police Commission and the L.A. City Attorney's Office -- to set up protocols ensuring maximum effectiveness of local law enforcement efforts against these illegitimate establishments. In addition, CAMTC-sponsored legislation that went into effect January 1, 2013 will make it easier to shut down illicit massage establishments, and CAMTC is currently evaluating further legislation to improve the 2009 state massage law -- now known as California Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq., or simply B&P 4600 -- regarding massage therapist certification in California.

CAMTC is committed to ensuring that massage therapy can no longer be used as a subterfuge for illegal behavior. The state massage law created CAMTC to protect the public by implementing a fair, rigorous and effective statewide certification process to protect consumers against illegitimate practitioners. The law is intended to work in conjunction with local oversight of massage establishments.

"California residents should not be subjected to this illegal behavior in their communities," said CAMTC CEO Ahmos Netanel. "Illegitimate massage establishments that cater to prostitution and, in many cases are responsible for human trafficking, absolutely need to be closed down in California communities at large."

The CAMTC certification process was created with the intent to help local governments ensure that massage therapy is not used as a subterfuge to violate the penal code, and does not prohibit local municipalities from enacting ordinances regarding massage establishments. CAMTC supports and cooperates with local governments and law enforcement agencies in their efforts to prohibit the existence of illicit massage parlors.

To find more information about CAMTC and statewide massage professional certification, visit www.camtc.org or read the Frequently Asked Questions.