On March 22, 2024, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) introduced H.R. 7810, a bill that would protect career school students by amending the U.S. Department of Education's (DoEd) "clock hour" requirements for specific educational programs, including massage therapy. Rep. Smucker's legislation H.R. 7810 is supported by fellow House Reps. GT Thompson (PA-15), Dan Meuser (PA-9), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), and Mike Lawler (NY-17). 

Why Supporting H.R. 7810 Matters

This legislation is in response to the final rule issued by the U.S. DoED on October 31, 2023, which could significantly impact massage therapy schools by abolishing the 150% rule. Under the 150% rule, massage schools and programs are permitted to provide clock hours up to 150% above the state minimum requirements for Licensure, without jeopardizing a student's eligibility to receive Federal Financial Aid. Without intervention, the 150% rule will be eliminated in July 2024.

The removal of the 150% rule would render massage therapy students in schools nationwide ineligible for federal financial aid, particularly cutting off access to much-needed Pell Grants. This could greatly reduce the supply of massage therapy students entering the workforce.

Rep. Smucker has been a champion of legislation that protects massage therapy students since the final rule was issued by the DoEd last year. In his latest effort, this bill will require the help and co-sponsorship of Rep. Smucker's House colleagues to garner enough support to pass the House, before it can be considered in the Senate. It is important to remember that bills which do not pass before Congress adjourns at the end of this year, will effectively "die", and the entire process will need to begin again in 2025. 

We strongly encourage all schools, educators, students and our entire massage therapy community to reach out to your House Member and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 7810. Additionally, for massage therapists residing in the districts of Reps. Smucker, Thompson, Meuser, Van Orden and Lawler, please reach out and thank them for their leadership and commitment to the massage profession.