Minnesota's Voluntary Registration System: What Happens Next?
 

Join The Alliance for Integrative Education on Friday, November 20, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in Bloomington, MN, for our Beyond the Table legislative education session. We'll explore HF 3825, the MDH rulemaking process, important implementation timelines, and what practitioners should know as Minnesota transitions toward voluntary statewide registration.
 

Stay informed, understand the changes, and prepare for what's ahead! 

Register for this FREE course here  

The initial public comment period has ended, but the work is far from over.
 

Thank you to the massage therapists, Asian bodywork therapists, educators, schools, and other stakeholders who took the time to share feedback with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) regarding HF 3825.
 

Your participation is an important part of the process as Minnesota moves toward implementing its new voluntary statewide registration system.
 

Although the initial comment period closed on October 16, 2026, there are still opportunities to learn, participate, and prepare for the changes ahead.
 

Now is the time to educate yourself, understand the legislation, and stay informed as state and local officials work through the implementation process.
 
1. Understand HF 3825 and What It Means for You
 

HF 3825, enacted as part of Minnesota's 2026 legislation, establishes a voluntary registration system for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists.
 

Practitioners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the legislation, including:
 

• Requirements and pathways for obtaining voluntary registration

• Education, training, and professional qualifications

• Registration by prior experience

• Protected professional titles

• Professional standards and scope of practice

• Implementation dates and transitional provisions

• How statewide registration may interact with existing municipal requirements
   

Not every provision takes effect at the same time. Understanding what has already been established in law and what still needs to be developed through rulemaking is essential.
 
2. Understanding the Impact on Municipal Ordinances
 

An important part of implementing HF 3825 will be determining how Minnesota's new statewide voluntary registration system interacts with existing municipal massage therapy ordinances.
 

Currently, many Minnesota cities have their own licensing and regulatory requirements for massage therapists and massage establishments.
 

The new legislation establishes changes that will require careful review and coordination as implementation moves forward.
 

The League of Minnesota Cities, municipal attorneys, and local government officials will play important roles in reviewing existing ordinances and determining what adjustments may be necessary.
 

This process will take time, and additional guidance is expected as implementation progresses.
 

For now, practitioners are encouraged to:
 

• Familiarize themselves with the provisions of HF 3825.

• Understand the distinction between individual practitioner registration and massage establishment licensing.

• Continue complying with applicable municipal licensing and business requirements.

• Follow updates from MDH and other appropriate regulatory authorities.

• Allow municipalities time to review the legislation and develop guidance before seeking clarification about potential ordinance changes.
   

The AIE recognizes that practitioners will have questions about how these changes may affect their businesses and professional practices.
 

We encourage patience as state and local officials work through the implementation process.
 

As more information becomes available, The AIE will continue sharing educational resources and updates to help practitioners understand the changes and prepare accordingly.
 
3. Follow the MDH Rulemaking Process
 

The October 16 deadline marked the conclusion of the initial public comment period, not the end of practitioner participation.
 

MDH will continue developing the rules needed to implement the new registration system.
 

The department has outlined several anticipated steps:
 

Fall 2026 – Spring 2027: Advisory committee discussions and development of proposed rules.
 

Late 2027: Anticipated publication of proposed rules and another formal opportunity for public comment.
 

Spring 2028: Potential additional proceedings, including a rulemaking hearing.
 

These timelines are anticipated and may change as the process progresses.
 

Practitioners should continue following MDH announcements, reviewing proposed rules when available, and participating in future opportunities for public input.
 
4. Prepare Your Professional Records
 

While the registration system is still being developed, practitioners can begin organizing information that may be useful if they choose to pursue registration.
 

Consider reviewing your:
 

• Educational transcripts and certificates

• Professional credentials and continuing education records

• Employment and practice history

• Documentation of professional experience
   

Experienced practitioners should pay particular attention to the registration-by-prior-experience pathway and its eligibility requirements and deadlines.
 

Preparing now may help make the eventual application process easier.
 
5. Stay Connected and Continue Learning
 

Legislative change does not end when a bill becomes law. Understanding, implementing, and adapting to new requirements takes time and continued communication.
 

Talk with colleagues, educators, schools, and professional organizations. Share accurate information, ask questions, and encourage others to stay informed.
 

As additional guidance becomes available, practitioners will have more opportunities to understand how the new registration system may affect their professional practices and businesses.
 

The AIE Is Here to Help You Stay Informed
 

At The Alliance for Integrative Education (The AIE), we believe professional education extends beyond hands-on techniques and continuing education credits.
 

Understanding the laws, regulations, and professional standards that shape our work is an important part of professional development.
 

We will continue sharing updates about HF 3825, the MDH rulemaking process, municipal ordinance considerations, important deadlines, and future opportunities for practitioner participation.
 

Our goal is to help Minnesota massage and bodywork professionals stay informed, ask meaningful questions, and confidently navigate the changes ahead.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay prepared.

The Alliance for Integrative Education — Supporting education, professional development, and legislative awareness for Minnesota's massage and bodywork community.