There is ongoing activity in various states affecting SI professionals’ right to practice. We have summarized some of the arguments for, and against, professional licensing for SI. The issue is complex, and we wanted to offer some perspective on both sides of the issue for your consideration.

Following these points is a survey that is intended to gather input from the wider SI community, beyond IASI membership. Any action that affects professional licensing will potentially affect every professional structural integrator. We want to know your perspective.

In many states, licensing is not optional. Unfortunately, it is a massage license that is usually required. IASI’s mission is:

• To advance and promote the highest professional standards for Structural Integration
• To preserve the foundation, and support the continued evolution of the art, science and philosophy of Structural Integration
• To represent the interests of Structural Integration professionals to the public, regulatory agencies and other professions

In service to that mission, we want to investigate best ways to protect the distinct boundaries of the SI profession. Having massage therapy licensing does not serve that purpose. The question that remains, then, is whether exemption is adequate, or a professional license for SI professionals is desirable. Having exemption is a good starting place. Unfortunately, it does not protect the profession because it does not offer title protection. Anyone can, and many massage therapists do, say they are providing structural integration services.

There are different levels of license requirements.

• City or county business license
• City or county zoning ordinances that determine where you can practice
• State professional boards, including massage therapy boards
• Massage therapy and/or massage and bodywork therapy board
• Separate board for SI or other, non-massage practices including SI

REMEMBER, from the regulator’s perspective, the primary reason for licensing a profession is to protect the public from unqualified, incompetent, and unethical practitioners.

LICENSURE PROS AND CONS
The following pro and con arguments are stated from the practitioner point of view.

Pros

• Possibility for more control over how the profession is regulated
• Title Protection of the terms Structural Integration and Structural Integrator
• Public awareness of SI professional standards
• In most states, necessary (but not sufficient) for insurance reimbursement,
• Consistent requirements for training, certification, continuing education, ethics
• Recognition as a profession on par with other licensed health and wellness professions
• Help establish SI as a “brand” that is recognized by other professions and the public

Cons

• Public accountability via state government
• Licensure Fees
• SI practitioners would have responsibility for serving on a licensure board
• Does not guarantee insurance reimbursement
• It would probably require certification exam for SI (instead of massage therapy)

Click Here to Take the Survey. We appreciate and value your participation. All of your responses will be kept confidential. We are asking for name, school, time in practice, etc. so that we can verify your status as a professional structural integrator, and so that we might contact you for further clarification if needed. You will have an opportunity at the end of this survey to accept or opt out of any future communications.