AS SO MANY SPA LEADERS CAN ATTEST , widespread staffing shortages have created an untold number of challenges across the U . S . spa industry . Those challenges are only exacerbated by practitioners ’ inability to work across state lines due to the varied licensure requirements maintained by each state . Spa professionals have long advocated for an interstate licensure program that would make it easier for licensed massage therapists and cosmetologists to practice their craft in a new state ( or multiple states at once ) without having to jump through hoops of regulations , fees , practice hour requirements or other obstacles .

Thankfully , help is on the way . Frameworks for an Interstate Massage Therapy Compact ( IMpact ) and a Cosmetology Compact have reached an advanced state of

development with guidance and support from the Council of State Governments ( CSG ). As the only technical assistance provider in the country that works with states on the development and enactment of interstate compacts , CSG has a wealth of experience crafting thorough compacts with the help of key stakeholders in a various industries . CSG ’ s Associate Director of Public Policy Matt Shafer has helped guide the ISPA community through the early stages of the process , and members had the chance to hear from him in June as he presented an inside look at where the compact development process currently stands .

HOW COMPACTS WORK According to Shafer ’ s presentation , interstate compacts are meant to maintain or improve public health and

36 PULSE ⁿ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022