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Important Insurance Industry Bulletin

Manulife & Alberta Blue Cross Moving to '2200-hour' Requirement

In the coming year, Alberta Blue Cross and Manulife Insurance will join SunLife Insurance in adopting a policy that requires Massage Therapy providers to have 2200 hours of formal education or a 2200-hour competency equivalency.

This means that only health benefit receipts from Massage Therapy practitioners with '2200 hours' of initial training or a 2200-hour competency equivalency will be accepted by these health benefit providers.

  • Manulife will require this standard as of October 1, 2012  
  • Alberta Blue Cross will require this standard as of May 1, 2013

NHPC continues to monitor this issue and will advise members should other third-party payers adopt similar standards.

Transitioning Massage Therapists in Changing Environments

To meet the 2200-hour training requirement, NHPC is creating recognition solutions & career options for massage therapists who do not have 2200 hours of formal education.


MTCAP Redevelopment

A key component of NHPC’s approach is to redevelop the Massage Therapy Competency Assessment Process (MTCAP), which was reviewed at its one-year anniversary.

The review included consultations with relevant Canadian insurance companies, and the results indicated that MTCAP had to be made more robust to meet Manulife and Alberta Blue Cross requirements.

The redeveloped process will be called the Competency Equivalency Exam (CEE), to be better reflect its purpose and format.


CEE: Competency Equivalency Exam

NHPC hopes to complete development of the CEE by the end of Summer 2012 and begin implementation immediately thereafter ahead of Manulife's October 1, 2012 deadline. Processing NHPC Massage Therapy members who choose to participate in the CEE is expected to run through late Spring 2013.

Any NHPC Massage Therapy member who does not have 2200 hours of initial training and who wishes to be recognized by Manulife Insurance and Alberta Blue Cross will need to apply to NHPC for the CEE designation.

CEE Questions & Answers

Note: The Competency Equivalency Exam does not apply in provinces that have regulated the profession of Massage Therapy (Ontario, BC, and Newfoundland & Labrador). In those provinces, the colleges determine who can practice Massage Therapy.


We're Here to Help

NHPC will support members who choose to take part in the CEE, from initial inquiry to approval. This support includes providing online and in-person CEE preparatory workshops.

These changes are expected to resolve any issues that NHPC members are experiencing with Manulife and Alberta Blue Cross regarding their 2200-hour training requirement.

In order to answer any questions you may have on the CEE, NHPC has put the following processes in place:

  1. Online CEE meetings, "Positioning You for Success" will provide a short presentation on the CEE and then open up to a Question and Answer period.
    • Sunday, June 24th: 2 PM MDT
    Visit the Centre for Learning to register or for more information on these online meetings.
  2. Watch a recording of the June 13th, 2012 recording below.
  3. If you have additional questions or concerns following your participation in one of the above online meetings, contact cee@nhpcanada.org
  4. To view the IJ Doc, the model our CEE will be developed against, click here.
  5. If you are not satisfied with the support you are getting by email or if you do not use email, please contact Eric Morin, Industry Relations Manager, by phone, at 780-484-2010 ext. 267 or (toll free) at 1-888-711-7701.

Comments

 
+5 # Ruth Goodwin 2012-06-10 03:08 at first I thought that it was only Blue Cross and Manulife - now its Sunlife - so what is the deadline for Sunlife?????
Ruth Goodwin
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+2 # Claire Ashton 2012-06-15 07:54 Hi Ruth:

SunLife has had a policy of '2200 hours' of initial training or a competency equivalency for a few years now. SunLife continues to accept NHPC's Massage Therapy Competency Assessment Process (MTCAP). Manulife and AB Blue Cross do not accept the MTCAP and asked NHPC to create a more robust competency equivalency process - which is what prompted NHPC to start building the CEE.
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-5 # Alicia Parks 2012-06-18 16:28 Quoting Ruth Goodwin:
at first I thought that it was only Blue Cross and Manulife - now its Sunlife - so what is the deadline for Sunlife?????
Ruth Goodwin

Sunlife is already greedily on board with 2200 hours. The way through them is if you have been MTCAPPED (whatever that is) through the NHPCA. Just found all that out today as 2 of my rather substantial submissions to Sunlife were rejected because I don't fit the 2200 hour mould…would be nice to be paid for my work after all there is rent to pay, food to buy and tests to write…
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0 # Samantha Taylor 2012-10-30 02:40 Just had a conversation with a woman who called SunLife to see if she would be covered for massage given by myself with 1100 hours. They said no. When she asked about after I had written the CEE to be recognized for 2200 hours, they again said no… Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+16 # Ruth Goodwin 2012-06-10 03:39 So who is running this show - the insurance companies, the government or you? It sure isn’t the membership of NHPC!
Telling members that you will be providing them with alternate career opportunities sounds like you have given up on a vast majority of your membership pool.
Don’t waste my money on a lawsuit that is now irrelevant - MTAA- and focus on what you’re going to do for your membership that makes it worth my while to be a member.
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-1 # Claire Ashton 2012-06-15 07:57 Hi Ruth:

NHPC is dedicated to creating a variety of options that meet the needs and support the recognition of our membership and their modalities.

Initiatives such as the Massage Therapy Competency Equivalency Exam (CEE), the Holistic Health and Fitness Tax Credit (HHFTC), advocating for Sustainable Wellness Plans (SWP) and development of the NHP Certification support and create unique options for individual NHPC members. Please check the June eNews for more details on these NHPC initiatives.
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+18 # Ruth Goodwin 2012-06-10 03:39 Working with education institutions and assisting in developing a continued education format that will assist and accommodate those wishing to continue working and learning in this area would be a start. You have lead us to believe that this process from start to finish would be at least 10 years in the making and that the majority of us would be grandfathered in – Now I am told that this is not the case? ( 2 years ago at a Connections Café)
Please don’t make the mistake of underestimating my level of frustration. Man up to your promises and act with intent.
I look forward to reading about how the AGM goes tomorrow. Just sorry I cannot attend - I have to WORK!
Ruth Goodwin
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+3 # Claire Ashton 2012-06-15 08:09 Hi Ruth
NHPC is in contact with schools to see how we might work together. NHPC will be building online and in-person workshops to help Massage Therapy members who wish to take the exam - to prepare for the exam.

It is the insurance industry that has changed their policies. Regulation and government have nothing to do with this.
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+2 # Kim Alston 2012-06-22 00:38 or perhaps the insurance companies were'nt satisfied the the NHPC did the assessments competenly, now those without the 2200 hrs get to pay! Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+8 # Rondelle 2012-06-13 14:03 I think everyone should stop whining and get studying! If we want to be considered "remedial therapists" RMT's or any other title which give us the privelege of being recognized by insurance companies, we all had better be prepared to reach a certain standard of competency. These standards are measured in training hours, and I think it is great that an insurance company will no longer see a therapist with 500 hours as being in the same league as one with 2200+ hours. We are very lucky to live in a country where insurance companies recognize the value of therapeutic massage, and any therapist who wants to work at this level had better get the hours that are required! Anyone can give a back rub, but it takes a substantial amount of education and practice to properly assess and treat dysfunctional conditions. There are standards for a reason!! Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+14 # Brandy Brockway 2012-06-15 14:33 I don't mean to sound pretentious but you spelled privilege wrong.

More to the point, hours of education don't make a good therapist. I've had massages from people who had 2200+ hours of formal education and they were terrible. I'm all for having standards but basing it all on hours of massage education is not the answer. What about all those people who have certificates in several different modalities, do they not count towards education? And what about those of us who hold advanced degrees, are we not as competent? Are we not as 'educated'?

I also don't understand why people are treating massage therapy as though it's brain surgery. Look, the text books can say whatever they want we all know that in practice it is very different.
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+3 # Rondelle 2012-06-19 07:12 You are right Brandy, hours do not necessary make a good therapist, that comes from years of practice in perfecting the skills of palpation. I do however believe that 2200 hours of training are necessary for the therapist to properly assess the conditions which may not respond well or be completely contraindicated by massage. I also believe that a "massage therapist" should have enough anatomy and physiology training to know which structures they are working on at all times. This allows them to understand the difference between normal and abnormal tissues, and to know what conditions require a medical referral. Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+8 # Brandy Brockway 2012-06-19 16:00 I disagree with your assessment of the typical 2200 hour program. I looked up the courses for the second year option at the school I graduated from, some of them I thought were a good idea and others I thought should be optional. For example they make the students take a course on nutrition which would be interesting, however I personally have no interest in dietary recommendations so this course would be of no benefit to me. Also, back to hours of education, I don't know what your background is but I can tell you that I learned more in a one hour lecture in University (as part of my BSc) than I did in a three hour lecture in massage school. Once again, I do not think evaluating what someone knows based on hours of education is an accurate assessment. Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Tammy Olson 2012-06-22 01:36 In the NHPC body there are far more RMT's that have less than 2200hr…i hope that the 2200hr group NEVER needs the help or support or the backing of the larger population of this group!!!!
its time that u stop looking down ur noses at us and be a stand up group of ppl, that wont let insurance companies be bullies…this is truely what it is about!
I find that at every chance, no matter what the cost most of the 2200 ppl are willing to Brag up their education!!!!( Im thinking they must be taught this, as part of their education)…last time i checked we all play for the same team…NHPC!
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+14 # Tammy Olson 2012-06-22 01:38 oh and i had the opportunity to take a second year…it consisted of spa wraps and spa therapies, stone therapies, etc…so that would make me a better RMT??? …but i would of had my 2200 hrs rite(very sarcastic if u cant tell) I learnd more in my fisrt yr of business than a text book could ever teach me…from my first to second year i increased my businss by 38%, not sure how i did that with not knowing what im doing? Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+1 # Kim Alston 2012-06-22 00:41 Your right Rondelle..someone with 500 hr school and 15000 hrs experience isn't in the same league as you…thank goodness..
there is a lot to be said for clinical hours
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+2 # Michelle 2012-06-14 09:24 I dont think this is a bad thing that is happening, i know that i would want to have someone working on me who was qualified, with the 2200+ hour course, i have a problem with those who work and treat people, without the knowledge of the pathologies and consequences etc, that we learn about in our course as the RMT. Nothing against them personally i just think that a certain level of competency is definetly needed in this area. For safety sake. I completely agree with you as well Rondelle. Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+6 # Tammy Olson 2012-06-22 03:11 ummmm…we took pathology too!!!!! like i said quit treating us like dumb uneducated cavemen or lumped in the same group as "hand jockey's(prostitutes)
I 'd love to see just one, only asking for 1 positive post from a 2200hr student, saying this is wrong!!!
i just cant wait to see this all explode when the insurance companies say 4000 hr across the board!!!! then lets see who is whinning and asking for support from the bigger population of NHPC..(the 1000hr students)
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+2 # Jody G 2012-08-16 16:26 I agree. Where will it stop? We all know they're saying 2200 hours now because the insurance companies are trying to save a buck. Massage is in demand, it will continue to be in demand, and I guarantee when everyone upgrades to 2200 hours, they'll up it to 3000 hours or more. Good luck to everyone at that point. We'll see how everyone with their 2200 hours of experience feels then when they aren't grandfathered in as they have been promised for more than a decade. I've been massaging for nine years and take training multiple times a year including overseas experiences. Go ahead and tell me I don't know what I'm doing, I'm booking one year in advance and I would have no problem challanging a 2200 student. I learned more in 6 weeks of work then 6 months of school so good luck to all of the amazing and qualified students who will be taking over the field with no experience and shaded knowledge of "what the book says". Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Nadine Noseworthy 2012-06-15 02:04 We understand this is a lot of confusion and frustration around the new CEE, but I invite you to read this excerpt from our Facebook Page.
Thank you.
Dear Members,

There appear to be a number of concerns many of you feel have not been adequately addressed. That's understandable given the scope of this issue. Rather than respond to each individually, perhaps you'd allow us to offer the following:

I would be pleased to meet with you in groups in Calgary and Edmonton—and, if there are enough of you in other communities, there as well. I'd suggest a townhall kind of format where we could all sit around and talk and you could grill me without my being able to duck behind Facebook. I'd be more than pleased to look you in the eye and provide you with whatever information you want.

Please post replies to this, give us likes/dislikes, or contact me directly, either by email at emorin@nhpcanad a.org or by phone at 1-888-711-7701, ext. 267. I'd really appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in an open environment with nothing hidden to demonstrate to you that we really are committed to your welfare and that when we say we're transparent, we mean it. We'll pick a couple of dates for each community so that you have options, and we'll move forward.

Thanks you for your patience. We know it took a while to respond to yesterday's posts but we had a heavy influx of calls and emails that required our response.

Cheers,

Eric Morin
Industry Relations Manager
NHPC
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0 # Nadine Noseworthy 2012-06-15 08:44 I have posted a video link above of the June 13th webinar for those of you who have not been able to attend live.

You can view it here:
www3.gotomeeting.com/.../...
If you attended, just enter your email address. If you did not attend, enter you email address and it will ask you to register, then you will be immediately able to view it.

Cheers,
Nadine
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0 # Crystal-Gayle Judge 2012-06-15 16:20 When will I be able to register for this CEE course and where do I go? Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Claire Ashton 2012-06-19 06:48 Hi Crystal-Gayle:

Once we have the exam ready we will notify members. At that point, you will be able to register for the exam on the NHPC website.

thxs
claire
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+5 # chelsea 2012-06-17 14:42 Positive thoughts! Have faith in your experience, think of all the clients you have helped. The competency requirements will come naturally to you compared to being a newbie in school. Hey you probably have picked up a lot of it over your years in practice. Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
-2 # Jonathon 2012-06-19 01:22 Somebody once said to me…you should never massage the webspace of the hand of a pregnant woman because it can induce labour. I asked for this concept to be explained to me, and the person (who was a massage therapist) could not…that they read about it, or was told not to by someone else.
That person was a great massage therapist for sure…great hands…and like anyone, can knead dough to make bread (like anyone)!
But do you know how the parts that go together to make dough work…do you understand all the complexities it takes to ensure the bread comes out perfect.
We work with the human body, the most complex and delicate structure on earth…and yet we seem to rest on our laurels, bicker at each other about who is right or wrong, and never get to wear we should be.
An understanding of what we are kneading, what is happening as we do…to ensure the bread comes out exactly as it should.
And that requires a higher standard of learning and why we shouldn't massage the webspace
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0 # Kim Alston 2012-06-22 00:44 if the instructor couldn't answer your question as to why you shouldnt massage the webspace, then she shouldnt be instructing!
and perhaps you should also know that the same is true for massage to the medial maleoleus area.!
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+12 # kevin 2012-06-19 07:06 where is there proof that anyone with less then 2200 hrs schooling … is incapable of preforming …schoolin g is basic knowledge and skills…do we need to go back and learn basics again…why give in to insurance bullies Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+23 # Tammy Olson 2012-06-22 03:18 Hey NHPC…wanna settle some this bickering…make it manditory that anyone who required a registration number from you as a RMT MUST write ur CCE..including 2200hr students!!! Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+10 # Brandy Brockway 2012-06-23 17:48 I agree Tammy. If there is going to be standardization it should go across the board. Every Massage Therapist should have to write this exam including those who live in Quebec. Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+15 # Brandy Brockway 2012-06-23 17:53 Does anyone else find it unfortunate that it was the insurance companies and not the massage schools who started all this? Should it really be them who are setting the standards? Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+3 # Mike 2012-06-25 05:03 I have to say that I am happy that NHPC is substantiating a competency process and making it more official where members will need to actually demonstrate their competency. I am sad that it had to come down to inability for clients to bill for treatments recieved (money basically) not profession elevation or meeting a national standard of education. Being from another province and not knowing that massage therapists could actually be practicing without a 2200 hour diploma was surprising. Knowing that as Canadian Massage Therapist we are one of the few countries that actually recognize massage as a regulated health profession and have regulation in place. This should make us want to maintain that level. It is regulated in other provinces since 1919 and at a standard level, why should we be different in Alberta? We should be embracing that we will be matching the national standard, and even helping to elevate the profession further. lets push regulation not bicker and help do so. Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+12 # Clarissa 2012-06-26 18:21 I think there is a bigger picture here, I think Massage should be regulated, it is unfortunate that it is the insurance companies that are the ones starting it, but I want to be able to say i am a massage therapist without the rub and tug comments from others. I want to band together with fellow therapists and have an even playing field, let all of us have the same basic knowledge, and go from there. At one point our industry standard for education was 250 hours because that was all that was out there, and I think most of us can agree that that isn't enough. I know that 1000 hours has been the newer standard, but now it is moving into 2200 hours and we will all have to adjust to it for the greater good of our industry. I believe we are an important part of the health care system in Canada, and in order for us to be nationally recognized the way we should be, we need to have a standard regulation in place. Embrace the change, and be kind to your fellow therapists. Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
-11 # Jan Bannerman 2012-06-28 07:05 I am very disappointed with the whining and complaining regarding the hours required NOW to be recognized by the insurance companies. Start studying, go back to school! For those of us who have invested the time and money, get over it. It is about time. Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+3 # Christine Wengrzynsk 2012-06-28 11:36 What I am most frustrated by in this whole experience is that any schooling I have looked into (re: upgrading) includes clinical practice/practicum as part of the amount of hours required to graduate with 2200 hours or more.

So, why are my 8 years of experience NOT being recognized as clinical practice/practicum? I do not mind getting upgrading to add to the knowledge I already have, but the total hours that I have already put in towards advancing my career SHOULD be looked at as well, including my own clinical practice!!
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0 # Iris 2012-08-01 03:57 So, if insurance companies are acting as the defacto regulatory body
demanding 2200 hrs., why are MTAA memebers being allowed to be grandfathered, and not asked to do the exam?
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0 # Angela 2012-08-16 03:01 From what I understand to become a MTAA member they do have to do an exam Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Brandy 2012-08-19 11:22 I suspect that MTAA members are exempt from this exam because they must write a membership exam which apparently meets 2200 hour requirements. Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Nora 2012-09-12 14:31 Can anyone tell me if Sunlife requires us to pass the CEE as well, or do they continue to recognize MTCAP? If Sunlife requires us to pass the CEE, what is their deadline? Thanks so much! Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Cheyenne Kean 2012-10-23 07:58 SunLife continues to recognise the MTCAP; they will transition to the CEE at some point but will provide us with lead time when they choose a date. NHPC will work with them to ensure that when they do go to the new substantial equivalency mechanism, they recognise the same exemption criteria we’ve been working on with Manulife.

NHPC continues to negotiate with the Canadian insurance sector to create a single set of standards that will apply to all 10 unregulated jurisdictions. This way practitioners will have certainty with respect to what qualifications are required to provide services anywhere in Canada. We will continue to update our members as we progress on this issue.

Cheyenne@NHPC
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