Committee approves three appointments to Board of Massage Therapy

The committee voted to report favorably on three nominees to the Board of Massage Therapy.

Jessica Jones, nominated for an initial term running 06/30/2023 to 06/30/2027, told the committee she has worked as a massage therapist for 21 years and taught massage therapy at Southeastern Aesthetics Institute in 2024. Jones said she sought the appointment to influence curriculum changes she identified while teaching. Staff told the committee Jones’s personal data questionnaire, statement of economic interest, SLED background check, credit report and driving record were complete and in order. After no questions from members, a motion for a favorable report was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Bailey Maddox was presented for reappointment to a term from 06/30/2025 to 06/30/2029. Maddox said she has been a massage therapist for 10 years, operates an employer practice with three licensed therapists and corrected a residency entry on her paperwork. Staff confirmed required disclosures and checks were complete; the committee approved her reappointment by voice vote.

Janet Shaw, a longtime board member who said she has served on the Board of Massage Therapy since 2007, asked to be reappointed for a term beginning 06/30/2025. Shaw described the application and vetting paperwork as "cumbersome" but said she supports the goal of ensuring members meet conflict‑of‑interest standards. During her appearance senators discussed the broader advice‑and‑consent process for appointments; Shaw said she believes the Senate should retain advice and consent for appointments to boards. The committee moved, seconded and approved a favorable report for Shaw.

Each appointment was advanced without recorded roll‑call tallies in the transcript; all were reported favorably.