Camtik faces scrutiny over fee transparency and recent increase decision

Concerns over fee transparency dominated the recent Joint Hearing of the California State Senate's Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee and the Assembly Business and Professions Committee. Lawmakers scrutinized the California Massage Therapy Council (Camtik) for its handling of fee increases and communication with the public.

During the meeting, a committee member highlighted a troubling timeline regarding Camtik's fee structure. In March 2022, Camtik assured the committee of its financial stability, stating it was solvent and had adequate reserves. However, just a month later, the council commissioned a fee analysis without notifying the committee or the public. This raised eyebrows, especially since the council later proposed a significant fee increase of 50% shortly after the sunset bill was signed into law.

The committee member expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, noting that the public was misled about when the fee discussion would occur during a board meeting. Originally scheduled as item 19, the fee analysis was moved to the first agenda item without prior notice, leaving many attendees unprepared.

In response, Camtik's representatives acknowledged the concerns and admitted to shortcomings in their communication. They assured the committee that there are currently no plans to request an increase in fees, which are capped at $300 for every two years. The council emphasized its commitment to transparency moving forward.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of fee structures, with committee members questioning the fairness of comparing Camtik's fees to those of nonprofit organizations funded by voluntary contributions. They pointed out that many massage therapists in California have no choice but to pay these fees to practice legally.

As the meeting concluded, lawmakers underscored the importance of ongoing communication and transparency between regulatory bodies and the public, especially as economic conditions evolve. The council's commitment to improving its practices will be closely monitored in the coming months.