AMTA Bylaws / AMTA Policies and Procedures

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is guided by-laws, policies and procedures. Members of AMTA who have a Kentucky mailing address, either because of residence, practice, or schooling, are assigned to the Kentucky Chapter.

The AMTA-KY Chapter has adopted and is governed by the same policies and procedures as its parent organization. In addition, the Chapter has established Standing Rules that establish chapter operations and structure. These Standing Rules are not in conflict with National by-laws and policy.

Bylaws describe the primary characteristics of the organization regarding the regulation of its internal affairs and the governance of its members. They are broad enough in scope that they remain fairly stable, requiring amendment only at those times of fundamental change. The bylaws themselves must state who can amend and how. Bylaws can never be suspended by the Board of Directors or any other body or person and must be adhered to at all times. To read the AMTA Bylaws, members may visit the National AMTA website at www.amtamassage.org. Click this link if you are already logged in to National’s site  Bylaws.

Policies are rules and regulations which set parameters for and give direction to the conduct of business within AMTA. Policies are subordinate to, and generally contain more detail than, bylaws. Because policies contain more detail, they may require more frequent changes. The National Board of Directors can establish, change or suspend policies by formal motion. Unless officially suspended by a motion of the Board, policies must be adhered to. Policies do not typically contain procedural components, but may when necessary. Click on this link to download a copy of the AMTA Policy and Procedures Manual.  2019 has brought new changes to the Policy and Procedures Manual…make sure you check them out.

Procedures describe how to specifically carry out or implement a bylaw or policy. They provide clarity regarding how things get done and provide consistency as individuals change within positions of responsibility. Except in rare instances, procedures are not a concern of the Board of Directors and are typically changed as needed by those who operate by them. Occasionally the Board of Directors will want to have authority over certain procedures, such as those involving grievance. In such cases the Board of Directors can place procedural steps within the context of a policy, which then requires Board action to change.