FL H0835

Creates Florida Statutes section 491.017 establishing licensure and regulation of art therapists, prohibiting use of the "art therapist" title without proper credentials or a master's degree in art therapy from an accredited program.

Establishes the Board of Professional Art Therapists with 5 members (3 licensed art therapists and 2 consumer members) appointed by the Governor to adopt rules and enforce regulations.

Requires art therapist licensure applicants to hold a master's degree with 60 credit hours including specific topics, complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice, pass the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination, and complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience with 100 hours of supervision.

Allows existing credentialed art therapists to obtain licensure by December 31, 2016 through waiver of standard requirements, and permits registered art therapy interns to practice under supervision with a master's or doctoral degree.

Establishes disciplinary grounds including failure to maintain patient records, unauthorized services, sexual misconduct, and authorizes the board to impose warnings, penalties, license suspension or revocation; takes effect July 1, 2015.