HB 1245 - Music Therapists

• Establishes music therapist licensure within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance, effective January 1, 2016, prohibiting unlicensed individuals from using the title "music therapist" or practicing music therapy.

• Requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in music therapy from an accredited program approved by the American Music Therapy Association, complete 1,200 hours of clinical training (180 in pre-internship, 900 in internship), and obtain board certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

• Creates a Music Therapy Advisory Committee with 5 members (3 board-certified music therapists, 1 licensed healthcare provider, 1 layperson) appointed by the division director to serve 4-year terms without compensation.

• Requires biennial license renewal with proof of board-certified status and 40 hours of continuing education, with examination requirement waived until January 1, 2020 for applicants with national music therapy registry credentials.

• Establishes disciplinary grounds including felony convictions, failure to maintain board certification, negligence, sexual contact with clients, and authorizes division investigation and sanctions including suspension, revocation, denial, probation, reprimand, or fines of $100-$1,000 per violation.