HB 683 - Art Therapy Summary

• Creates Part XVII of Chapter 468, Florida Statutes to establish licensure and regulation of art therapists through the Division of Medical Quality Assurance

• Establishes two license types: professional art therapist (requires master's degree in accredited art therapy program, 3,000+ hours supervised experience, and passing Art Therapy Credentials Board examination) and clinical art therapist (requires additional 9 semester credit hours in diagnosis and treatment of mental/emotional disorders)

• Creates Advisory Council of Professional Art Therapists with 5 members (2 licensed professional art therapists, 2 licensed clinical art therapists, 1 other licensed healthcare provider) to advise the director on licensure requirements, continuing education, and disciplinary matters

• Prohibits practicing art therapy without a license and restricts use of titles "professional art therapist" or "clinical art therapist" to licensed individuals; violations constitute a first-degree misdemeanor

• Requires biennial license renewal with continuing education, establishes disciplinary grounds and procedures, and allows professional art therapists to provide services in public schools and prekindergarten programs for children with disabilities