HB2647 - Music Therapist License Act

• Establishes licensing requirements for music therapists in Illinois, prohibiting unlicensed practice six months after the Act's effective date.

• Creates the Illinois Music Therapy Licensure Board (5 members: 4 licensed music therapists and 1 public member) to advise the Department on licensure, examinations, and disciplinary matters.

• Requires applicants to complete academic and clinical training per American Music Therapy Association standards and pass the Music Therapy Board Certification Examination administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

• Allows music therapy students and interns to practice under licensed supervision after registering with the Department, and permits licensure by reciprocity for those licensed in other states with equivalent standards.

• Establishes criminal penalties (Class A misdemeanor for first offense, Class 4 felony for subsequent offenses) for unlicensed practice and civil penalties up to $2,500, with continuing education requirements and disciplinary grounds including unprofessional conduct and violations of the CBMT Code of Professional Practice.