Senate Bill 953 Summary

• Creates licensure requirements for music therapists in Michigan under Part 169A of the Public Health Code, establishing a Board of Music Therapy with 6 music therapist members and 3 public members.

• Requires music therapists to hold a bachelor's degree or higher in music therapy from an accredited program approved by the American Music Therapy Association and maintain current certification with the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

• Prohibits individuals from using the title "music therapist" or "licensed music therapist" unless licensed under this article, with limited exemptions for other licensed professionals using music incidentally in their practice.

• Establishes licensing fees of $75.00 for application processing and $148.00 annually for music therapist licenses.

• Modifies sections 16141 and 16145 to require boards and task forces to consult with the department regarding rules they consider necessary and to require department consultation before promulgating licensure or examination rules.