MO HCR14

Recognizes music therapy as a clinical, evidence-based health care service that requires board certification (MT-BC) through an approved college program and the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

Notes that music therapy provides benefits across all age groups and can help patients with Alzheimer's disease, autism, stroke recovery, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression while reducing medication costs.

States that more than 28,000 Missourians annually receive music therapy services from over 135 board-certified music therapists, with three Missouri colleges offering music therapy degrees.

Requests that the General Assembly enact legislation to require licensure of music therapists in Missouri, as they are currently not required to be licensed, certified, or registered by the state.