MS HB813

Amends Mississippi Code sections 73-65-1, 73-65-3, 73-65-5, and 73-65-7 to update licensure standards for professional art therapists to align with Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. requirements.

Requires applicants to be registered art therapists and board certified as defined by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc., and to pass the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination.

Removes references to the American Art Therapy Association registration requirements and grandfather provisions no longer applicable to art therapist licensure.

Updates the Professional Art Therapists Advisory Council composition to include "consumers or consumers" of art therapy services for better stakeholder representation.

Allows the Mississippi State Board of Health to issue provisional licenses to applicants who meet educational requirements established by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. but have not yet completed experience and examination requirements.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.