HB 208 Summary

• Establishes regulation of art therapy as a licensed profession in Ohio by creating licensure requirements and disciplinary standards under the existing Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Art Therapist Board.

• Expands the board from 15 to 18 members by adding two licensed art therapists and one additional public member; creates an art therapist professional standards committee within the board.

• Requires art therapist applicants to hold current certification from the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc., be of good moral character, be at least 21 years old, and obtain three professional letters of recommendation.

• Allows temporary licensure for art therapists for up to six years and permits existing licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical counselors, social workers, marriage/family therapists) to obtain art therapist licensure during a one-year transition period if they have five years of art therapy practice experience.

• Designates art therapists as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect under state law; requires licensed art therapists to maintain appropriate credentials and comply with continuing education and ethical standards established by the board.