Sub. H.B. 557 - Art Therapist Licensure

• Creates licensure requirement for art therapists in Ohio under a new Chapter 4785 of the Revised Code, requiring the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board to regulate the profession.

• Establishes eligibility requirements including master's degree or higher in art therapy from an approved program, at least two years of postgraduate supervised clinical experience, board certification in good standing, and compliance with criminal records checks.

• Prohibits unlicensed practice with felony penalties: fifth-degree felony for first offense and fourth-degree felony for subsequent offenses for practicing as an art therapist without licensure.

• Allows interdisciplinary practice by permitting art therapists to practice through corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, or professional associations with other licensed healthcare professionals.

• Implements one-year transition period before enforcement of licensure requirements, allowing existing practitioners to continue while the board adopts necessary rules and regulations.