PA HB563

Establishes state licensure for professional music therapists in Pennsylvania, adding them to the existing State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors

Requires applicants to complete education and clinical training requirements from the American Music Therapy Association, pass the Certification Board for Music Therapists examination, and maintain active board certification

Expands the licensing board from 13 to 15 members by adding two licensed professional music therapists with master's degrees or higher in music therapy or a related field

Defines music therapy practice as clinical, evidence-based music interventions including improvisation, receptive listening, song-writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, performance, and movement to music

Takes effect 60 days after enactment and authorizes civil penalties up to $10,000 for unlicensed practice or falsely representing oneself as a licensed professional music therapist