The bill establishes the Art Therapist Licensure Act in Kansas, which regulates and licenses professional art therapists. It defines key terms such as "art therapy," "licensed clinical art therapist," and "licensed professional art therapist," and sets forth the qualifications for licensure, including age, educational requirements, supervised experience, and a certification examination. The bill also provides for temporary licenses for those completing postgraduate supervised experience and allows waivers for applicants with significant prior experience. Additionally, it amends existing statutes related to the behavioral sciences regulatory board, detailing the renewal and reinstatement of licenses, continuing education requirements, and penalties for unlicensed practice.

Moreover, the bill enhances the authority of the behavioral sciences regulatory board by allowing it to seek court orders against individuals violating licensure laws for various mental health professions. It emphasizes the confidentiality of complaints and reports, ensuring that identifying information is protected except in specific legal circumstances. The board is granted the power to revoke licenses of individuals who voluntarily surrender them during misconduct investigations and can opt for censure instead of harsher penalties. The bill also repeals K.S.A. 74-7507 and 74-7508, indicating a shift in the regulatory framework, and will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-7507, 74-7508