The bill enacts the Art Therapist Licensure Act, establishing a regulatory framework for the licensing and practice of professional art therapists in Kansas. It defines key terms such as "art therapy," "licensed clinical art therapist," and "licensed professional art therapist," and outlines the qualifications for licensure, which include being at least 21 years old, holding a master's degree in art therapy or a related field, completing supervised experience, and passing a certification examination. The legislation also provides for temporary licenses for individuals practicing under supervision while completing their postgraduate requirements, and it specifies penalties for practicing art therapy without a license.

Additionally, the bill amends the authority of the behavioral sciences regulatory board, allowing it to seek court orders to prevent violations of licensure acts for various mental health professions and to revoke licenses of individuals who voluntarily surrender them during misconduct investigations. It emphasizes the confidentiality of complaints received by the board and allows for censure of licensees as an alternative to more severe disciplinary actions. The bill also repeals K.S.A. 74-7507 and 74-7508 to streamline the regulatory framework, with the act taking effect upon publication in the statute book.

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