This bill establishes licensure for clinical art therapists in Minnesota and modifies the composition of the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy to include five licensed clinical art therapists among its 18 members. It introduces new definitions related to art therapy, such as "clinical art therapy," "licensed clinical art therapist," and "art therapy services," while outlining the scope of practice for licensed clinical art therapists. The bill sets forth specific requirements for licensure, including educational qualifications, supervised experience totaling 4,000 hours, and the successful completion of a certification examination. It also allows for provisional licenses under certain conditions and establishes rules for license renewal, including a mandate for 40 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional standards by detailing the conditions under which a license may be suspended or revoked and ensuring title protection for licensed individuals. It specifies the qualifications for supervisors overseeing the required supervised experience and includes provisions for the non-transferability of licenses. The legislation formalizes the role of clinical art therapists within Minnesota's mental health care system and includes an appropriation to support the implementation of these new regulations. Overall, the bill aims to regulate the practice of clinical art therapy, ensuring that practitioners adhere to established standards of care.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 148B.51, 245I.04