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 clinical art therapy, such as "art therapy," "licensed clinical art therapist," and "provisional licensed clinical art therapist," while outlining the scope of practice that encompasses evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning using art media. The bill sets forth specific licensure requirements, including educational qualifications, supervised experience, and the successful completion of a certification examination, while allowing for a provisional license for eligible applicants and a transition period until July 1, 2027, during which existing certified art therapists may have some requirements waived.

Additionally, the bill mandates that licensed clinical art therapists complete 40 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years, with a focus on ethical studies and cultural responsiveness. It details the process for license renewal, including application submission timelines and late fees, and specifies the qualifications for supervised experience, requiring a total of 4,000 hours of post-master's degree work. The legislation also addresses grounds for license refusal, suspension, or revocation, emphasizes the importance of maintaining current information with the board, and introduces a fee structure for licensing and renewal. By adding licensed clinical art therapists to the list of recognized mental health professionals, the bill formalizes their role within Minnesota's mental health framework.

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