HB 1394-FN-A is a legislative proposal to create a new chapter for the licensure and regulation of music therapists within the state. The bill defines the practice of music therapy, establishes the scope of practice, and prohibits unlicensed individuals from using the title "music therapist" or practicing music therapy. It allows other licensed professionals to use music in their work, provided they do not represent themselves as music therapists, and exempts students and supervised practitioners from licensure requirements, with certain conditions. The bill also restricts music therapists from treating communication disorders unless they are also licensed speech-language pathologists, but permits them to work on communication skills within the scope of music therapy. It mandates the establishment of a music therapists governing board and directs the office of professional licensure and certification to increase their budget by $3,000 for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, to support the board's licensing and administrative functions.

The bill specifies the composition of the music therapists governing board and the appointment process for its members. It also includes a fiscal note indicating that the financial impact on the state is indeterminable, with an anticipated increase in expenditures of $3,000 annually for the specified biennium to support the new board. The office of professional licensure and certification has expressed uncertainty about whether this amount will cover all related costs due to the unknown volume of licenses expected. The bill is projected to generate additional revenue from new licensing fees, but the exact amount is undetermined. The fiscal impact is not expected to occur until FY 2025, and the bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 328-F:3, 328-F:4
As Amended by the House: 328-F:3, 328-F:4, 310:2
As Amended by the House (2nd): 328-F:3, 328-F:4, 310:2