The bill establishes the Texas Art Therapy Board and introduces the "Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act" within the Occupations Code, which mandates occupational licensing for art therapists in Texas. It expands the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council's membership from nine to eleven, adding a professional art therapist and a public member from the art therapy board. The bill sets forth eligibility criteria for public members to prevent conflicts of interest and outlines the composition and responsibilities of the Texas Art Therapy Board, ensuring diverse representation and adherence to professional standards.

Additionally, the bill details the requirements for obtaining professional and associate art therapist licenses, including age, education, supervised experience, and examination criteria. It establishes license renewal processes, continuing education mandates, and supervision requirements for associate art therapists. The bill also emphasizes confidentiality in therapy communications and outlines disciplinary actions for violations. It amends existing laws to recognize licensed art therapists as mental health service providers and provides a grace period for current practitioners to continue their work without a license until September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 507.001, Occupations Code 507.051, Occupations Code 507.052, Occupations Code 507.053, Occupations Code 507.151, Occupations Code 507.153, Occupations Code 507.154, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 81.001, Occupations Code 503.310, Occupations Code 503.452, Occupations Code 503.303 (Occupations Code 503, Occupations Code 507, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 81)