H.B. No. 4557 establishes the Texas Art Therapy Board and regulates the practice of art therapy in Texas, requiring art therapists to obtain an occupational license. The bill amends the Occupations Code to define the Texas Art Therapy Board and the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, increasing the council's membership from nine to eleven by adding a professional art therapist and a public member. It introduces Chapter 508, the "Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act," which outlines the structure of the board, membership requirements, and eligibility criteria for public members, ensuring they do not have conflicts of interest related to art therapy. The board will consist of five members appointed by the governor, including three licensed professional art therapists, one healthcare professional, and one public representative.

The bill sets forth new eligibility requirements for professional and associate art therapist licenses, including age, educational qualifications, and supervised practice hours. It also outlines the licensing process for applicants from other jurisdictions and establishes terms for license renewal and continuing education. The legislation allows licensed professional art therapists to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, mandates consultation with primary care physicians or psychiatrists under certain conditions, and emphasizes confidentiality in therapy sessions. Additionally, it includes provisions for disciplinary actions against license holders and amends definitions in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to recognize licensed art therapists as mental health service providers. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is tasked with adopting necessary rules by January 1, 2026, with a grace period until September 1, 2026, for art therapists to practice without a license.

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, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 81, Occupations Code 507)