Bill > SB579

This bill amends the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act to formally include professional music therapy as a regulated profession. The bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for licensing and practicing music therapy, defining key terms such as "independent practice of music therapy" and "practice of music therapy". It expands the State Board of Social Workers to include two professional music therapists and creates specific licensing requirements for music therapists, including educational qualifications, certification through the Certification Board for Music Therapists, and good moral character. The bill mandates that licensed professional music therapists collaborate with healthcare providers before and during treatment, cannot replace services of other professionals like speech-language pathologists, and can only use the title "Licensed Professional Music Therapist" if they hold a valid license. The legislation also establishes penalties for unauthorized practice and outlines the scope of music therapy practice, emphasizing that music therapists cannot diagnose communication disorders but can work with clients who have such disorders. The bill aims to protect public safety by regulating the professional practice of music therapy and ensuring that practitioners meet specific educational and ethical standards.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=579