Bill > S2020

This bill, known as the "Art Therapist Licensing Act," establishes a regulatory framework for the practice of art therapy in New Jersey, recognizing it as a profession that impacts public safety and welfare. It creates an Art Therapists Advisory Committee within the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners to oversee licensing, set standards, and ensure qualified individuals practice art therapy. The act defines "art therapist" as a licensed professional, and "art therapy" as the use of art media and creative processes for therapeutic purposes, including increasing self-awareness, coping with stress, enhancing cognitive abilities, and addressing developmental, behavioral, mental, and emotional needs. It outlines specific educational and experience requirements for both "licensed professional art therapists" and "licensed associate art therapists," including graduate coursework and supervised experience, and mandates passing an examination from the Art Therapy Credentials Board. The bill also details provisions for license renewal, continuing education, interstate reciprocity, and a temporary licensing period for those already practicing art therapy. Importantly, it clarifies that the act does not apply to other licensed professionals acting within their scope of practice or to art therapy students in supervised training programs, and it establishes confidentiality for communications between art therapists and their clients, with specific exceptions.