July 1, 2021
On June 26, 2021, Ohio representatives C. Allison Russo and Jamie Callender introduced House Bill 359 to license and regulate art therapists and music therapists. Five additional cosponsors have signed on to the legislation which would create separate licenses with distinct requirements administered by two different boards: the art therapy license under the State Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, and the music therapy license under the State Medical Board.
The Ohio legislature is scheduled to remain in session through December. A licensing bill for art therapists (HB 786) also has been introduced in the Pennsylvania House where legislators have a fall legislative session that extends through December. Chances for committee hearings and votes on both bills may still be possible this year.