Legislative News
Art Therapy Licensure Bills Introduced in Virginia and Indiana
January 16, 2020
2020 is off to a great start for art therapy! Art therapy licensure bills have been introduced in Virginia and Indiana and art therapists in Nebraska and Wisconsin have participated in sunrise review processes or proposals.
Art Therapy Legislation to Watch in 2020
January 2, 2020
As most state legislatures prepare to begin their 2020 legislative sessions in January, we wanted to share some bills to watch this year and also recap the art therapy victories and advancements of 2019!
Action on DC Licensure Bill
December 4, 2019
On December 19th, art therapists in the District of Columbia will testify on behalf of B23-250, “Professional Art Therapist Licensure Amendment Act of 2019” during a combined public hearing between the Committee of the Whole and the Committee on Health. Both committees may act on the bill following the hearing, and the next step would be passage by the full Council of the District of Columbia.
New Yorkers, Ask Governor Cuomo to Sign LCAT Insurance Bill Today!
December 4, 2019
If you reside or work in New York State, please take a moment to urge your Governor to support access to creative arts therapies. A670A, which would require blanket health insurance policies to provide coverage to licensed mental health practitioners, including licensed creative arts therapists (LCAT), was delivered to Governor Cuomo on November 26th, starting the 10-day clock (not including Sundays or holidays) for him to act.
Breaking News: Art Therapy and Music Therapy Licensure Bill Introduced in Ohio!
November 14. 2019
On November 13, 2019 senators Kenny Yuko (D-25) and Andrew Brenner (R-19) introduced SB 238 to provide licensure for art therapists and music therapists in Ohio. The bill would create separate licenses with distinct requirements administered by two different boards.
Call to Action, New Yorkers!
November 14, 2019
On November 8, 2019 a bill to make mental health practitioners including licensed creative arts therapists (LCAT) eligible for coverage under Medicaid in New York was finally delivered to the Governor! TAKE ACTION!! Call 1-518-474-8390 and ask Governor Cuomo to sign S3421A into law!
Where You Can Meet Federal and State Lawmakers at Conference — Plus Can’t-Miss Advocacy Sessions!
October 30, 2019
This year’s conference features more advocacy sessions than ever before and in new session formats. And brand new to the program are appearances from Kansas U.S. and State representatives! Attendees, as you finalize each day’s schedule, don’t miss these learning opportunities.
Nebraska Art Therapy Sunrise Review is Underway
October 3, 2019
Congratulations to the Nebraska Art Therapy Licensure Coalition for submitting their 65-page (184 including appendices!) questionnaire to initiate the sunrise review (407 Credentialing Review) by the Department of Health and Human Services to determine the need to regulate art therapy in Nebraska!
We Joined 600+ Mental Health Advocates on Capitol Hill
September 19, 2019
“Be strong, be loud, and be assertive for those you serve.” – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-6)
This week, the AATA joined the National Council of Behavioral Health and over 600 mental health advocates for Hill Day 2019! The advocacy training was packed with strategies, tips, and inspirational moments preparing advocates for meetings with their elected officials the following day.
Join Us for Hill Day 2019 with the National Council for Behavioral Health
September 5, 2019
The American Art Therapy Association is partnering with the National Council for Behavioral Health for their Hill Day in Washington, D.C. to advocate for improved federal behavioral health policy. Hone your advocacy skills during the training day Tuesday, September 17th and then let’s head to the Capitol on Wednesday, September 18th!