Legislative News
Art Therapists Make the Case for Regulation in Virginia
By Clara Keane | June 28, 2018 | Advocacy | Events
On the morning of June 26, 2018, fifteen art therapists gathered for an open comment hearing during a meeting of the Virginia Board of Health Professions (BHP) to speak to the need to regulate art therapy to protect the public. The PHP’s initial draft report was positive, acknowledging the potential harm to the public if art therapy remains unregulated.
Art Therapy Licenses Officially Implemented in Delaware
June 14, 2018
The AATA is thrilled to announce that art therapists in Delaware can now apply for the new Professional Art Therapist and Associate Art Therapist licenses. On June 7th, the Division of Professional Regulation announced new rules effective June 11, 2018 to implement the licenses. Read more about the advocacy journey that resulted in the enactment of this legislation on the AATA Blog.
Michigan Art Therapy Licensure Bill Introduced this Week
June 7, 2018
On Tuesday June 5, 2018, Representative Abdullah Hammoud introduced House Bill 6098. “By creating a clear framework for art therapists to provide services in the state, my legislation will help many vulnerable residents explore new ways of healing and addressing their mental health concerns,” says Rep Hammoud in a statement. Many thanks to our chapter the Michigan Association of Art Therapy (MAAT) for their hard and dedicated work leading to the introduction of this important legislation! The National Office will continue to work closely with the chapter’s Legislative Chair Amber James, MS as the bill progresses to the Committee on Health Policy.
Ohio State Rep. Anielski Testified in Support of House Bill 557, to License Art Therapists
March 29, 2018
On March 21, State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) gave sponsor testimony before the House Health Committee on behalf of House Bill 557. The bill would grant a license to Art Therapists to practice under the guidance of the State of Ohio Medical Board. “Art therapy has proven to be an incredibly useful tool in dealing with a myriad of issues where many individuals suffer,” said Rep. Anielski. Committed to improving mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Ohio, Rep. Anielski has been a passionate supporter of the Ohio licensure effort and spoke at the Buckeye Art Therapy Association’s (BATA) Hill Day back in November.
Virginia Sunrise Review Application Featured in Board of Health Professions Meeting
By Gretchen Graves | January 18, 2018 | Advocacy | Events
As the AATA works with members in 24 states engaged in advocacy efforts during the 2018 legislative sessions, I would like to highlight some good news from Virginia. The Virginia Board of Health Professions recently presented its proposed scope of study and schedule for a comprehensive review of the art therapy profession during a public meeting on December 7, 2017.
BATA Hill Day: Art Therapy in Ohio Advocacy Day Overview
By Molly Kometiani | January 4, 2018 | Advocacy | Events
The Buckeye Art Therapy Association (BATA) hosted Art Therapy in Ohio Advocacy Day on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. It was a powerful, motivating, and exciting day for Buckeye art therapists and the community!
Delaware Art Therapy Licensure Bill to be Signed into Law
By Clara Keane | September 27, 2017 | Advocacy
AATA representatives and Delaware art therapists will proudly witness the signing of the art therapy licensure bill S.B. 43 into law tomorrow, September 8, 2017. Jennifer August, MCAT, ATR-BC shares details about the advocacy journey she and other art therapists in Delaware underwent with strong support from the AATA to achieve this success for the profession.
Oregon Art Therapy Licensure Bill Signed into Law
By Clara Keane | June 1, 2017 | Advocacy
Oregon House Bill 2434, which provides art therapy licensing and title protection for credentialed professionals, was signed into law by Governor Kate Brown on May 25, 2017. The bill passed the Senate on May 15, twenty-three to seven, and the House on May 17, forty-seven to twelve.
Arizona Governor Signs State Hiring and Title Protection Bill for Art Therapists into Law: A Chapter’s Journey
By Clara Keane | May 4, 2017 | Advocacy
On Monday evening, May 1, Arizona Governor Douglas Ducey signed SB 1434, art therapy services; contracting requirements, into law. The bill authorizes the state to contract with art therapists who hold active art therapy certification for services provided through the state mental hospital, the state’s program of services for persons with disabilities, and state supported hospitals.
Maryland Insurance Reimbursement Bill Approved Unanimously
By Clara Keane | April 20, 2017 | Advocacy
On Tuesday April 18, H.B. 298, Health Insurance – Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapists – Reimbursement, was approved by Governor Larry Hogan! The bill passed unanimously through the House (2/24/17) with a vote of 136 to 0 and the Senate (3/28/17) with a vote of 47 to 0 following favorable reports by the House Health and Government Operations Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.