Committee advances bill to protect use of 'music therapist' title

The House Professional Licensure Committee voted to report House Bill 2586 (printer's number 3477), a proposal that would establish title protection for music therapists in Pennsylvania. Chairman Persinski, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee the measure would make clear that only credentialed professionals may call themselves music therapists.

Persinski said music therapy is a distinct, evidence-based health-care profession directed at achieving therapeutic objectives for clients with clinical needs. "I am not a music therapist," he said. "There’s a major difference between a music teacher, a music performer, and a music therapist." He urged the committee to protect patients by requiring valid certification and penalizing those who present themselves as music therapists without proper credentials.

The bill defines the practice as involving music-based interventions to address physical, mental and developmental needs, and Persinski cited conditions served by music therapists including Alzheimer’s disease, autism, speech disorders, Parkinson’s disease and depression. He also noted that 10 colleges and universities in the state offer training programs that prepare practitioners for national certification.

Under the proposal, title protection would rely on certification from the national Certification Board for Music Therapists; Persinski said the legislation would put "clear definitions to address the needs of patients" and hold practitioners accountable for presenting appropriate credentials. The committee recorded no negative votes and reported the bill out of committee.

The bill will move next to the House floor for further consideration.