State recognition, as the name implies, refers to the recognition of a particular profession (in our case, music therapy) by the state. State recognition of the music therapy professional and the MT-BC credential required for practice can:

  • Allow clients and their families to access music therapy services as determined by various state agencies that require state recognized services providers
  • Protect the public from potential harm or mis-representations from individuals who are not board-certified music therapists and are not practicing under the CBMT Scope of Practice.

Since 2005, AMTA and CBMT have collaborated on the State Recognition Operational Plan. Judy Simpson (AMTA’s Director of Government Relations), Dena Register (CBMT’s Regulatory Affairs Advisor), and Kimberly Sena Moore (CBMT’s Regulatory Affairs Associate) have worked together on the Plan, providing guidance to state task force groups as they seek professional recognition in their state.

The primary purpose of the State Recognition Operational Plan is to for appropriate state departments (e.g. the Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, etc.) to include music therapy and the MT-BC credential within their listings of recognized professions and providers.

The state task forces, with guidance and support from AMTA and CBMT, work to identify how to achieve this goal of professional recognition in their state. There are generally 2 types of recognition:

  1. Music therapy becomes regulated by the state through legislation. There are three options for regulation: registration, licensure and regulatory language by agency.
  2. Music therapy is added to the list of recognized providers by being written into state regulations and codes.

Specific tasks and action items vary, but may include:

  • Identifying where music therapy is currently listed in state regulations
  • Building a grassroots network of supporters (e.g. parents, colleagues, administrators)
  • Developing a relationship of trust with legislators and other key decision makers
  • Educating legislators and state agency officials about music therapy and the MT-BC credential

Interested in helping? Click here to learn how you can assist in your state’s recognition efforts.

CERTIFICATION V. LICENSURE

State task forces are often asked:

What’s the difference between national certification and state licensure?

Certification “is a non-statutory process whereby an accrediting body grants recogntion to an individual for having met predetermined qualifications” (Oliver 2003). In other words, CBMT certification is a national recognition that the board-certified music therapist has met predetermined education and clinical training requirements and successfully completed a written objective examination demonstrating current skills in the profession of music therapy as outlined in the CBMT Scope of Practice. This certification reflects the certificant’s willingness to participate in an independently administered national certification program that undergoes a rigorous review every 5 years and is accredited by the NCCA.

Licensure “refers to the laws which regulate a given occupation. Its purpose is essentially twofold: (1) title protection…and (2) scope of practice” (Oliver 2003). In others words, certification and continuing education requirements are regulated by the state government. State licensure requirements are vary state by state.

LICENSURE FAQ

What are the benefits of state licensure?

State recognition has two primary benefits for residents in your state:

  1. Protects clients or patients from potential harm or mis-representation from individuals who are not board-certified music therapists and are not practicing under the CBMT Scope of Practice.
  2. Allows patients or clients and their families to access services provided by a board-certified music therapist as determined by various state agencies (e.g. Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, etc.) that require state recognized service providers.

This state recognition has many additional benefits for residents in the state:

  • Increases awareness of music therapy as a profession, which results in increased referrals, jobs, and enrollment in educational training programs.
  • Increases access to private and public funding streams as most of these programs require that providers have a state recognized credential
  • Provides additional validation of what music therapists do as part of the educational or healthcare treatment team
  • Aligns board-certified music therapists with practitioners in comparable professions

What fees are associated with state licensure?

Fee structures vary significantly state by state. They can range from $50 every two years to $200 every year.

Would every MT-BC have to be licensed if a state decides to pursue licensure?

Yes. If a state passes a music therapy licensure law, then any MT-BC who practices in that state (part-time or full-time) will have to apply for licensure in order to legally practice music therapy.

Will there be additional coursework?

We are asking states to pass legislation that recognizes the current MT-BC credentialing process as the measure of competent practice and continuing education requirements.