State Recognition for Utah

Recognized? Yes – State Certification

Recognition Status: On April 1, 2014, Gov. Herbert signed into law HB 277, legislation to create state certification for MT-BCs granted by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Find applications: http://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/music_therapy.html

Active Task Force? Yes

Year Started: 2006

Task Force Status: Utah music therapist have been pursuing state recognition for many years. While we currently hold a optional state certification, we identify a need to continue efforts in educating the public and public servants to expand our ability to serve a wide scope of clientele in Utah. The background for the state certification, identified as a State Certified Music Therapist (SCMT), began with legislation to create a music therapy state certification being filed in March 2013 (HB 169). The legislature requested an interim study of the regulation of music therapy (HJR 20), which occurred in the summer of 2013. The sunrise review proposal was filed in June 2013 and was considered by Occupational and Professional Licensure Review Committee. The task force presented at a committee hearing testimony in September 2013. Legislation to create a state certification for music therapists (HB 277) was filed in January 2014. The bill passed in both the House and Senate under championship support of Rep. Becky Edwards. The Bill was signed into law on April 1, 2014. Today there are 45 State Certified Music Therapists in Utah. This recognition has assisted in securing new contracts at facilities and inclusion of music therapy in the school setting and IEPs. Advocacy efforts lead by the Utah Association of Music Therapists have released many videos including this one (https://youtu.be/XTAwl2Ueoo0) to provide more information about music therapy. The task force is currently exploring best practices for moving forward based upon the need of Utah residents, music therapists, and the legislative environment.

Task Force Contact Name: Emily Pilochette and Heather Fellows

Task Force Contact Email: utahmusictherapystatetaskforce@gmail.com

Task Force Members: Heather Fellows, Emily Polichette

Task Force Facebook:

State Association: www.uamt.org

State Association Facebook:

Regional Association: www.wramta.org

State Legislative Activity:

Below you will find a link to an online report with information about state-level bills that include the keyword “music therapy.” There may or may not be a bill for your state. Some bills may have a direct impact on the profession (e.g. music therapy licensure legislation) while others may not (e.g. music therapy is included in a pre-existing list of healthcare providers). 

Click here to read the report

Information is provided by Fiscal Note, a subscription service that allows CBMT to follow state and federal legislative and regulatory developments. This resource is provided for informational purposes to help you stay informed on legislative and policy issues impacting music therapy practice. Please contact your task force chair with questions and before taking any action.