State Recognition for Oklahoma

Recognized? Yes – Licensure

Recognition Status: November 1, 2016, legislation to create a music therapy license through the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (HB 2820) was signed into law. Applications are now available at: http://www.okmedicalboard.org/music_therapists#forms-resources

Active Task Force? Yes

Year Started: 2006

Task Force Status: Licensure bill to create a MT Practice Board in Dept of Human Services, Developmental Services Division, passed in House (3/10) but did not make committee agenda despite extensive advocacy efforts. Bill re-introduced in 2011. Task force responded to concerns from Medical Board. Legislation to create a music therapy license within the State Department of Human Services, Developmental Services Division (HB 1462) was introduced (2012). Despite advocacy efforts, task force continued to receive push back from the medical community regarding licensure placement. Task force is continuing advocacy and networking with medical community and other related disciplines. Resolution recognizing Music Therapy Month heard on House floor (02/12). In 2016, following the passage of HB 2820, the OKMT task force met with the Oklahoma State Medical Licensure Board to introduce ourselves and discuss the process for putting the MT licensure law into effect. The next step is to establish the Music Therapy Advisory Committee to the medical board that will review the license applications and assist in maintaining the regulatory process. A formal celebration will be held in September 2016 with the Senate and House authors of HB 2820 when the governor has an “official” bill signing ceremony. A listing of LPMTs can be found at this link: http://www.okmedicalboard.org/music_therapists/search

Task Force Contact Name: Susie Heppel

Task Force Contact Email: Suzanne.Heppel@integrisok.com

Task Force Members: Rebecca Cantrell, Susie Heppel, Katy Kirk, Sophia Lee, Hayoung Lim, Amber Loomis, Heather Malcom, Jennifer Voss

Task Force Facebook:

State Association:

State Association Facebook:

Regional Association: https://swamta.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.