An Act amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.
HB 1733 adds art therapy to Pennsylvania's regulated health professions by creating specific licensure requirements for "licensed professional art therapists" and "licensed associate art therapists." It defines "art therapy" as a clinical practice using art-based techniques to address mental health needs, requiring therapists to meet education standards from accredited institutions. The bill restricts the use of the title "licensed professional art therapist" to those holding a valid license, while "licensed associate art therapists" must work under supervision and cannot practice independently. This directly affects art therapists seeking to legally use the title or provide services in Pennsylvania, establishing new standards for training, supervision, and scope of practice.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jul 14, 2025
Last action Jul 14, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jul 14, 2025
Committee
Referred to Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 20 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Tim Briggs
DDemocratic
Co
Ben Sanchez
DDemocratic
Co
Ben Waxman
DDemocratic
Co
Bob Freeman
DDemocratic
Co
Carol Hill-Evans
DDemocratic
Co
Chad Reichard
RRepublican
Co
Danilo Burgos
DDemocratic
Co
Ed Neilson
DDemocratic
Co
Joe Ciresi
DDemocratic
Co
Joe Hohenstein
DDemocratic
Co
Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz
DDemocratic
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