HB 563 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

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, providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

This bill adds music therapy to Pennsylvania's existing licensing framework for mental health professionals. It creates a new "licensed professional music therapist" category and defines "practice of music therapy" to include clinically proven techniques like music improvisation, songwriting, and music-based assessments. The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, and Professional Music Therapists will regulate this new license. It directly affects individuals who provide music therapy services independently, requiring them to hold this specific license while clarifying that existing healthcare providers (like hospitals or schools) aren't required to obtain it for their employment.
Sub-Topics: Mental Health
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 12, 2025 Last action Feb 12, 2025
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Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Referred to Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 46 co-sponsors

Sponsors