Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
What changed between versions
Added music therapists to the list of regulated professions in Government Code Section 411.093(a) and Occupations Code Section 51.2031(a), requiring occupational licensing.
Created new Chapter 456 establishing licensure requirements including bachelor's or graduate degree in music therapy, clinical training hours, board certification, and criminal background checks.
Established a seven-member Music Therapist Advisory Board with specific composition requirements including licensed therapists, health professionals, and public representatives.
Defined key terms including 'music therapy' to specify what services are included and explicitly excluded (diagnosis or assessment of disorders).
Created disciplinary grounds for license denial or revocation including violations of the chapter, fraud, unprofessional conduct, and practicing outside the scope of music therapy.
Set effective date of September 1, 2025, with licensure requirements taking effect September 1, 2026, and a grace period allowing practice without Texas licensure until that date.
Added music therapists to the list of professions in Occupations Code Section 51.254(b) that require health-related professional regulation by the department.
