ESTABLISH MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICE ACT.

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View NCGA Bill Details2013-2014 Session
Senate Bill 244 (Public) Filed Monday, March 11, 2013
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICE ACT.
Intro. by Tucker.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate Action) (Mar 12 2013)

SOG comments (1):

Identical bill

Identical to H 292, filed 3/12/13.

Bill History:

S 244

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Mar 11 2013 - View Summary

    Creates new Article 18E, North Carolina Music Therapy Practice Act, in GS Chapter 90. Provides that the purpose of proposed Article 18E is to regulate music therapy services offered to the public. Provides whereas clauses to further note the need for regulation of music therapy services.
    Provides definitions that apply in proposed Article 18E, including definitions for music therapy and music therapy services. Defines music therapy as the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program, including three specified areas. Prohibits any person from practicing or offering to practice music therapy as defined in proposed Article 18E or otherwise presenting himself or herself to be a licensed music therapist on or after January 1, 2014, unless that person is currently licensed as provided under proposed Article 18E. Identifies criteria for persons to be exempt from the provisions of proposed Article 18E.
    Creates the North Carolina Board of Music Therapy (Board). Requires that the Board consist of three members serving staggered terms, two of whom are licensed music therapists and one who represents the public at large. Directs that the General Assembly is to appoint (1) one music therapist to serve for a term of three years, on the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and (2) one music therapist to serve for a term of two years, on the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Requires the Governor to appoint one public member to serve for a one-year term. Initial Board members are to be appointed on or before October 1, 2013.
    Provides additional criteria regarding terms, qualifications, filling of vacancies, removal of members, and compensation for members. Additionally, provides criteria for the selection of officers, frequency of meetings, and establishing a quorum. Enumerates the powers and duties of the Board.
    Requires an applicant for licensure as a music therapist to make application to the Board, pay the required fees, and meet all of the following requirements: (1) be 18 years of age or older; (2) be of good moral character as determined by the Board; (3) successfully complete an academic program accredited by the American Music Therapy Association, with at minimum of a bachelor's degree majoring in music therapy from an accredited college or university; (4) successfully complete the board certification exam offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or its successor organization; and (5) successfully complete a minimum of 1,200 hours of clinical training, with at least 180 hours in pre-internship experiences and at least 900 hours in internship experiences.
    Provides criteria for reciprocity, allowing the Board to grant licenses to persons licensed to practice music therapy in another state or territory of the United States.
    Provides parameters regarding expenses and the establishment of a fee schedule for licensing. Requires that every license issued under this proposed Article be renewed every five years on or before January 1. Provides additional criteria regarding license renewal.
    Authorizes the Board to exercise disciplinary authority, allowing the Board to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license or impose probationary conditions on a license if the licensee or applicant has engaged in any of the specified conduct. Provides that a disciplinary action may be ordered by the Board after a hearing is held in accordance with GS Chapter 150B and rules adopted by the Board. Permits an application for reinstatement of a revoked license to be made to the Board if the revocation has been in effect for at least one year. Provides that each violation under this proposed Article constitutes a distinct and separate offense and such a violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Provides that the Board may seek injunctive relief for violations of this proposed Article. Authorizes the Board to asses a civil penalty of no more than $1,000 for a violation of any section of this proposed Article or the violation of any rules adopted by the Board. Directs that the clear proceeds of any civil penalty assessed under this section is to be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with GS 115C-457.2. Provides factors to be considered by the Board before imposing and assessing a civil penalty.