House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.

Instead of establishing the NC Healing Arts Commission to regulate music therapists and reflexologists, creates the NC Board of Integrative Therapies (Board) to now regulate music therapists and art therapists.  Makes conforming changes throughout the act to reflect these changes. Makes conforming changes to act’s long and short titles. Makes technical changes throughout.  

Defines integrative therapies and Board in GS 90-750.2 (definitions under the NC Integrative Therapies Act, new Article 44 to GS Chapter 90). Expands the Board’s membership to now include two licensed physicians who have experience with integrative therapies appointed by the Governor in GS 90-750.3 (was, four members of occupations licensed under new Article 44). Also requires any integrative therapies profession created after July 1, 2026 (was, January 1, 2026), to have two members on the Board. Exempts the physician Board members from the licensure requirement for Board members under new Article 44.

Adds art therapy to the definitions pertaining to Part 2 of new Article 44 (Art Therapy). Modifies certifying entity to refer to the Art Therapy Credentials Board or its successor. Removes reflexology. Changes the deadline for appointment of members to the NC Art Therapy Advisory Committee (Committee) from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027. Changes the date for renewal of an Integrative Therapy license for Art Therapy from on or before January 1 each year to a date established by rule in GS 90-750.15. Removes exemption from bar on compensation for unlicensed individuals under new Part 2 of Article 44 for individuals holding certifications of completion from a nationally recognized education completed no more than six months prior to that individual receiving compensation for services.

Modifies music therapy and music therapy services in new GS 90-750.21 (definitions pertaining to new Part 3, Music Therapy, of GS Article 44). Changes the deadline for appointment of members to the NC Music Therapy Advisory Committee (MT Committee) from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027. Removes the degree requirements and clinical training requirements for an Integrative Therapies license in Music Therapy in GS 90-750.24. In addition to existing requirements, allows an applicant for such a license to either provide proof of holding the described credential or passing an exam for board certification offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or a successor organization. Changes the date for renewal of an Integrative Therapy license for Music Therapy from on or before January 1 each year to a date established by rule in GS 90-750.25. Removes the identification card requirement in GS 90-750.27 (NC licensed music therapists). Clarifies that Chapter GS 90 does not restrict or prohibit the activities of (1) any individual licensed, certified, or regulated under in another profession or occupation, performing work, including the use of music, incidental to the practice of his or her licensed, certified, or regulated profession or occupation, if that person does not represent himself or herself as a music therapist; (2) any individual whose training and national certification attests to the individual's preparation and ability to practice his or her certified profession or occupation, if that person does not represent himself or herself as a music therapist; or (3) any practice of music therapy as an integral part of a program of study for students enrolled in an accredited music therapy program, if the student does not represent himself or herself as a music therapist. Allows for individuals to provide music therapy under supervision for a period no longer than 180 days from the start of practice if their application to obtain board certification is pending and they meet the remaining licensure requirements. Adds GS 90-750.29, governing collaboration, as follows. Requires individuals with an Integrative Therapy license for Music Therapy to review the client’s diagnosis, needs and treatment plan with the person’s healthcare providers involved in their care before starting music therapy. If that person is a student in a special education setting, requires the therapist to review any plan, the student’s diagnosis, treatment needs and treatment plan. Provides for collaboration, as applicable with the client’s treatment team, as specified. Prohibits an individual with an Integrative Therapy license for Music Therapy from replacing services providing by an audiologist. Bars such individuals from practicing as a speech-language pathologist while providing music therapy, unless authorized to practice speech language pathology. Bars persons with an Integrative Therapy license for Music Therapy from representing that they are authorized to treat a communication disorder, though they may say that they work with clients who have a communication disorder and address communication skills.

Adds physician appointees to the initial members of the Board, with one appointee serving two years, and another serving one year.  Requires that the initial appointments now be made by December 1, 2026 (was, December 1, 2025), with the terms beginning on January 1, 2027 (was, January 1, 2026). Expands the provisions that are effective on the first day of a month 180 days after the Board certifies to the Revisor of Statutes that it has begun accepting applications for Integrative Therapies licenses to include: GS 90-750.16 (compensation for art therapy), GS 90-750.17 (display of art therapy license and advertising), GS 90-750.26 (compensation for music therapy), and GS 90-750.27 (licensed music therapists).

Changes the effective date to when it becomes law except as otherwise provided (was, January 1, 2026).