Thank you for your interest in music therapy recognition in North Carolina! This page serves as a review of recent history of the task force, information on any current legislative activity, event announcements, as well as providing contact information.
Music therapists have been working to establish a state credential in North Carolina since 2006. Meanwhile, our neighbors in Georgia and Virginia have successfully created state licensure processes, in 2012 and 2020, respectively. Nationwide, 16 states currently have some form of legal recognition for music therapists, be they licenses, registries, certifications, or title protections.
Music therapists have been working to establish a state credential in North Carolina since 2006. Meanwhile, our neighbors in Georgia and Virginia have successfully created state licensure processes, in 2012 and 2020, respectively. Nationwide, 16 states currently have some form of legal recognition for music therapists, be they licenses, registries, certifications, or title protections.
Legislative Activity
There are currently bills in both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly to establish licensure for music therapists! Senate Bill 513 and House Bill 557, both titled North Carolina Healing Arts Commission, were both filed April 4, 2023. The proposed Healing Arts Commission would oversee licensure for music therapists, reflexologists, and naturopathic physicians.
On May 31st, the House Regulatory Reform committee unanimously passed H557! It was originally slated to go to the House Rules Committee before heading to the House floor for a vote, but it has been referred back to the House Health Committee. Stay tuned for more updates!
MANY thanks to all who participated in our Hill Day in Raleigh on May 18th! From what we are hearing, music therapy has overwhelming support in the Assembly thanks to meetings at that Hill Day and follow-ups since then! If you have not done so already, please get in touch with your legislators and encourage them to support these bills! If you need guidance on how to do so, please do not hesitate to reach out using the "Contact Us" button at the bottom of the page.
On May 31st, the House Regulatory Reform committee unanimously passed H557! It was originally slated to go to the House Rules Committee before heading to the House floor for a vote, but it has been referred back to the House Health Committee. Stay tuned for more updates!
MANY thanks to all who participated in our Hill Day in Raleigh on May 18th! From what we are hearing, music therapy has overwhelming support in the Assembly thanks to meetings at that Hill Day and follow-ups since then! If you have not done so already, please get in touch with your legislators and encourage them to support these bills! If you need guidance on how to do so, please do not hesitate to reach out using the "Contact Us" button at the bottom of the page.
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Pictured Above: North Carolina Music Therapists make a strong showing at the Southest Regional AMTA conference in March, 2020