AMTA Government Relations Summer Update

Keeping AMTA members informed about the work of AMTA Government Relations

The role of AMTA Government Relations (AMTA GR) is to increase access to quality music therapy services through monitoring and responding to state and federal legislation that impacts music therapy practice and to serve as a direct resource to the regions for both federal and state government relations and advocacy issues.

Working to fulfill the association’s mission of advancing public awareness of music therapy. AMTA GR seeks to increase access to quality music therapy services. In practice, this includes working to educate stakeholders, legislators (state and federal levels), healthcare and education administrators about music therapy. In the first half of 2024, AMTA GR has seen much positive movement for music therapy at both the state and federal levels and has participated in and/or presented to the following Washington-DC based federal coalitions, representing music therapists and the clients they serve:

• Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD): Education, Health, Veterans and Military, and Developmental Disabilities/Autism/Family Support Task Forces.
• Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC). 
• Habilitation Coalition (HAB). 
• National Alliance of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (NASISP).
• Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR).
• Independence Through the Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid Coalition (ITEM). 
• Participation in Sound Health Network Focus Group and Reimbursement/Sustainable Funding Affinity Group.
• Presentation to the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations (NCCATA).
• Presentation to the National Standards Board of Therapeutic Musicians (NSBTM).

Federal Advocacy 

AMTA GR contributed to the drafting of federal legislation HR 7261: “Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act” introduced by Rep. David Scott (Georgia) and referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. From Rep. David’s Scott press release “This critical piece of legislation will provide professional development grants to arts educators and creative arts therapists to best include students with disabilities.” It authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible entities to carry out professional development for arts educators and creative arts therapists to learn how to best accommodate children with disabilities, and for other purposes.  Read the press release from Rep. Scott’s website which includes an impressive list of endorsing organizations including AMTA.  

State Advocacy

AMTA GR and CBMT continue to collaborate on the State Recognition Operation Plan. Currently they oversee and support the work of 21 active state task forces around the USA. These task forces work tirelessly to seek state recognition for the profession of music therapy. If you are wondering why this is needed check out CBMT’s State Licensure FAQs (scroll to the bottom for the FAQs). 

Music Therapy included in the the Illinois Medicaid Omnibus Package

Congratulations to the Illinois State Task Force on the inclusion of music therapy services in the state's Medicaid Omnibus Package for the FIRST TIME! This is a major feat and step forward for music therapy. An Omnibus Package puts many bills together, which then only requires one vote from the legislature. It is often tied to voting on the state budget which the Illinois General Assembly was grappling with at the 11th hour before adjournment. Thanks to our Illinois lobbyist, Andrew Kretschmar, music therapy remained in the Omnibus package with coverage scheduled to begin in July 2025. This funding opportunity through traditional Medicaid (not Waivers) within a state Medicaid budget package is a first for the profession! For the full story read: Music Therapy Services Included in Illinois Medicaid Omnibus.

Music Therapy Certificate Created in Tennessee

Congratulations to the Tennessee State Task Force members, state clinicians, educators, and students for their steadfast advocacy in getting Senate Bill 898 (SB 898) passed into law. Similar to a license, the Certified Professional Music Therapist (CPMT) provides title and scope of practice protection for music therapy and will serve to increase consumer access to safe and competent music therapy services in the state. SB 898 creates a music therapy certificate under the Board of Examiners in Psychology and establishes a Professional Music Therapy Advisory Committee to assist the Board in matters concerning the certificate.

States in process: The following states introduced or continued supporting music therapy related legislation this year: Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wisconsin. Vermont and Wyoming are actively working with state agencies and/or legislative committees on music therapy recognition. 

Recognition passed awaiting implementation: States currently working on or awaiting implementation of regulatory language following passage of music therapy licensure bills include: Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington.

Many thanks to all music therapists participating in music therapy advocacy activity across the country!

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