RI Music Therapy Legislation Signed Into Law

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) are excited to announce that, on June 30, 2014, Governor Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island signed into law HB 7131.

This legislation creates a music therapy registry that will be administered by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Many thanks to Nicole O’Malley, members of the Rhode Island Task Force (James Danna, Dalita Getzoyan, David Hirschberg, Crystal King, Linda Majewski, Teri Pimley, Kristi Rood, Jaye Watts), other key supporters and organizations (Cathy Andreozzi, Sue Baylis, Cris Brodeur, John Cronin, Kathy Dennard, Jennifer Hoskins, Kathleen Howland, Katie Little, Carol Manglass, Jennifer Sokira, Ella Whaley, The Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island, Easter Seals of Rhode Island), legislative champions (Reps. McNamara, Rep. Palumbo, Sen. Miller, Rep. Langevin), family members of Hands in Harmony, and to all the music therapists and music therapy advocates in Rhode Island and the New England region for your work, dedication, and advocacy for this legislation. Despite significant obstacles, the RI Task Force mobilized an incredible grassroots advocacy campaign and worked tirelessly to support this bill.

Their commitment to securing state recognition for music therapy will serve to benefit Rhode Island citizens by allowing them to more easily access music therapy services provided by qualified practitioners. 

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