Relating to the regulation of art therapy, including the establishment of the Texas Art Therapy Board and the duties of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a fee.
Impact
With the introduction of this bill, practitioners of art therapy will need to meet specific educational and professional requirements to practice legally. This includes passing a licensing examination, obtaining supervised practice hours, and meeting continuing education obligations to maintain licensure. These measures are expected to enhance the quality of services provided to clients seeking mental health treatment through art therapy and align the practice with other mental health professions in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 4557 introduces the regulation of art therapy in Texas through the establishment of the Texas Art Therapy Board under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. This bill mandates that art therapists obtain an occupational license to practice in the state, thereby formalizing the profession and ensuring that art therapy services are delivered by qualified individuals. The legislation also specifies the duties of the new board, which includes setting eligibility criteria for licensure and maintaining standards for the practice of art therapy.
Contention
The bill has generated discussions regarding the necessity and implications of requiring an occupational license for art therapy. Proponents argue that licensure would elevate professional standards and better protect clients from unqualified practitioners. However, critics express concerns that licensure could create barriers to entry for aspiring art therapists and may limit access to therapeutic services that integrate the arts. The balance between protecting public health and ensuring accessibility to mental health services will likely be a key point of debate as the bill progresses.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Occupations Code
Chapter 507. Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
Section: 001
Section: 051
Section: 052
Section: 053
Section: 151
Section: 153
Section: 154
Civil Practice And Remedies Code
Chapter 81. Sexual Exploitation By Mental Health Services Provider
Identical
Relating to the regulation of art therapy, including the establishment of the Texas Art Therapy Board and the duties of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a fee.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of lactation consultants and the creation of the Lactation Consultant Advisory Board; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.
Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.
Relating to the regulation of massage therapists and massage establishments by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and political subdivisions.
Relating to the regulation of art therapy, including the establishment of the Texas Art Therapy Board and the duties of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a fee.
Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.
Clinical art therapists licensure establishment provision, Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy membership modifications provision, and appropriation
Clinical art therapist licensure established, Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy membership modified, fees and civil penalties imposed, and money appropriated.
Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.