Tennessee House Bill HB0217

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/21/23
• Refer: 2/6/23
• Chaptered: 3/23/23
• Passed: 3/23/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 11, Part 4, relative to the professional art therapist advisory committee of the board of examiners in psychology.

Impact

By formalizing the role of a professional art therapist advisory committee, HB 0217 is expected to bring about significant changes to the professional standards and regulatory framework governing art therapy in Tennessee. This amendment enhances the governance structure surrounding art therapy, which has been gaining recognition as a valuable therapeutic modality. The establishment of this committee will likely improve oversight and education within the field, potentially leading to better client outcomes and increased accessibility to art therapy services.

Summary

House Bill 0217 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the professional art therapist advisory committee, which operates under the board of examiners in psychology. The bill aims to establish a dedicated advisory committee to ensure that art therapists are recognized and regulated as part of the psychological profession. This legislative move is intended to streamline the oversight of licensure and practice standards for professional art therapists, thereby enhancing the quality of mental health services available to the community.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 0217 has been positive, particularly among professionals within the art therapy community and mental health advocates. Supporters view this bill as a crucial step towards the professionalization of art therapy, enabling practitioners to function more effectively within the healthcare system. Additionally, the bill passed with a unanimous vote, indicating strong bipartisan support, which reflects a consensus on the importance of enhancing mental health services.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad support, there was some discussion regarding the specifics of the amendment. Concerns were raised about the potential bureaucratic implications of adding a new advisory committee, including questions on how it would interact with existing mental health licensing boards. Stakeholders were encouraged to address these concerns proactively to ensure that the new regulatory frameworks align effectively with the goals of improving art therapy practices without creating unnecessary barriers for practitioners.