TX
Texas House Bill HB4557

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4557

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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
    • Section: New Section

Latest HB4557 Activity

Companion Bills

TX SB1081

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.

Similar Bills

TX SB1081

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.

PA HB1564

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.

MN HF2590

Clinical art therapist licensure established, Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy membership modified, fees and civil penalties imposed, and money appropriated.

MN SF1675

Clinical art therapists licensure establishment provision, Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy membership modifications provision, and appropriation

MI HB4514

Health occupations: other; licensing of art therapists; provide for. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 16324b & pt. 168b.

CA AB1651

Licensed educational psychologists: supervision of associates and trainees.

PA SB1019

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.

MN HF2743

Licensure for clinical art therapists established, and fees and civil penalties imposed.