For nearly 15 years, Ohio’s Association of Music Therapists (AOMT) task force has been working toward licensure for music therapists. On July 4th, 2023, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed music therapy licensure into law, which means that Ohio will now join 10 other states that have achieved licensure, including Georgia, Illinois, and Maryland.
As a music therapist, we even found ourselves asking initially, why is licensure so important?
State recognition of the music therapy profession ensures that individuals and families will have access to services provided by a qualified practitioner.
Many existing state regulations require that education and healthcare providers hold a state license including social workers, counselors, and occupational and speech therapists.
Music therapists will now be able to work in locations that require licensure, including many educational and healthcare facilities.
Finally, we hope that as the licensure process moves forward, music therapy services will be billable through insurance and/or Medicaid/Medicare.
Bottom line, music therapy licensure will benefit all parties involved, by ensuring that those seeking music therapy receive high quality services that are more financially accessible. The licensure process is far from complete, as the AOMT task force continues to work out the details with Ohio lawmakers. The task force includes In Harmony’s Executive Director, Alicia Bousner Hrubey, who currently serves on the committee as a co-chair.
