SF2975

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish licensure for music therapists in Minnesota. It aims to regulate the profession by requiring specific qualifications and to ensure consumer protection through the enforcement of licensure requirements.

Main Provisions

• Creation of Licensure: This bill mandates that music therapists must obtain a license to practice in Minnesota. This includes both initial licensure and renewals.
• Licensure Requirements: Applicants must undergo a criminal background check. This includes checks of state data by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and a national check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• Fees and Penalties: The bill establishes fees for licensure and outlines civil penalties for those who practice without a license or violate other provisions.
• Amendments to Existing Statute: The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 144.0572, subdivision 1, by including music therapists among the professionals who require criminal background checks.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill proposes a new statutory chapter (148G) specifically for the licensure of music therapists. It integrates music therapists into existing frameworks used for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and other health-related occupations that require licensure and background checks.

Relevant Terms

• Music Therapist
• Licensure
• Criminal Background Check
• Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Civil Penalties
• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 148G