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Bill

SB 164

Licensed professional music therapists.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Alting and 4 co-sponsors

Indiana SB 164 creates state licensure requirements and professional standards for music therapists to regulate credentials and clinical practice.

Senators Alting and Bohacek added as coauthors
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Bill Summary · SB 164

Legislative bill overview

SB 164 establishes a licensing framework for professional music therapists in Indiana, creating state-regulated credentials and standards for practitioners. The bill defines qualifications, educational requirements, and scope of practice for individuals providing music therapy services in clinical and healthcare settings.

Why is this important

Music therapy is an evidence-based clinical practice, but practitioners currently operate without state regulation in Indiana, creating potential quality and safety inconsistencies. Licensure would standardize credentials, protect consumers from unqualified practitioners, and potentially expand insurance reimbursement eligibility for music therapy services.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries: Defining what music therapists can and cannot do relative to other licensed healthcare providers (psychiatrists, counselors, physical therapists) to avoid overlap or territorial disputes
  • Educational and certification requirements: Determining minimum standards (degree level, coursework hours, exam passage) that balance accessibility for practitioners with quality assurance, particularly regarding existing practitioners without formal credentials
  • Cost implications: Licensing fees, examination costs, and continuing education requirements may increase service costs or create barriers for smaller providers and rural practitioners

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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