Bill Caption

Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees. 

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 2473, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted : a POSITIVE impact of $58,425 through the biennium ending August 31, 2023. 

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. 

Bill Analysis

HB 2473 would establish a Music Therapist Advisory Board within the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to provide technical assistance in the issuance of a Music Therapist License. Such a license would be required in order for a person to use the title of "licensed professional music therapist" or any other designation that would imply that person is a music therapist.

HB 2473 then would establish many regulations upon this license. This would include limits on the scope of Music Therapist work, introduce an examination, require fees, and pass certification/accreditation processes with independent agencies.

HB 2473 would not apply to:

• a person certified to practice an occupation who uses music within its scope of the accreditation, training, education, and competence;
• a student performing activities under the supervision of a license holder;
• a federal government employee performing duties related to that work;
• a person employed as a music therapist who is working under the direct supervision of a licensed music therapist;
• a family member or guardian of a recipient of music therapy services implementing a treatment plan; or
• a music therapist licensed in another jurisdiction.

However, these individuals would not be allowed to represent themselves as a music therapist.  

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 2473 grows the government to interfere with the operations of music therapists in Texas. Independent accreditation agencies already offer licensure and legitimacy to Music therapists, it is not the role of government to interfere. 

HB 2473 limits those who could utilize this service, and provides an effective barrier to the practice. It removes the choice of people seeking music therapy and therapists who could use music therapy as a tool within their treatment. Therefore, HB 2473 violates individual liberty, limited government, and the free market. Texas Action opposes 2473.