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Music Therapy Bill Passes Senate Hurdle

Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.
Crystal Chavez
/
The Florida Channel
Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.

A bill that would require music therapists in Florida to get a state license passed a State Senate committee. The bill was unanimously approved by the Senate Health Policy committee Tuesday.

Music therapists with specific education and training to help patients cope and heal from a variety of illnesses are currently certified by a national board.

Supporters of the legislation say licensing is needed to protect the public and make sure anyone identifying as a music therapist has received proper training.

The bill still has two more senate committees to get through. There’s a companion bill in the Florida House.
 

Crystal Chavez is a reporter with WMFE in Orlando. WMFE is a part of Health News Florida, which receives support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.