An Act prohibiting individuals from holding themselves out as music therapists without holding a valid certification; and imposing a penalty.

PRINTER'S NO. 3477
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 2586
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY PASHINSKI, VENKAT, RIVERA, McNEILL, HOHENSTEIN,
HOWARD, BOROWSKI AND GUENST, JUNE 1, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, JUNE 1, 2026
AN ACT
Prohibiting individuals from holding themselves out as music
therapists without holding a valid certification; and
imposing a penalty.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Music Therapy
Practice Act.
Section 2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Music therapist." An individual who is certified through
and holds a valid credential from the Certification Board for
Music Therapists, or a successor organization, to practice music
therapy.
"Music therapy." The clinical and evidence-based use of
music interventions through a therapeutic relationship designed
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to achieve personalized goals for individuals of all ages and
ability levels, to aid in developmental, rehabilitative,
habilitative, medical, mental health, preventive or educational
areas.
Section 3. Prohibitions.
(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), an
individual who is not a music therapist may not:
(1) Hold oneself out as a music therapist or as being
certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists, or
a successor organization, to practice music therapy.
(2) Use the initials "MT-BC" or any other words,
letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying
that the individual is a music therapist.
(b) Exception.--Subsection (a) does not prohibit an
individual from using music in the performance of the
individual's profession or occupation if the individual does not
engage in the prohibited conduct enumerated in subsection (a).
Section 4. Penalty.
An individual who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally
violates section 3 is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third
degree.
Section 5. Unfair trade practice.
A violation of this act shall be deemed to be an unfair or
deceptive act or practice in violation of the act of December
17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices
and Consumer Protection Law.
Section 6. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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