HB 3761
Allows the Health Licensing Office to issue to a qualified applicant a license to practice art therapy as a provisional licensed art therapist.
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
100%
Oppose
0%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows the Health Licensing Office in Oregon to issue provisional licenses to practice art therapy. Qualified applicants must have a master’s degree in art therapy and complete two years of supervised mental health practice. The bill also requires the Oregon Health Authority and coordinated care organizations to reimburse art therapists for behavioral health services provided under the state’s medical assistance program. It establishes requirements for licensure and outlines standards of practice for art therapists, certified art therapists, and provisional licensed art therapists.
Key provisions
- Establishes a process for issuing provisional licenses to practice art therapy.
- Requires applicants to complete two years of supervised mental health practice.
- Mandates reimbursement for behavioral health services provided by licensed art therapists under the state’s medical assistance program.
- Defines key terms related to art therapy, including ‘art therapy,’ ‘licensed art therapist,’ and ‘provisional licensed art therapist.’
- Outlines standards of professional practice and ethical conduct for art therapists.
- Specifies requirements for the Health Licensing Office to develop and maintain a public record of licensed art therapists.
- Sets the effective date for the new provisions and related amendments.
- Establishes a timeline for when the bill’s provisions related to reimbursement will take effect.
Who is affected
- Art therapists
- Oregon Health Authority
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3761 advocate for the establishment of a supervised provisional license for newly graduated master's level art therapists, aiming to increase access to therapeutic mental health services and reduce administrative costs. They emphasize the importance of expanding access to essential care for low-income and underserved communities, particularly those who currently face barriers due to cost constraints or lack of recognition as qualified mental health providers. Many testifiers highlight the transformative power of art therapy in addressing complex mental health challenges, promoting creative expression, and providing non-verbal communication opportunities. By streamlining licensing procedures and eliminating unnecessary redundancy, proponents believe this legislation will bring credibility and recognition to the established practice of art therapy, ultimately empowering a growing workforce of mental health professionals to meet the needs of Oregon's Medicaid recipients and underserved communities.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours