Q: What is state recognition?
A: According to CBMT, state recognition means that the state recognizes a particular profession (in this case, music therapy). This can be through creation of licensure, creation of a registry or inclusion of music therapy specific language by state department or division.
Q: What is the difference between licensure and certification?
A: Certification is where an accrediting body recognizes an individual for having met predetermined qualifications. Licensure refers to laws that regulate a given occupation. State licensure requirements vary from state to state.
Q: What are the benefits of state recognition or licensure?
A: Title Protection and Public Protection against potential harm or misrepresentation from individuals not licensed and/or not practicing under the CBMT Scope of Practice; Possibly allowing for greater access to services through state agencies; Increased awareness of music therapy as a profession which can result in increased referrals, jobs and enrollment in educational programs; Increased access to funds from different private and public funding streams since many of these require state recognition; Provides additional validation of what music therapists do; Aligns music therapists with comparable professions.
Q: What professions are currently licensed in Maryland?
A: According to the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; there are currently 23 licensing boards in Maryland. Some of the health related occupations currently being licensed in Maryland include:
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Nursing
- Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists
- Art Therapy
Q: How many board certified music therapists are there residing in Maryland?
A: According to CBMT, there are currently 97 board certified music therapists residing in Maryland. The State Task Force is in the process of creating a survey that will be sent to music therapists in the state in order to better ascertain where music therapists are living and working in the state of Maryland. This information will be used to assist in the effort towards state recognition or licensure.