Committee hears bill to license board-certified music therapists to improve access and reimbursement

Senate File 2975, introduced by Sen. Port, would establish state licensure for board-certified music therapists. Testimony emphasized clinical roles in NICU, pediatric and mental-health settings, and argued licensure would protect consumers, clarify scope and enable reimbursement and contracting in schools and health systems.

Kayla Schafer and Dr. Todd Schwartzberg, both board-certified music therapists, described clinical examples where music therapy improved patient outcomes and said licensure aligns Minnesota with 17 other states that regulate the profession. Supporters asked for adoption of the author’s amendment to update statute references; the committee adopted the amendment and laid the bill over.