SB 579 — An Act amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PRINTER'S NO.   587

                     THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



                        SENATE BILL
                        No. 579
                                               Session of
                                                 2025

     INTRODUCED BY VOGEL, COMITTA, KEARNEY, HAYWOOD, FONTANA, COSTA,
        HUTCHINSON, TARTAGLIONE, SCHWANK, CAPPELLETTI, A. WILLIAMS,
        CULVER, SANTARSIERO, ROBINSON, FLYNN AND J. WARD,
        APRIL 9, 2025

     REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE,
        APRIL 9, 2025


                                    AN ACT
 1   Amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), entitled "An
 2      act licensing and regulating the practice of social work;
 3      providing penalties; and making an appropriation," providing
 4      for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy;
 5      and making editorial changes.
 6      The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
 7   hereby enacts as follows:
 8      Section 1.    The title and sections 1 and 2 of the act of July
 9   9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage
10   and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, are
11   amended to read:
12                                  AN ACT
13   Licensing and regulating the practice of social work, marriage
14      and family therapy, professional counseling and professional
15      music therapy; providing penalties; and making an
16      appropriation.
17   Section 1.   Short title.
18      This act shall be known and may be cited as the Social
 1   Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists [and], Professional
 2   Counselors and Professional Music Therapists Act.
 3   Section 2.    Legislative intent.
 4      The practice of social work, marriage and family therapy
 5   [and], professional counseling and professional music therapy
 6   within this Commonwealth is hereby declared to affect the public
 7   safety and welfare and to be subject to regulation and control
 8   in the public interest to protect the public from
 9   unprofessional, improper, unauthorized and unqualified practice
10   of licensed social work, licensed marriage and family therapy
11   [and], licensed professional counseling and licensed
12   professional music therapy. This act regulates only those who
13   hold themselves out as licensed social workers, licensed
14   clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists
15   [or as], licensed professional counselors or as licensed
16   professional music therapists. Acquisition of a license under
17   this act shall not be made a condition of the employment of a
18   person by the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions
19   or by nonprofit agencies.
20      Section 2.    The definition of "board" in section 3 of the act
21   is amended and the section is amended by adding definitions to
22   read:
23   Section 3.    Definitions.
24      The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
25   have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
26   context clearly indicates otherwise:
27      * * *
28      "Board."    The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and
29   Family Therapists [and], Professional Counselors and
30   Professional Music Therapists under the Bureau of Professional

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 1   and Occupational Affairs within the Department of State.
 2      * * *
 3      "Independent practice of music therapy."      The application of
 4   professional music therapy knowledge and skills by an
 5   individual:
 6          (1)    who styles oneself as a professional music
 7      therapist;
 8          (2)    who regulates and is responsible for the
 9      individual's own practice and treatment procedures; and
10          (3)    whose practice is not affiliated with any other
11      practice, health care facility, government agency or
12      government-regulated social service agency.
13      * * *
14      "Licensed professional music therapist."      A person who
15   engages in the practice of music therapy and who holds a current
16   license under this act.
17      * * *
18      "Practice of music therapy."    As follows:
19          (1)    The clinical and evidence-based use of music
20      interventions to accomplish individualized goals for
21      individuals of all ages and ability levels within a
22      therapeutic relationship by a licensed professional music
23      therapist. Professional music therapists develop an
24      individualized music therapy treatment plan for a client or
25      group of clients that identifies the goals, objectives and
26      potential strategies of the music therapy services
27      appropriate for the client or group of clients using music
28      therapy interventions, including, but not limited to, music
29      improvisation, receptive music listening, song-writing, lyric
30      discussion, music and imagery, music performance, learning

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 1    through music and movement to music.
 2        (2)   The term includes:
 3              (i)    Accepting referrals for music therapy services
 4        from medical, developmental, mental health or education
 5        professionals, family members, clients, caregivers or
 6        others involved and authorized with provision of client
 7        services.
 8              (ii)    Conducting a music therapy assessment of a
 9        client to determine if treatment is indicated. If
10        treatment is indicated, the licensed professional music
11        therapist collects systematic, comprehensive and accurate
12        information necessary to determine the appropriate type
13        of music therapy services to provide for the client.
14              (iii)    Developing an individualized music therapy
15        treatment plan for a client that is based upon the
16        results of the music therapy assessment.
17              (iv)    Carrying out an individualized music therapy
18        treatment plan that is consistent with other medical,
19        developmental, rehabilitative, habilitating, mental
20        health, preventive, wellness care or educational services
21        being provided to a client.
22              (v)    Evaluating a client's response to music therapy
23        and the individualized music therapy treatment plan,
24        documenting change and progress and suggesting
25        modifications, as appropriate.
26              (vi)    Developing a plan for determining when the
27        provision of music therapy services is no longer needed
28        in collaboration with the client, a physician or other
29        provider of health care or education of the client, the
30        family or caregiver of the client and any other

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 1        appropriate person upon whom the client relies for
 2        support.
 3              (vii)    Minimizing barriers to ensure a client may
 4        receive music therapy services in the least restrictive
 5        environment.
 6              (viii)    Collaborating with and educating the client
 7        and the family or caregiver of the client or any other
 8        appropriate person about the needs of the client that are
 9        being addressed in music therapy and the manner in which
10        the music therapy addresses those needs.
11              (ix)    Utilizing appropriate knowledge and skill to
12        improve the practice of music therapy, including the use
13        of research, reasoning and problem-solving skills to
14        determine appropriate actions in the context of each
15        specific clinical setting.
16        (3)   The term does not include:
17              (i)    The screening, diagnosis or assessment of any
18        physical, mental or communication disorder.
19              (ii)    A person whose training and national
20        certification attests to the person's preparation and
21        ability to practice the certified profession or
22        occupation, if the person does not represent that the
23        person is a music therapist.
24              (iii)    The practice of music therapy as an integral
25        part of a program of study for a student enrolled in an
26        accredited music therapy program, if the student does not
27        represent that the student is a music therapist.
28              (iv)    A person who engages in the practice of music
29        therapy under the supervision of a licensed professional
30        music therapist, if the person does not represent that

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 1            the person is a music therapist.
 2      * * *
 3      "Professional music therapist."       A person who has acquired
 4   the necessary education and qualifications to apply to be a
 5   licensed professional music therapist under this act and engage
 6   in the practice of music therapy in this Commonwealth.
 7      * * *
 8      Section 3.   Sections 4, 5 heading, (a), (c) and (l) and 6(2)
 9   and (3) of the act, amended March 28, 2024 (P.L.11, No.4), are
10   amended to read:
11   Section 4.   License required.
12      It shall be unlawful for any person to [hold oneself forth
13   as] represent that the person is a licensed bachelor social
14   worker, licensed social worker, licensed clinical social worker,
15   licensed associate marriage and family therapist, licensed
16   marriage and family therapist, licensed associate professional
17   counselor [or], licensed professional counselor or licensed
18   professional music therapist unless [he or she] the person shall
19   first have obtained a license pursuant to this act.
20   Section 5.   State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family
21                   Therapists [and], Professional Counselors and
22                   Professional Music Therapists.
23      (a)   Creation.--There is hereby created the State Board of
24   Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists [and],
25   Professional Counselors and Professional Music Therapists, a
26   departmental administrative board in the Department of State.
27   The board shall consist of [13] 15 members who are citizens of
28   the United States and who have been residents of this
29   Commonwealth for a two-year period, two of whom shall be public
30   members; five of whom shall be licensed social workers, at least

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 1   one of whom shall be a licensed clinical social worker and at
 2   least one of whom shall be a licensed social worker; two of whom
 3   shall be licensed marriage and family therapists; two of whom
 4   shall be licensed professional counselors; two of whom shall be
 5   licensed professional music therapists with a master's degree or
 6   higher in music therapy or a related field; one of whom shall be
 7   either a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed
 8   professional counselor whose membership shall rotate between
 9   those professions at the expiration of the member's second term;
10   and one of whom shall be the Commissioner of Professional and
11   Occupational Affairs.
12      * * *
13      (c)   Initial appointments.--Within 90 days of the effective
14   date of this act, the Governor shall nominate one professional
15   member to serve as a clinical social worker member of the board;
16   three professional members to serve as professional counselor
17   members of the board, one of whom shall serve a two-year term,
18   one of whom shall serve a three-year term and one of whom shall
19   serve a four-year term; two professional members to serve as the
20   marriage and family therapist members of the board, one of whom
21   shall serve a two-year term and one of whom shall serve a four-
22   year term[.]; and two professional members to serve as the
23   licensed professional music therapist members of the board, one
24   of whom shall serve a two-year term and one of whom shall serve
25   a four-year term. The professional members of the board
26   initially appointed pursuant to this subsection need not be
27   licensed by the licensure examination adopted by the board but,
28   at the time of appointment, must have satisfied the education
29   and experience requirements of this act for licensure as a
30   clinical social worker, a marriage and family therapist [or], a

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 1   professional counselor or a licensed professional music
 2   therapist.
 3      * * *
 4      (l)   Operating procedures.--The board shall meet within 30
 5   days after the appointment of its new members and set up
 6   operating procedures and develop application forms for licensing
 7   clinical social workers, associate marriage and family
 8   therapists, marriage and family therapists, associate
 9   professional counselors [and], professional counselors and
10   professional music therapists. It shall be the responsibility of
11   the board to circulate these forms and educate the public to the
12   requirements of licensing in order to hold oneself out as a
13   licensed bachelor social worker, licensed social worker,
14   licensed associate marriage and family therapist, licensed
15   clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist,
16   licensed associate professional counselor [or], licensed
17   professional counselor or professional music therapist within
18   [the] this Commonwealth.
19   Section 6.     Powers and functions of board.
20      The board shall have the following powers:
21            * * *
22            (2)   To adopt and, from time to time, revise such rules
23      and regulations as may be necessary to carry into effect the
24      provisions of this act. Such regulations may include, but
25      shall not be limited to, standards of professional practice
26      and conduct for licensed bachelor social workers, licensed
27      social workers, licensed clinical social workers, licensed
28      associate marriage and family therapists, licensed marriage
29      and family therapists, licensed associate professional
30      counselors [and], licensed professional counselors and

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 1      professional music therapist in Pennsylvania.
 2            (3)   To examine for, deny, approve, issue, revoke,
 3      suspend or renew licenses of bachelor social workers, social
 4      workers, clinical social workers, associate marriage and
 5      family therapists, marriage and family therapists, associate
 6      professional counselors [and], professional counselors and
 7      professional music therapist pursuant to this act and to
 8      conduct hearings in connection therewith.
 9            * * *
10      Section 4.     Section 7 of the act is amended by adding a
11   subsection to read:
12   Section 7.     Qualifications for license.
13      * * *
14      (h)   Professional music therapist license.--An applicant
15   shall be qualified for a license to hold oneself out as a
16   licensed professional music therapist, provided the applicant
17   submits proof satisfactory to the board that:
18            (1)   The applicant is of good moral character.
19            (2)   The applicant has completed the education and
20      clinical training requirements established by the American
21      Music Therapy Association or any successor organization.
22            (3)   The applicant provides proof of passing the
23      examination for board certification offered by the
24      Certification Board for Music Therapists or any successor
25      organization or provides proof of being transitioned into
26      board certification, and provides proof that the applicant is
27      currently a board certified music therapist.
28            (4)   The applicant remains actively certified by the
29      Certification Board for Music Therapists.
30            (5)   The applicant has submitted an application

20250SB0579PN0587                    - 9 -
 1      accompanied by the application fee.
 2            (6)   The applicant has not been convicted of a felony
 3      under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic
 4      Act, or of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction,
 5      which, if committed in this Commonwealth, would be a felony
 6      under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic
 7      Act, unless:
 8                  (i)    at least ten years have elapsed from the date of
 9            conviction;
10                  (ii)    the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to
11            the board that the applicant has made significant
12            progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction,
13            such that licensure of the applicant should not be
14            expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the
15            health and safety of the applicant's clients or the
16            public or a substantial risk of further criminal
17            violation; and
18                  (iii)    the applicant otherwise satisfies the
19            qualifications contained in or authorized by this act.
20      As used in this paragraph, the term "convicted" shall include
21      a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo
22      contendere.
23      Section 5.        Sections 8(b) and 10(a) of the act, amended March
24   28, 2024 (P.L.11, No.4), are amended to read:
25   Section 8.     Procedures for licensing.
26      * * *
27      (b)   Issuance of license.--The board shall issue to each
28   person who meets the licensure requirements of this act a
29   certificate setting forth that such person is licensed to [hold
30   oneself out as] represent that the person is a licensed bachelor

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 1   social worker, a licensed social worker, a licensed clinical
 2   social worker, a licensed associate marriage and family
 3   therapist, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed
 4   associate professional counselor [or], a licensed professional
 5   counselor or professional music therapist.
 6   Section 10.    Reciprocity.
 7      (a)   General rule.--The board shall have the power to grant a
 8   reciprocal license to an applicant who is licensed or certified
 9   as a bachelor social worker, social worker, clinical social
10   worker, associate marriage and family therapist, marriage and
11   family therapist, associate professional counselor [or],
12   professional counselor or professional music therapist in
13   another state and has demonstrated qualifications which equal or
14   exceed those required pursuant to this act in the determination
15   of the board, provided that no license shall be granted under
16   this section to an applicant unless the state in which the
17   applicant is licensed affords reciprocal treatment to persons
18   who are residents of this Commonwealth and who are licensed
19   pursuant to this act.
20      * * *
21      Section 6.    Section 10.1 of the act is amended by adding a
22   subsection to read:
23   Section 10.1.    Endorsement of out-of-State licenses.
24      * * *
25      (d)   Professional music therapist license.--The board may
26   issue a professional music therapist license without examination
27   to an applicant holding a professional music therapist license
28   in another state who submits proof satisfactory to the board of
29   all of the following:
30            (1)   The applicant is of good moral character.

20250SB0579PN0587                    - 11 -
 1        (2)   The applicant meets the educational requirements,
 2    including clinical training as specified in section 7(h).
 3        (3)   The applicant holds a music therapy license that is
 4    in good standing from another state.
 5        (4)   The applicant has, at a minimum, been actively
 6    engaged in the practice of music therapy for five of the last
 7    seven years immediately preceding the filing of the
 8    application for licensure by endorsement with the board.
 9        (5)   The applicant has submitted an application
10    accompanied by the application fee.
11        (6)   The applicant has not been convicted of a felony
12    under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic
13    Act, or of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction,
14    which, if committed in this Commonwealth, would be a felony
15    under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic
16    Act, unless:
17              (i)    at least ten years have elapsed from the date of
18        conviction;
19              (ii)    the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to
20        the board that the applicant has made significant
21        progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction,
22        such that licensure of the applicant should not be
23        expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the
24        health and safety of the applicant's clients or the
25        public or a substantial risk of further criminal
26        violation; and
27              (iii)    the applicant otherwise satisfies the
28        qualifications contained in or authorized by this act.
29    As used in this paragraph, the term "convicted" shall include
30    a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo

20250SB0579PN0587                   - 12 -
 1      contendere.
 2      Section 7.     Section 12 of the act, amended March 28, 2024
 3   (P.L.11, No.4), is amended to read:
 4   Section 12.     Reinstatement of license.
 5      Unless ordered to do so by Commonwealth Court or an appeal
 6   therefrom, the board shall not reinstate the license of a person
 7   to practice as a bachelor social worker, social worker, clinical
 8   social worker, associate marriage and family therapist, marriage
 9   and family therapist, associate professional counselor [or],
10   professional counselor pursuant or professional music therapist
11   to this act, which has been revoked. Any person whose license
12   has been revoked may apply for reinstatement, after a period of
13   at least five years, but must meet all of the licensing
14   qualifications of this act, including the examination
15   requirement, if [he or she] the person desires to practice as a
16   bachelor social worker, social worker, clinical social worker,
17   marriage and family therapist [or], professional counselor or
18   professional music therapist pursuant to this act at any time
19   after such revocation.
20      Section 8.     The act is amended by adding a section to read:
21   Section 16.7.     Practice of music therapy and restrictions on use
22                  of title "Licensed Professional Music Therapist."
23      (a)   Before treatment.--
24            (1)   Before providing music therapy services to a client
25      for an identified clinical or developmental need, the
26      licensed professional music therapist shall review with the
27      health care provider involved in the client's care the
28      client's diagnosis, treatment needs and treatment plan.
29            (2)   Before providing music therapy services to an
30      individual for an identified educational need, the licensed

20250SB0579PN0587                     - 13 -
 1      professional music therapist shall review with the
 2      individualized family service plan team or individualized
 3      education program team the individual's diagnosis, treatment
 4      needs and treatment plan.
 5      (b)   During treatment.--
 6            (1)   When providing music therapy services to a client,
 7      the licensed professional music therapist shall collaborate,
 8      as applicable, with the client's treatment team, including
 9      physician, psychologist, licensed social worker or other
10      mental health professional.
11            (2)   When providing music therapy services to a client
12      with a communication disorder, the licensed professional
13      music therapist shall collaborate and discuss the music
14      therapy treatment plan with the client's audiologist or
15      speech-language pathologist. When providing educational or
16      health care services, a licensed professional music therapist
17      may not replace the services provided by an audiologist or a
18      speech-language pathologist. Unless authorized to practice
19      speech-language pathology, music therapists may not evaluate,
20      examine, instruct or counsel on speech, language,
21      communication and swallowing disorders and conditions.
22      (c)   Use of title.--Only individuals who have received
23   licenses as licensed professional music therapists under this
24   act may style themselves as licensed professional music
25   therapists and use the letters "L.P.M.T." in connection with
26   their names. It shall be unlawful for an individual to style
27   oneself as a licensed professional music therapist, a music
28   therapist or use any words or symbols indicating or tending to
29   indicate that the individual is a licensed professional music
30   therapist or a music therapist without holding a license in good

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 1   standing under this act.
 2      (d)   Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
 3   construed to prohibit a person who is licensed or certified to
 4   practice a profession by a Commonwealth agency or board from
 5   practicing within the scope of that license or certificate or as
 6   otherwise authorized by law so long as the person does not
 7   represent themselves as a music therapist.
 8      (e)   Communication disorders.--A licensed professional music
 9   therapist may not represent to the public that the licensed
10   professional music therapist is authorized to treat a
11   communication disorder. This does not prohibit a licensed
12   professional music therapist from representing to the public
13   that the licensed professional music therapist works with
14   clients who have a communication disorder and addresses
15   communication skills.
16      Section 9.   Section 17(b) of the act is amended to read:
17   Section 17.   Penalties.
18      * * *
19      (b)   Civil penalty.--In addition to any other civil remedy or
20   criminal penalty provided for in this act, the board, by a vote
21   of the majority of the maximum number of the authorized
22   membership of the board as provided by law, or by a vote of the
23   majority of the duly qualified and confirmed membership or a
24   minimum of three members, whichever is greater, may levy a civil
25   penalty of up to $10,000 on any current licensee who violates
26   any provision of this act, on any person who engages in the
27   independent practice of clinical social work, the independent
28   practice of marriage and family therapy [or], the independent
29   practice of professional counseling or the independent practice
30   of music therapy without being licensed pursuant to this act or

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 1   on any person who [holds himself or herself out as] represents
 2   that the person is a licensed bachelor social worker, licensed
 3   social worker, licensed clinical social worker, licensed
 4   marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor
 5   [or], marriage and family therapist or licensed professional
 6   music therapist without being so licensed pursuant to this act.
 7   The board shall levy this penalty only after affording the
 8   accused party the opportunity for a hearing, as provided in
 9   Title 2 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (relating to
10   administrative law and procedure).
11      * * *
12      Section 10.   Sections 18(b) and 20(a) of the act, amended
13   March 28, 2024 (P.L.11, No.4), are amended to read:
14   Section 18.   License renewal; records and fees.
15      * * *
16      (b)   Records.--A record of all persons licensed to practice
17   as bachelor social workers, social workers, clinical social
18   workers, associate marriage and family therapists, marriage and
19   family therapists, associate professional counselors [and],
20   professional counselors and music therapists in Pennsylvania
21   shall be kept in the office of the board and shall be open to
22   public inspection and copying upon payment of a nominal fee for
23   copying the record.
24      * * *
25   Section 20.   Unlawful practice.
26      (a)   Unlawful practice prohibited.--It shall be unlawful for
27   any person to engage in the independent practice of clinical
28   social work, the independent practice of marriage and family
29   therapy [or], the independent practice of professional
30   counseling or the independent practice of music therapy or [hold

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 1   oneself out as] represent that the person is a licensed bachelor
 2   social worker, licensed social worker, licensed clinical social
 3   worker, licensed associate marriage and family therapist,
 4   licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed associate
 5   professional counselor [and], licensed professional counselor
 6   and licensed professional music therapist without possessing a
 7   valid, unexpired, unrevoked and unsuspended license issued under
 8   this act.
 9      * * *
10      Section 11.   This act shall take effect in 60 days.




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