Senators Vogel and Comitta Co-Sponsor SB 579 with Bipartisan Support; Seeks Inclusion Under the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors

Harrisburg – A path is opening for music therapists in Pennsylvania to obtain professional licensure from the state government. According to a new bill introduced by State Senators Elder Vogel Jr. (R-47th District) and Carolyn Comitta (D-19th District), this is expected to bring significant economic and therapeutic benefits to families and communities.

SB 579, introduced with bipartisan support, seeks to establish board certification exams, continuing education requirements, and a code of ethics, allowing trained music therapists to receive professional licensure under the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.

Senator Vogel stated, "For many years, I have advocated for establishing a state licensure for music therapists in Pennsylvania to provide another avenue for those in need of therapeutic services." He pointed out, "Without state licensure, most patients are denied insurance coverage for this therapy, and music therapists in Pennsylvania are finding limited job opportunities, leading them to seek employment in other states." He added, "Patients are missing out on beneficial healthcare options, and Pennsylvania is losing family-sustaining jobs and opportunities to generate economic revenue. I am pleased to reintroduce this bill for this important therapeutic option."

Senator Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee, emphasized, "Music therapy can be a powerful tool to promote healing, well-being, and recovery. Licensing highly trained music therapists will not only reduce public health costs and improve access to care but also boost our economy, increase tax revenue, and create jobs." She expressed, "I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation with Senator Vogel and extend my gratitude to State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, who led this effort in the House."

Effectiveness of Music Therapy and the Reality in Pennsylvania

Music therapy is an evidence-based healthcare profession that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, alleviate pain, and improve communication and social skills. It supports patients with various clinical needs, including dementia, autism spectrum disorder, stroke, depression, developmental and intellectual disabilities, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, end-of-life care, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment. Currently, over 600 music therapists in Pennsylvania provide services to 49,000 residents annually.

Surprisingly, despite Pennsylvania having the most music therapy higher education programs in the United States, professional licensure for music therapists is not currently offered. This leads to many highly trained music therapists migrating to nearby states where licensure is available, such as Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. In fact, up to 80% of Maryland's Licensed Professional Music Therapists (LPMTs) are reportedly trained in Pennsylvania educational institutions.

Expected Economic Ripple Effects and Resolution of Insurance Coverage Issues

According to the Pennsylvania Music Therapy Task Force, establishing music therapist licensure is estimated to help Pennsylvania recover approximately $7 million in revenue by preventing graduate outflow and generate an additional $135.4 million in revenue by enabling music therapists to bill appropriately.

Currently, most insurance companies and Behavioral Health Managed Care Organizations (BH-MCOs) deny insurance coverage to music therapists due to the lack of state licensure. Despite holding national certifications, they often do not receive insurance benefits. At least 60 out of Pennsylvania's 67 counties are blocked from receiving reimbursement for music therapy services through BH-MCOs. As a result, employers are losing approximately $128,752 per music therapist annually, which leads to over $93 million in annual losses for Pennsylvania businesses, healthcare facilities, and therapy organizations, the task force stated.

SB 579 is considered a crucial opportunity to prevent the exodus of skilled professionals, expand access to healthcare services, and reclaim significant economic value currently being lost to neighboring states with more advanced regulatory frameworks.

The bill has currently been referred to the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee and has been co-sponsored by 14 senators across both Republican and Democratic parties. Additionally, a companion bill, House Bill 563, introduced by Representative Pashinski, is pending in the House. The passage of this bill is attracting considerable attention.