Title 23
Health and Safety

Chapter 20.8.1
Registration of Music Therapists

R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-20.8.1-1

§ 23-20.8.1-1. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Board certified music therapist” means an individual who has completed the education and clinical training requirements established by the American Music Therapy Association; has passed the certification board for music therapists certification examination; or transitioned into board certification, and remains actively certified by the certification board for music therapists.

(2) “Music therapist” means a person registered to practice music therapy pursuant to this chapter.

(3) “Music therapy” means the clinical and evidence based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship through an individualized music therapy treatment plan for the client that identifies the goals, objectives, and potential strategies of the music therapy services appropriate for the client using music therapy interventions, which may include music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, learning through music, and movement to music. Music therapy is a distinct and separate profession from other licensed, certified, or regulated professions, including speech-language pathology. The practice of music therapy does not include the diagnosis of any physical, mental, or communication disorder. This term may include:

(i) Accepting referrals for music therapy services from medical, developmental, mental health, or education professionals; family members; clients; or caregivers. Before providing music therapy services to a client for a medical, developmental, or mental health condition, the registrant shall collaborate, as applicable, with the client’s physician, psychologist, or mental health professional to review the client’s diagnosis, treatment needs, and treatment plan. During the provision of music therapy services to a client, the registrant shall collaborate, as applicable, with the client’s treatment team;

(ii) Conducting a music therapy assessment of a client to collect systematic, comprehensive, and accurate information necessary to determine the appropriate type of music therapy services to provide for the client;

(iii) Developing an individualized music therapy treatment plan for the client;

(iv) Carrying out an individualized music therapy treatment plan that is consistent with any other medical, developmental, mental health, or educational services being provided to the client;

(v) Evaluating the client’s response to music therapy and the individualized music therapy treatment plan and suggesting modifications, as appropriate;

(vi) Developing a plan for determining when the provision of music therapy services is no longer needed in collaboration with the client, any physician, or other provider of healthcare or education of the client, any appropriate member of the family of the client, and any other appropriate person upon whom the client relies for support;

(vii) Minimizing any barriers so that the client may receive music therapy services in the least restrictive environment; and

(viii) Collaborating with and educating the client and the family or caregiver of the client or any other appropriate person about the needs of the client that are being addressed in music therapy and the manner in which the music therapy addresses those needs.

(4) “Office” means the department of health.

(5) “Director” means the director of the department of health or his or her designee.

History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 189, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 211, § 1.