State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists - Authority to Issue Limited Licenses to Practice Music Therapy
HB0007 authorizes the Maryland State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists to issue a new type of credential: a limited license to practice music therapy. The bill defines “limited license” in the Health Occupations Article and establishes that it is intended for applicants who are still completing the full licensing requirements, allowing them to practice music therapy under supervision while they work toward full licensure.
The bill also clarifies and updates statutory definitions related to music therapy, including the scope of the “practice of music therapy” and the meaning of a licensed professional music therapist. It specifies that music therapy is a clinical, evidence-based service involving individualized treatment plans, assessment, collaboration with other professionals, and interventions such as improvisation, receptive listening, songwriting, and movement to music. At the same time, it makes clear that music therapy does not include diagnosing or assessing physical, mental, or communication disorders.
Under the new section added to the Health Occupations Article, an applicant for a limited license must meet most of the usual licensing requirements except the examination, demonstrate that they will practice only under supervision, submit the required application, and pay the fee set by the Board. A limited license lasts one year and may be renewed once for an additional year. If the person does not obtain a full license within two years of the initial limited license, they must wait at least one year before applying again for another limited license.
The bill’s impact is limited to Maryland’s professional licensing framework for music therapists. It expands the Board’s authority, creates a supervised pathway into the profession, and may help applicants gain practical experience while addressing workforce entry barriers. It does not change the scope of practice for audiologists or speech-language pathologists, and it expressly preserves their roles by stating that music therapy does not replace those services.
The available legislative history shows little recorded controversy: there are no committee transcript excerpts or vote details provided, and the bill was ultimately approved by the Governor as Chapter 30. The overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive, with the measure framed as a professional licensing update rather than a disputed policy change. Any potential concern would likely center on supervision standards, the temporary nature of the credential, and ensuring that limited-license holders practice only within the authorized scope.
HB0007 amends the Maryland Health Occupations Article to give the State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists explicit authority to issue limited licenses for music therapy. It creates a new statutory section governing eligibility, supervision, duration, renewal, and reapplication limits, thereby adding a supervised licensure pathway for individuals who have not yet completed all requirements for full licensure. The bill also updates definitions tied to music therapy practice and clarifies that the practice does not include diagnosis or assessment of disorders.
No committee testimony or vote record is provided, and the bill was enacted without any visible recorded opposition in the supplied materials. The overall tone of the legislation is administrative and professional-regulatory, suggesting general support for creating a structured pathway into the music therapy profession. The final enactment as Chapter 30 indicates the measure advanced successfully through the legislative process.
There is no documented floor or committee debate in the provided record, so no specific factional opposition is identifiable. The main policy issues implicit in the bill are whether limited-license holders should be allowed to practice before full licensure, how much supervision is sufficient, and how to prevent overlap with audiology or speech-language pathology services. The bill addresses those concerns directly by requiring supervision, limiting the license to a short term, and stating that music therapy does not replace other licensed services.