A bill on Art Therapy was introduced this year in the Legislature that would have required Art Therapists to have a graduate degree in art therapy and have a certification by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. This was fine with us but now there is an amendment that turns the bill into an Art Therapy License that would restrict clinical social workers from using any form of art in treatment with clients. We believe even having a child do a drawing could be a violation under the language in the Amendment.
The Amendment is in the House and has not yet been called for a vote. The House could call a vote as early as next week. We need you to call the Speaker of the House and contact your House member. Tell them you oppose LCO Amendment 6505 to House Bill 6980 An Act Concerning Art Therapy. Ask that LCO Amendment 6505 not be called for a vote. See “reasons to oppose” that you can share when contacting legislators.
REASONS TO OPPOSE THE AMENDMENT
1. It will restrict clinical social workers from using any form of art with clients.
2. It is opposed by DPH.
3. The amendment did not go through the required DPH process of vetting a new license and scope of practice.
4. There was never a public hearing on licensing art therapists where concerns could have been brought forward.
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED
1. Call the Speaker of the House, Joe Aresimowicz, and urge him NOT TO CALL LCO AMENDMENT 6505 ON BILL 6980. Call 1-800-842-1902 or 860-240-8500. You can also email the Speaker at Joe.Aresimowicz@cga.ct.gov
2. Contact your own House Member and ask them to talk to the Speaker of the House about not calling the amendment. If you do not know who represents you go to https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp
