Practice Act
Sec. 20-195mmm. Art therapists. Use of title. (a) As used in this section:
(1) “Art therapy” means clinical and evidence-based use of art, including art media, the creative process and the resulting artwork, to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an art therapy program approved by the American Art Therapy Association, or any successor of said association;
(2) “Art therapist” means a person who has been licensed as an art therapist pursuant to Section 178 of Public Act 2019-117 or issued a temporary permit pursuant to Section 179 of Public Act 2019-117.
(3) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Public Health; and
(4) "Department means the Department of Public Health.
Sec. 177. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2019) (a) No person may use the title "art therapist" or "licensed art therapist" or make use of any title, words, letters, abbreviations or insignia that may reasonably be confused with licensure as an art therapist unless such person is licensed pursuant to section 178 of this act or has been issued a temporary permit pursuant to section 179 of Public Act 2019-77.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to (1) prohibit or restrict any activity or service, including the use of art or art materials, by a person who is licensed or certified by the department of a nationally recognized licensing or certifying organization when acting within the scope of such person's professional training, provided such person does not represent himself or herself to the public as an art therapist or as licensed to practice art therapy pursuant to section 178 of this act, or (2) a student enrolled in an art therapy educational program at an accredited educational institution, or a graduate art therapy educational program approved by the American Art Therapy Association, or any successor of said association, provided art therapy is an integral part of the student's course of study and such student is acting under the direct supervision of a licensed art therapist.
Sec. 178. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2019) (a) On and after October 1, 2019, the Commissioner of Public Health shall grant a license as an art therapist to any applicant who, except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, furnishes evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that such applicant (1) has earned a graduate degree in art therapy or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education, and (2) holds a current credential or certification as an art therapist from the Art Therapy Credentials Board, or any successor of said board. The commissioner shall develop and provide application forms. The application fee shall be three hundred fifteen dollars.
(b) An applicant for licensure by endorsement shall present evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant is licensed or certified as an art therapist, or as a person entitled to perform similar services under a different designation, in another state or jurisdiction that has requirements for practicing in such capacity that are substantially similar to, or higher than, those of this state and that there are no disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints pending in this state or any other state.
(c) Licenses issued under this section shall be renewed annually pursuant to section 19a-88 of the general statutes. The fee for such renewal shall be one hundred ninety dollars. Each licensed art therapist applying for license renewal shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner of having a current credential or certification with the Art Therapy Credentials Board, or any successor of said board, and having obtained continuing education units for such credential or certification as required by said board.
Sec. 179. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2019) The Department of Public Health may issue a temporary permit to an applicant for licensure as an art therapist who holds a graduate degree in art therapy or a related field. Such temporary permit shall authorize the holder of the temporary permit to practice art therapy under the general supervision of a licensed art therapist at all times during which the holder of the temporary permit performs art therapy. Such temporary permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed three hundred sixty-five calendar days after the date of attaining such graduate degree and shall not be renewable. No temporary permit shall be issued under this section to any applicant against whom professional disciplinary action is pending or who is the subject of an unresolved complaint in this state or any other state. The commissioner may revoke a temporary permit for good cause, as determined by the commissioner. The fee for a temporary permit shall be fifty dollars.