Colorado - CBMT

State Recognition for Colorado

Recognized? No

Recognition Status:

Active Task Force? Yes

Year Started: 2007

Task Force Status: After Sunrise Review application (01/10) denied due to small numbers, TF met with officials from Dept. of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and utilized their recommendations. Legislation for a music therapy registry through DORA (HB1137) was introduced in 2012. TF chose not to move forward after receiving pressure from DORA to be placed under the Mental Health Practice Act and the bill died in committee. n Fall 2013, TF submitted a second Sunrise Review application, requesting a lower level of regulation (title protection) for music therapists. In Spring 2015, a formal Tribute was filed in the House recognizing music therapy as a valuable therapeutic profession in Colorado. TF has organized annual Hill Days at the state Capitol for the past 7 consecutive years. In August 2015, through the support of the Colorado Association for Music Therapy and the national music therapy organizations, TF hired a legislative consultant. In March 2016, TF members and MT advocates testified before the Senate Committee in support of a music therapy title protection bill. This bill died in committee.

The TF advocated for and received a wording change to “movement therapy” in the state waivers for CES and SLS services which, as of 2019, distinctly lists movement therapy as the use of “music therapy” or dance/movement therapy under the category of “Movement Therapy.” This language was finalized in the actual waiver regulations for CES and SLS Waivers. In addition, in 2020, the TF was able to correct language errors pertaining to education and credentialing requirements where music therapy is mentioned as an approved waiver service. The TF is monitoring their request to CDPHE to make those same language corrections in CDPHE documents.

In 2019, the TF initiated another Sunrise Review with DORA. Ultimately DORA did not recommend legislation due to a lack of harm necessitating regulation. In March of 2020 the TF had their largest Hill Day ever, and had a TF member’s choir for individuals with Parkinson’s perform on the House floor. During the 2020 session, the TF continued to consult with a legislative consultant to assist in developing relationships for introducing a TP bill in the 2020 session. A TP bill was never filed due to Covid-19 shut-downs, and a lack of new bills being introduced in the final months of the session. With funding from the region and national AMTA and CBMT offices, the CO TF was able to hire a new team of legislative consultants to assist with introducing a TP bill in the 2021 session. As of December 2020, The Colorado AG office has indicated that they will support a TP bill for music therapists. A sponsor for the 2021 bill has yet to be named and be filed. The 2021 CO legislative session is delayed due to covid precautions until mid-February 2021.

Task Force Contact Name: Amanda Brigham

Task Force Contact Email: amandabrigham.cmts@gmail.com

Task Force Members: Becky Bressan, Amanda Brigham, Renee Deluca, Andrew Knight, Cecily Meade, Melissa Munder, Alexander Powers, Leah Quiller, Rebekah Stewart, Kathryn Trujillo, Amy Wilson, Sara Wise

Task Force Facebook: Colorado Music Therapy Task Force

State Association: www.musictherapycolorado.org

State Association Facebook:

Regional Association: www.mw-amta.com

State Legislative Activity:

Below you will find a link to an online report with information about state-level bills that include the keyword “music therapy.” There may or may not be a bill for your state. Some bills may have a direct impact on the profession (e.g. music therapy licensure legislation) while others may not (e.g. music therapy is included in a pre-existing list of healthcare providers).

Click here to read the report

Information is provided by Fiscal Note, a subscription service that allows CBMT to follow state and federal legislative and regulatory developments. This resource is provided for informational purposes to help you stay informed on legislative and policy issues impacting music therapy practice. Please contact your task force chair with questions and before taking any action.