State Recognition for Tennessee

Recognized? Yes – Certification

Recognition Status: On May 28, 2024 Governor Bill Lee signed into law SB 898. This bill creates a music therapy certificate under the Board of Examiners in Psychology and establishes a Professional Music Therapy Advisory Committee to assist the Board in matters concerning the certificate

Active Task Force? Yes

Year Started: 2012

Task Force Status: Music therapy state certification was established 2024. Similar to a license, the Certified Professional Music Therapist (CPMT) provides title and scope of practice protection for music therapy and will serve to increase consumer access to safe and competent music therapy services. State is reviewing applications for advisory committee appointments.

Task Force Contact Name: Carrie Friddell and Chrissy Watson

Task Force Contact Email: tamttaskforce@gmail.com

Task Force Members: Katie Elverd, Carrie Friddell, Yvonne Glass, Melissa House Humphries, Allison Kerr, Jess Knoble, Jim Pierce, Allyson Rogers, Chrissy Watson

Task Force Facebook:

State Association:

State Association Facebook:

Regional Association: www.ser-amta.org

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.