Music Therapy Licensure Bill Passed!
After 16 years of persistent advocacy from the WA State Music Therapy Task Force and countless community supporters, SHB 1247 has been signed into law by Governor Inslee. On April 25, 2023, Task Force members Megumi Azekawa, Evelyn Stagnaro, and Carlene Brown were invited to the bill signing ceremony by our sponsor Representative Reed, recognizing their tireless efforts to make this legislation a reality. This milestone marks a significant victory for music therapy in the state of Washington and will provide greater access to this valuable healthcare service for those who need it.
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Next steps?
Representatives from the Task Force and the music therapy community will begin conversations with the Department of Health on the creation of the Music Therapy Licensing Board. Timeline for licensure applications and information about costs are not expected until fall 2023 at the earliest. Please subscribe to the Task Force newsletter to stay up-to-date!
Tell Your Legislator!
The music therapy licensure effort is a grassroots advocacy push, which means we need people from all over Washington to tell their state senator and state representatives that this is an important issue.
Task Force members and Hill Day participants meet with legislators in Olympia. Hill Day 2020.
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Find Your Legislative District
Use this online tool to type in your address and find your district number.
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Washington State is divided into legislative districts which elect their own senators and house representatives.
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Find Your Legislator
After typing in your address, the names of your elected officials will pop up under "State District Legislators." Click on their names to find their contact information.
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Every district has 3 elected legislators, 1 senator and 2 house representatives.
3
Send an email!
Introduce yourself and explain why licensure is an important issue for you. Remember, the legislators works for you! There's no wrong way to advocate for music therapy and Washington residents.
If you'd like assistance drafting an email, use the talking points from the pdf below or email the task force! We're more than happy to assist you.
