Bill Text: NJ S675 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced


Bill Title: "Drama Therapists and Dance/Movement Therapists Licensing Act."

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-12-17 - Substituted by A1220 [S675 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2018-S675-Introduced.html

SENATE, No. 675

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

218th LEGISLATURE

 

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2018 SESSION

 


 

Sponsored by:

Senator  CHRISTOPHER "KIP" BATEMAN

District 16 (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset)

Senator  JOSEPH F. VITALE

District 19 (Middlesex)

 

Co-Sponsored by:

Senators Diegnan, Gordon, Stack and Ruiz

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     "Drama Therapists and Dance/Movement Therapists Licensing Act."

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.

  


An Act providing for the licensure of drama therapists and dance/movement therapists, and supplementing Title 45 of the Revised Statutes.

 

      Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

      1.   This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Drama Therapists and Dance/Movement Therapists Licensing Act."

 

      2.   The professions of drama therapy and dance/movement therapy in the State of New Jersey are determined to affect the public safety and welfare, and to be subject to regulation and control in the public interest in order to protect the public by setting standards of qualification, education, training, and experience for clinical drama therapists, clinical dance/movement therapists, associate drama therapists, and associate dance/movement therapists.

 

     3.    As used in this act:

     "Board" means the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners.

     "Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist" means a person who practices dance movement therapy and is certified by the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board.

     "Committee" means the Drama Therapy and Dance/Movement Therapy Advisory Committee established pursuant to section 4 of this act.

     "Dance/movement therapist" means any person licensed to practice dance/movement therapy pursuant to the provisions of this act.

     "Dance/movement therapy" means the integrated use of dance/movement and psychotherapeutic principles in a creative process which furthers the emotional, physical, cognitive, and social integration of the individual by utilizing, as a behavioral health discipline, the application of fundamental mental health, psychological, developmental and mind/body principles in order to: (1) facilitate human development and adjustment throughout the lifespan; (2) identify and assess clients with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders that interfere with mental health or adequate functioning in order to implement therapeutic intervention to meet developmental, behavioral, mental and emotional needs; (3) conduct assessment for the purposes of evaluation and establishing treatment goals and objectives; and (4) plan, implement and evaluate treatment interventions designed to meet developmental, behavioral, mental and emotional needs for individuals or groups.

     "Drama therapist" means any person licensed to practice drama therapy pursuant to the provisions of this act.

     "Drama therapy" means the integrated use of psychotherapeutic principles, theater and creative processes to further the emotional, physical, cognitive, and social well-being of the individual.  As a behavioral health discipline, the application of fundamental mental health, psychological, developmental, and mind/body principles are synthesized in an experiential process in order to: (1) facilitate human development and adjustment throughout the lifespan; (2) identify and assess clients with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders that interfere with mental health or adequate functioning in order to implement therapeutic intervention to meet developmental, behavioral, mental and emotional needs; (3) conduct assessment for the purposes of evaluation and establishing treatment goals and objectives; and (4) plan, implement and evaluate treatment interventions designed to meet developmental, behavioral, mental, and emotional needs for individuals or groups.

     "Drama Therapy Board Certified Trainer" means a person who has been practicing drama therapy for a minimum of five years and is certified by the North American Drama Therapy Association.

     "Licensed associate dance/movement therapist" means an individual who holds a current, valid license issued pursuant to section 13 of this act.

     "Licensed associate drama therapist" means an individual who holds a current, valid license issued pursuant to section 12 of this act.

     "Licensed clinical dance/movement therapist" means an individual who holds a current, valid license issued pursuant to section 11 of this act.

     "Licensed clinical drama therapist" means an individual who holds a current, valid license issued pursuant to section 10 of this act.

     "Registered Dance/Movement Therapist" (R-DMT) means a person who practices dance/movement therapy and is registered by the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board.

     "Registered Drama Therapist" means a person who practices drama therapy and is registered by the North American Drama Therapy Association.

      "Supervision" means: (1) ensuring that the extent, kind, and quality of drama therapy or dance/movement therapy performed, as the case may be, is consistent with the education, training, and experience of the person being supervised; (2) reviewing client or patient records, monitoring and evaluating assessment, and treatment decisions of the drama therapy or dance/movement therapy supervisee; (3) monitoring and evaluating the ability of the licensed associate drama therapist or licensed associate dance/movement therapist to provide services to the particular clientele at the site or sites where he will be practicing; (4) ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing the practice of the licensed clinical drama therapist or licensed clinical dance/movement therapist; (5) completing that amount of direct observation, or review of audio or videotapes of drama therapy or dance/movement therapy, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor; and (6) completing the services conducted by a Drama Therapy Board Certified Trainer or by a Registered Drama Therapist with a minimum of five years of full-time professional experience, or a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist.

 

      4.   There is created within the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, under the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, a Drama Therapy and Dance/Movement Therapy Advisory Committee.  The committee shall consist of six members who are residents of the State as follows: three members who are clinical drama therapists and three members who are clinical dance/movement therapists.  Except for the members first appointed: three of the members shall be licensed clinical drama therapists under the provisions of this act and shall have been actively engaged in the practice of drama therapy for at least five years immediately preceding their appointment; and three of the members shall be licensed clinical dance/movement therapists under the provisions of this act and shall have been actively engaged in the practice of dance/movement therapy for at least five years immediately preceding their appointment.

      The Governor shall appoint the members with the advice and consent of the Senate.  Each member shall be appointed for a term of three years, except that of the members first appointed, three shall serve for a term of three years, two shall serve for a term of two years and one shall serve for a term of one year.  Each member shall hold office until his successor has been qualified and appointed.  Any vacancy in the membership of the committee shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner provided for in the original appointment.  No member of the committee may serve more than two successive terms in addition to any unexpired term to which the member has been appointed.

 

      5.   Members of the committee shall be reimbursed for expenses and provided with office and meeting facilities and personnel required for the proper conduct of the business of the committee.

 

      6.   The committee shall organize within 30 days after the appointment of its members and shall annually elect from its members a chairperson and a vice-chairperson, and may appoint a secretary, who need not be a member of the committee.  The committee shall meet at least twice a year and may hold additional meetings as necessary to discharge its duties.  A majority of the committee membership shall constitute a quorum.

 

      7.   The committee shall have the following powers and duties:

      a.   issue and renew licenses to drama therapists and dance/movement therapists pursuant to the provisions of this act;

      b.   suspend, revoke or fail to renew the license of a drama therapist or dance/movement therapist pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.);

      c.   maintain a record of every drama therapist and dance/movement therapist licensed in this State, their place of business, place of residence, and the date and number of their license;

      d.   prescribe or change the charges for examinations, licensures, renewal and other services performed pursuant to P.L.1974, c.46 (C.45:1-3.1 et seq.);

      e.   establish standards for the continuing education of licensed clinical drama therapists, licensed associate drama therapists, licensed clinical dance/movement therapists, and licensed associate dance/movement therapists; and

      f.    promulgate rules and regulations to carry out matters delegated to the committee by the board concerning any provisions of this act, in conformance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).

 

      8.   a.  No person shall engage in the practice of drama therapy or dance/movement therapy unless licensed as a clinical drama therapist, associate drama therapist, clinical dance/movement therapist, or associate dance/movement therapist as the case may be, pursuant to the provisions of this act.

      b.   No person shall use the title "Licensed Clinical Drama Therapist" or "Licensed Associate Drama Therapist" or the abbreviation "LCDT" or "LADT" or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating the practice of drama therapy unless licensed pursuant to the provisions of this act.

      c.   No person shall use the title "Licensed Clinical Dance/Movement Therapist," or "Licensed Associate Dance/Movement Therapist," or the abbreviation "LCDMT" or "LADMT" or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating the practice of dance/movement therapy unless licensed pursuant to the provisions of this act.

 

      9.   Nothing in this act shall be construed to apply to:

      a.   the activities and services of qualified members of other professions, including physicians, psychologists, psychoanalysts, registered nurses, marriage and family therapists, social workers, professional or rehabilitation counselors or any other professional licensed by the State, when acting within the scope of their profession and doing work of a nature consistent with their training, provided they do not hold themselves out to the public as possessing a license issued pursuant to this act or represent themselves by any professional title regulated by this act.

      b.   the activities of a drama therapy nature on the part of persons participating in a drama therapy educational program as a student at an accredited or State-approved college or university, or in a drama therapy training program approved by the committee, provided that these activities and services constitute a part of a supervised course of study and that those persons are designated by a title such as "drama therapy intern" or other title clearly indicating the training status appropriate to the level of training.

      c.   the activities of a dance/movement therapy nature on the part of persons participating in a dance/movement therapy educational program as a student at an accredited or State-approved college or university, or in a dance/movement therapy training program approved by the committee, provided that these activities and services constitute a part of a supervised course of study, and that those persons are designated by a title such as "dance/movement therapy intern" or other title clearly indicating the training status appropriate to the level of training.

 

      10.  To be eligible to be licensed as a clinical drama therapist, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:

      a.   Is at least 21 years of age;

      b.   Is of good moral character;

      c.   Holds a master's degree in drama therapy from an accredited educational institution of higher learning that is approved by the committee; or a master's degree or a doctoral degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution of higher learning with specific additional training in drama therapy coursework and has completed a drama therapy internship as approved by the committee.

      (1)  In the case of an applicant holding a master's degree in drama therapy, the applicant shall have completed:

      (a)  A minimum of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, from an accredited educational institution that is approved by the committee, or if the applicant has a master's degree in drama therapy from an accredited educational institution but graduated with less than the required 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, the applicant shall also have additional graduate credit hours in a closely related field, as approved by the committee, to satisfy the required total of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent; and

      (b)  At least two years full-time or its equivalent, but no less than 3,640 hours of supervised, paid clinical experience as a drama therapist in a human service setting approved by the committee, at least a majority of hours having been acquired within the past seven years and after the awarding of the master's degree.

      The 3,640 hours required pursuant to this subparagraph shall include a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised, paid clinical experience as a drama therapist in a human service setting approved by the committee and a maximum of 2,440 hours of supervised private practice, consulting, or independent contract work in drama therapy approved by the committee, provided that the applicant is licensed in this State to practice in a clinical mental health profession. Only supervised private practice, consulting, or independent contract work accrued after the 1,200 hours of clinical experience in an approved human service setting will be counted towards the requirements for the license.  At least a majority of these hours must have been acquired within the past seven years and after the awarding of the master's degree.

      (2)  In the case of an applicant holding a master's or doctoral degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution of higher learning with specific additional training in drama therapy coursework, and completion of a drama therapy internship, the applicant also shall have completed:

      (a)  A minimum of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, in a mental health discipline; or if the applicant has a master's degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution but graduated with less than the required 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, the applicant for licensure shall also have additional graduate credit hours in a closely related field, as approved by the committee, to satisfy the required total of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent;

      (b)  A minimum of 27 graduate credit hours, or an equivalent number of graduate credit hours, or equivalent instructional hours, in drama therapy coursework supervised by a Drama Therapy Board Certified Trainer and approved by the committee;

      (c)  At least two years full-time, or its equivalent, but no less than 3,640 hours of supervised, paid clinical experience as a drama  therapist in a human service setting approved by the committee, at least a majority of hours having been acquired within the past seven years and after the awarding of the master's degree.

      The 3,640 hours required pursuant to this subparagraph shall include a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised, paid clinical experience as a drama therapist in a human service setting approved by the committee and a maximum of 2,440 hours of supervised private practice, consulting, or independent contract work in drama therapy approved by the committee, provided that the applicant is licensed in this State to practice in a clinical mental health profession. Only supervised private practice, consulting, or independent contract work hours that are accrued after the 1,200 hours of clinical experience in an approved human service setting will be counted towards the requirements for the license.  At least a majority of these hours shall have been acquired within the past seven years and after the awarding of the master's degree;

      (d) A minimum of one hour of supervision by a Drama Therapy Board Certified Trainer, or by a Registered Drama Therapist with the equivalent of a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience for every 35 hours of private practice, consulting, or independent contract work;

      (e)  A minimum of 500 hours of concentrated theater/drama training and study.  This may include acting, directing, or improvisational work studied or performed in a college, community or professional setting.

      The graduate course work in drama therapy from an accredited college or university program that is approved by the committee shall include training in:

      (1)  The drama therapy profession;

      (2)  Theory and practice of drama therapy;

      (3)  Human growth and developmental dynamics in drama;

      (4)  Drama therapy with clinical populations;

      (5)  Drama therapy appraisal, diagnosis and assessment;

      (6)  Ethical and legal issues of drama therapy practice;

      (7)  Multicultural counseling and competency;

      (8)  Ethics, advanced theories and practice;

      (9)  Group dynamics;

      (10)  Abnormal psychology;

      (11)  Individual counseling; and

      (12)  Psychodrama or sociodrama; and

      d.   Has passed an examination administered or approved by the committee.

 

      11.  To be eligible to be licensed as a clinical dance/movement therapist, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:

      a.   Is at least 21 years of age;

      b.   Is of good moral character;

      c.   Holds a master's degree in dance/movement therapy from an accredited educational institution of higher learning that is approved by the committee; or a master's degree or a doctoral degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution of higher learning with specific additional training in dance/movement therapy coursework, fieldwork experience, and has completed a dance/movement therapy internship as approved by the committee.

      (1)  In the case of an applicant holding a master's degree in dance/movement therapy, the applicant shall have completed:

      (a)  A minimum of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, from an accredited educational institution that is approved by the committee; or if the applicant has a master's degree in dance/movement therapy from an accredited educational institution but graduated with less than the required 60 credit hours, the applicant for licensure shall also have additional graduate credit hours in a closely related field, as approved by the committee, to satisfy the required total of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent; and

      (b)  At least two years full time or its equivalent, but no less than 3,640 hours of supervised, paid clinical experience as a dance/movement therapist in a human service setting approved by the committee, at least a majority of hours having been acquired within the past seven years and after the awarding of the master's degree.

      The 3,640 hours required pursuant to this subparagraph shall include a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised, paid clinical experience as a dance/movement therapist in a human service setting approved by the committee and a maximum of 2,440 hours of supervised private practice, consulting, or independent contract work in dance/movement therapy approved by the committee, provided that the applicant is licensed in this State to practice in a clinical mental health profession.  Only supervised private practice, consulting, or independent contract work hours that are accrued after the 1,200 hours of clinical experience in an approved human service setting will be counted towards the requirements for the license.  At least a majority of these hours shall have been acquired within the past seven years and after the awarding of the master's degree;

      (c)  At least 48 hours of clinical supervision by a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist over the 3,640 hours of paid clinical experience; or

      (d) A minimum of one hour of supervision by a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist for every 35 hours of private practice, consulting, or independent contract work.

      (2)  In the case of an applicant holding a master's or doctoral degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution of higher learning with specific additional training in dance/movement therapy coursework, fieldwork experience, and completion of a dance/movement therapy internship, the applicant also shall have completed:

      (a)  A minimum of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, in a mental health discipline; or if the applicant has a master's degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution but graduated with less than the required 60 credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, the applicant for licensure shall also have completed additional graduate credit hours in a closely related field, as approved by the committee, to satisfy the required total of 60 graduate credit hours, or the equivalent;

      (b)  A minimum of 27 graduate credit hours, or an equivalent number of graduate credit hours, or equivalent instructional hours, in dance/movement therapy coursework approved by the committee;

      (c)  At least two years full-time or its equivalent, but no less than 3,640 hours of supervised, paid clinical experience as a dance/movement therapist in a human service setting approved by the committee, at least a majority of hours having been acquired within the past seven years and after the awarding of the master's degree.

      The 3,640 hours required pursuant to this subparagraph shall include a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised, paid clinical experience as a dance/movement therapist in a human service setting approved by the committee and a maximum of 2,440 hours of supervised dance/movement therapy private practice, consulting, or independent contract work approved by the committee, provided that the applicant is licensed in this State to practice in a clinical mental health profession. Only supervised private practice, consulting, or independent contract work hours that are accrued after the 1,200 hours of clinical experience in an approved human service setting shall be counted towards the requirements for the license.  At least a majority of these hours shall have been acquired within the past seven years and after the awarding of the master's degree.

      The graduate course work in dance/movement therapy from an accredited college or university program that is approved by the committee shall include training in:

      (1)  The dance/movement therapy profession;

      (2)  Theory and practice of dance/movement therapy;

      (3)  Developmental, multicultural, expressive and communicative aspects of verbal and non-verbal behavior;

      (4)  Methods for movement observation, description, analysis, assessment, and evaluation;

      (5)  Group theory and processes in dance/movement therapy;

      (6)  Clinical methods, leadership skills, and their applications to individuals, groups, families, and systems;

      (7)  Use of dance/movement therapy in prevention, treatment, and aftercare in different treatment settings;

      (8)  Ethical and legal issues of dance/movement therapy practice;

      (9)  Research in dance/movement therapy and human behavior;

      (10)  Knowledge of psychopathology and diagnostic skills;

      (11)  Basic neuroscience as it relates to the theory and practice of dance/movement therapy; and

      (12)  Kinesiology or Human Anatomy and Kinesiology, or Biomechanics, except that this course may be taken on a graduate, or undergraduate level, or at a private educational  institution, as approved by the committee; and

      d.   Has passed an examination administered or approved by the committee.

 

      12.  To be eligible to be licensed as an associate drama therapist, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:

      a.   Is at least 21 years of age;

      b.   Is of good moral character;

      c.   Holds a master's degree in drama therapy from an accredited educational institution of higher learning that is approved by the committee; or a master's degree or a doctoral degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution of higher learning with specific additional training in drama therapy coursework, and has completed a drama therapy internship as approved by the committee.

      (1)  In the case of an applicant holding a master's degree in drama therapy, the applicant shall have completed not less than 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, from an accredited educational institution that is approved by the committee, or if the applicant has a master's degree in drama therapy from an accredited educational institution but graduated with less than the required 60 credit hours, the applicant for licensure shall also have additional graduate credit hours in a closely related field, as approved by the committee, to satisfy the required total of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent.

      The graduate coursework in drama therapy from an accredited college or university program that is approved by the committee shall include training in:

      (a)  The drama therapy profession;

      (b)  Theory and practice of drama therapy;

      (c)  Human growth and developmental dynamics in drama;

      (d) Drama therapy with clinical populations;

      (e)  Drama therapy appraisal, diagnosis and assessment;

      (f)  Ethical and legal issues of drama therapy practice;

      (g)  Multicultural counseling and competency;

      (h)  Ethics, advanced theories and practice;

      (i)   Group dynamics;

      (j)   Abnormal psychology;

      (k)  Individual counseling; and

      (l)   Psychodrama or sociodrama.

      (2)  In the case of an applicant holding a master's or a doctoral degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution of higher learning with specific additional training in drama therapy coursework, and completion of a drama therapy internship, the applicant also shall have completed:

      (a)  A minimum of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, in a mental health discipline; or if the applicant has a master's degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution but graduated with less than the required 60 credit hours or the equivalent, the applicant for licensure shall also have additional graduate credit hours in a closely related field, as approved by the committee, to satisfy the required total of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent;

      (b)  A minimum of 27 graduate credit hours, or an equivalent number of graduate credit hours, or equivalent instructional hours, in drama therapy coursework supervised by a Drama Therapy Board Certified Trainer and approved by the committee;

      (c)  A minimum of 18 graduate credit hours or the equivalent in general counseling or psychology training courses, approved by the committee, that include:

      (i)  Developmental psychology;

      (ii)  Abnormal psychology or psychopathology;

      (iii)  Individual counseling;

      (iv)  Group dynamics;

      (v)  Advanced counseling or psychology elective courses; and

      (vi)  Multicultural counseling;

      (d)  Six months of a full-time drama therapy internship or its equivalent, as approved by the committee, comprising not less than 800 hours, 300 hours of which shall include direct client contact engaging in drama therapy in a human service setting, supervised by a Drama Therapy Board Certified Trainer or Registered Drama Therapist who has a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience; and

      (e)  A minimum of 500 hours of concentrated theater/drama training and study, which may include acting, directing, or improvisational work studied or performed in a college, community or professional setting; and

      d.   Has passed an examination or assessment administered or approved by the committee.

 

      13. To be eligible to be licensed as an associate dance/movement therapist, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:

      a.   Is at least 21 years of age;

      b.   Is of good moral character;

      c.   Holds a master's degree in dance/movement therapy from an accredited educational institution of higher learning that is approved by the committee; or a master's degree or a doctoral degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution of higher learning with specific additional training in dance/movement therapy coursework, fieldwork experience, and completion of  a dance/movement therapy internship as approved by the committee.

      (1)  In the case of an applicant holding a master's degree in dance/movement therapy, the applicant shall have completed not less than 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, from an accredited educational institution that is approved by the committee; or if the applicant has a master's degree in dance/movement therapy from an accredited educational institution but graduated with less than the required 60 credit hours or the equivalent, the applicant for licensure must also have additional graduate credit hours in a closely related field, as approved by the committee, to satisfy the required total of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent.

      The graduate coursework in dance/movement therapy from an accredited college or university program that is approved by the committee shall include training in:

      (a)  The dance/movement therapy profession;

      (b)  Theory and practice of dance/movement therapy;

      (c)  Developmental, multicultural, expressive and communicative aspects of verbal and non-verbal behavior;

      (d) Methods for movement observation, description, analysis, assessment and evaluation;

      (e)  Group theory and processes in dance/movement therapy;

      (f)  Clinical methods, leadership skills, and their applications to individuals, groups, families, and systems;

      (g)  Use of dance/movement therapy in prevention, treatment, and aftercare in different treatment settings;

      (h)  Ethical and legal issues of dance/movement therapy practice;

      (i)   Research in dance/movement therapy and human behavior;

      (j)   Knowledge of psychopathology and diagnostic skills;

      (k)  Basic neuroscience as it relates to the theory and practice of dance/movement therapy; and

      (l)   Kinesiology or Human Anatomy/Kinesiology, or Biomechanics, except that this course may be taken on a graduate, or undergraduate level, or at a private educational institution, as approved by the committee.

      (2)  In the case of an applicant holding a master's or a doctoral degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution of higher learning with specific additional training in dance/movement therapy coursework, fieldwork experience, and completion of a dance/movement therapy internship, the applicant also shall have completed:

      (a)  A minimum of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent, as approved by the committee, in a mental health discipline; or if the applicant has a master's degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution but graduated with less than the required 60 credit hours, the applicant for licensure shall also have additional graduate credit hours in a closely related field, as approved by the committee, to satisfy the required total of 60 graduate credit hours or the equivalent;

      (b)  A minimum of 27 graduate credit hours, or an equivalent number of graduate credit hours, or equivalent instructional hours in dance/movement therapy coursework approved by the committee, as follows:

      (i)   18 graduate credit hours, or an equivalent number of graduate credit hours, or equivalent instructional hours, as approved by the committee, on the theory and practice of dance/movement therapy taught by a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist;

      (ii)  Three graduate credit hours, or an equivalent number of graduate credit hours, or equivalent instructional hours, as approved by the committee, on group processes in dance/movement therapy taught by a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist;

      (iii)  Six semester credits, or an equivalent number of graduate credit hours, or 90 instructional hours on movement observation taught by an instructor who is certified in the particular movement analysis system or can document to the satisfaction of the committee advanced training and expertise in the system; and

      (c)  A minimum of 18 graduate credit hours or the equivalent in general counseling or psychology training courses approved by the committee, including:

      (i)   Research design and methodology;

      (ii)  Abnormal psychology or psychopathology;

      (iii)  Developmental psychology;

      (iv)  Group theory and processes; and

      (v)  Advanced counseling or psychology elective courses;

      (d)  Three months of full-time fieldwork or its equivalent in part-time hours, to total 200 hours of basic clinical exposure supervised by a mental health professional licensed in this State or a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist;

      (e)  Six months of full time dance/movement therapy internship, or its equivalent consisting of not less than 700 hours, in a human service setting, with a minimum of 350 hours of direct client contact; and with 70 hours of supervision by a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist;

      (f)  Five years of concentrated dance training and study in at least one dance form, leading to competence in the basic fundamentals of dance; and

      (g)  One course on anatomy and kinesiology or biomechanics, approved by the committee; and

      d.   Has passed an examination or assessment administered or approved by the committee.

 

      14.  a.  The committee shall issue a license to any applicant who, in the opinion of the committee, has satisfactorily met all the requirements of this act.

      b.   All licenses shall be issued for a two-year period upon the payment of the prescribed licensure fee, and shall be renewed upon filing of a renewal application, the payment of a licensure fee, and presentation of satisfactory evidence to the committee that in the period since the license was issued or last renewed any continuing education requirements have been completed as specified by the committee.

 

      15.  Upon payment to the board of a fee and the submission of a written application provided by the board, the committee shall issue a drama therapy license or a dance/movement therapy license, as the case may be, to any person who holds a valid license issued by another state or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia which has standards substantially equivalent to those of this State, as determined by the committee.

 

      16.  For a period of 360 days after the date procedures are established by the committee for applying for licensure as a clinical drama therapist, any person may qualify as a licensed clinical drama therapist, upon application for licensure and payment of the appropriate fee, provided the applicant furnishes satisfactory evidence to the committee that the applicant has obtained the credential "RDT" (Registered Drama Therapist) from the North American Drama Therapy Association.

 

      17.  For a period of 360 days after the date procedures are established by the committee for applying for licensure as a clinical dance/movement therapist, any person may qualify as a licensed clinical dance/movement therapist, upon application for licensure and payment of the appropriate fee, provided the applicant furnishes satisfactory evidence to the committee that the applicant has obtained the credential 'BC-DMT" (Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist) from the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board.

 

      18.  For a period of 360 days after the date procedures are established by the committee for applying for licensure as an associate drama therapist, any person may qualify as a licensed associate drama therapist, upon application for licensure and payment of the appropriate fee, provided the applicant furnishes satisfactory evidence to the committee that the applicant has completed a master's degree in drama therapy or a master's degree in a mental health discipline with the additional drama therapy training as required by North American Drama Therapy Association.

 

      19.  For a period of 360 days after the date procedures are established by the committee for applying for licensure as an associate dance/movement therapist, any person may qualify as a licensed associate dance/movement therapist, upon application for licensure and payment of the appropriate fee, provided the applicant furnishes satisfactory evidence to the committee that the applicant has obtained the credential 'R-DMT" (Registered Dance/Movement Therapist) from the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board.

 

      20.  a.  The committee shall require each licensed clinical drama therapist, licensed associate drama therapist, licensed clinical dance/movement therapist, or licensed associate dance/movement therapist, as a condition of biennial license renewal to complete any continuing education requirements imposed by the committee pursuant to this section.

      b.   The committee shall:

      (1)  promulgate rules and regulations for implementing continuing education requirements as a condition of license renewal for licenses issued under its jurisdiction;

      (2)  establish standards for continuing education, including the subject matter and content of courses of study, and the number and type of continuing education credits required of a licensee as a condition of biennial license renewal;

      (3)  recognize the North American Drama Therapy Association, the American Dance Therapy Association and other organizations as providers of continuing education, and approve educational programs, including, but not limited to, meetings of constituents and components of drama therapy associations and local or regional chapters or study groups of the American Dance Therapy Association recognized by the board, examinations, papers, publications, presentations, teaching and research appointments, and shall establish procedures for the issuance of credit upon satisfactory proof of the completion of these programs.  In the case of educational courses or programs, each hour of instruction shall be equivalent to one credit; and

      (4)  approve only those continuing education programs as are available to all drama therapists and dance/movement therapists in this State on a reasonable nondiscriminatory basis.

 

      21.  Any communication between a licensed clinical drama therapist, licensed associate drama therapist, licensed clinical dance/movement therapist, or licensed associate dance/movement therapist and the person receiving the drama therapy or dance/movement therapy, as the case may be, shall be confidential and its privacy preserved.  This privilege shall not be subject to waiver without patient or client consent, except when disclosure is required by State or federal law or when the licensed clinical drama therapist, licensed associate drama therapist, licensed clinical dance/movement therapist or licensed associate dance/movement therapist is a party defendant to a civil, criminal or disciplinary action arising from that drama therapy or dance/movement therapy, as the case may be, in which case the waiver of the privilege accorded by this section shall be limited to that action.  In addition, this privilege shall be subject to waiver if the licensee has information that the client presents a clear and present danger to the health or safety of the client or others.

 

      22.  Supervision of drama therapy students shall be provided by a Drama Therapy Board Certified Trainer or a Registered Drama Therapist with a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience.  No licensed associate drama therapist shall practice drama therapy without supervision by a licensed clinical drama therapist, or a Registered Drama Therapist with a minimum of five years full-time professional experience, or a supervisor approved by the committee.

 

      23.  Supervision of dance/movement therapy students shall be provided by a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT).  No licensed associate dance/movement therapist shall practice dance/movement therapy without supervision by a licensed clinical dance/movement therapist, or a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist, or a supervisor approved by the committee.

 

      24.  This act shall take effect on the 180th day following enactment.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This bill provides for the licensure of clinical drama therapists, associate drama therapists, clinical dance/movement therapists, and associate dance/movement therapists.  The bill also establishes a Drama Therapy and Dance/Movement Therapy Advisory Committee ("the committee") under the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety.  The committee is to consist of six members who are residents of the State: three of whom must be licensed clinical drama therapists and three of whom must be licensed clinical dance/movement therapists.

     To be eligible for licensure as a clinical drama therapist or associate drama therapist, an applicant must be at least 21 years of age and be of good moral character.  In addition, the applicant must hold a master's degree in drama therapy from an accredited educational institution of higher learning that is approved by the committee; or a master's degree or a doctoral degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution of higher learning with specific additional training in drama therapy coursework, and complete a drama therapy internship as approved by the committee.  The bill also delineates specific requirements to be met to qualify for each of these licenses, including the requisite number of graduate credit hours or its equivalent, the amount of supervised paid clinical experience, and additional concentrated theater/drama training and study.

     To be eligible for licensure as a clinical dance/movement therapist or an associate dance/movement therapist, an applicant must be at least 21 years of age and be of good moral character.  In addition, the applicant must hold a master's degree in dance/movement therapy from an accredited educational institution of higher learning that is approved by the committee; or a master's degree or a doctoral degree in a mental health discipline from an accredited educational institution of higher learning with specific additional training in dance/movement therapy coursework, complete fieldwork experience, and complete a dance/movement therapy internship as approved by the committee.  The bill also delineates specific requirements to be met to qualify for each of these licenses, including the requisite number of graduate credit hours or its equivalent, the amount of supervised paid clinical experience, or its equivalent, and additional concentrated dance training and study.

     Additionally, each applicant seeking licensure as a clinical or associate drama therapist, or clinical or associate dance/movement therapist, as the case may be, is required to pass an examination or assessment administered or approved by the committee.

     "Drama therapy" is defined in the bill as the integrated use of psychotherapeutic principles, theater and creative processes to further the emotional, physical, cognitive, and social well-being of the individual.  As a behavioral health discipline, the application of fundamental mental health, psychological, developmental, and mind/body principles are synthesized in an experiential process in order to: (1) facilitate human development and adjustment throughout the lifespan; (2) identify and assess clients with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders that interfere with mental health or adequate functioning in order to implement therapeutic intervention to meet developmental, behavioral, mental and emotional needs; (3) conduct assessment for the purposes of evaluation and establishing treatment goals and objectives; and (4) plan, implement and evaluate treatment interventions designed to meet developmental, behavioral, mental, and emotional needs for individuals or groups.

     "Dance/Movement therapy" is defined in the bill as the integrated use of dance/movement and psychotherapeutic principles in a creative process which furthers the emotional, physical, cognitive, and social integration of the individual by utilizing, as a behavioral health discipline, the application of fundamental mental health, psychological, developmental and mind/body principles in order to: (1) facilitate human development and adjustment throughout the lifespan; (2) identify and assess clients with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders that interfere with mental health or adequate functioning in order to implement therapeutic intervention to meet developmental, behavioral, mental and emotional needs; (3) conduct assessment for the purposes of evaluation and establishing treatment goals and objectives; and (4) plan, implement and evaluate treatment interventions designed to meet developmental, behavioral, mental and emotional needs for individuals or groups.

     The bill provides that no person is permitted to engage in the practice of drama therapy unless licensed as a clinical drama therapist or associate drama therapist.  The bill also provides that no person is permitted to engage in the practice of dance/movement therapy unless licensed as a clinical dance/movement therapist or associate dance/movement therapist.  Additionally, the bill provides that no person is permitted to use the title "Licensed Clinical Drama Therapist" or "Licensed Associate Drama Therapist" or the abbreviation "LCDT" or "LADT" or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating the practice of drama therapy unless licensed pursuant to the provisions of the bill.  Furthermore, the bill provides that no person is permitted to use the title "Licensed Clinical Dance/Movement Therapist" or "Licensed Associate Dance/Movement Therapist, or the abbreviation "LCDMT" or "LADMT" or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating the practice of dance/movement therapy unless licensed pursuant to the provisions of the bill.

     Under the bill, clinical drama therapist licenses, associate drama therapist licenses, clinical dance/movement therapist licenses, and associate dance/movement therapist licenses are issued for a two-year period upon the payment of the prescribed licensure fee, and may be renewed upon filing of a renewal application, the payment of a licensure fee, and presentation of satisfactory evidence to the committee that in the period since the license was issued or last renewed any continuing education requirements have been completed as specified by the committee.

     The bill provides that the committee will establish standards for continuing drama therapy education and continuing dance/movement therapy education, including the subject matter and content of courses of study, and approve programs offering continuing education credits.

     For a period of 360 days after the date procedures are established by the committee for applying for licensure as a clinical drama therapist, any person may qualify as a licensed clinical drama therapist, upon application for licensure and payment of the appropriate fee, provided the applicant furnishes satisfactory evidence to the committee that he has obtained the credential "RDT" (Registered Drama Therapist) from the North American Drama Therapy Association.

     For a period of 360 days after the date procedures are established by the committee for applying for licensure as a clinical dance/movement therapist, any person may qualify as a licensed clinical dance/movement therapist, upon application for licensure and payment of the appropriate fee, provided the applicant furnishes satisfactory evidence to the committee that he has obtained the credential "BC-DMT" (Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist) from the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board.

     For a period of 360 days after the date procedures are established by the committee for applying for licensure as an associate drama therapist, any person may qualify as a licensed associate drama therapist, upon application for licensure and payment of the appropriate fee, provided the applicant furnishes satisfactory evidence to the committee that he has completed a master's degree in drama therapy or a master's degree in a mental health discipline with the additional drama therapy training as required by North American Drama Therapy Association.

     For a period of 360 days after the date procedures are established by the committee for applying for licensure as an associate dance/movement therapist, any person may qualify as a licensed associate dance/movement therapist, upon application for licensure and payment of the appropriate fee, provided the applicant furnishes satisfactory evidence to the committee that he has obtained the credential "R-DMT" (Registered Dance/Movement Therapist) from the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board.

feedback