PRIA Logo™
MarylandSB 00882026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists - Authority to Issue Limited Licenses to Practice Music Therapy

Sponsored By: Dawn Gile (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsAdministrative AgenciesApplicants and ApplicationsArt, Music, and Cultural Affairs -see also- EthAff; Mus; etcAudiologists and Speech PathologistsCommittees and CommissionsCounselors and TherapistsFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFormsHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Hearing AidsLanguage -see also- Communications; LiteracyLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsManagers and SupervisorsTime

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

New supervised path to music therapy license

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland licenses music therapists, including a limited license. The Board grants a limited license if you meet all rules except the exam. You must file the Board form and pay the fee. You may practice only under a fully licensed supervisor while it is active. The limited license lasts one year and can be renewed once for one more year with a renewal form and fee. If you do not get a full license within two years of your first limited license, you must wait at least one year to apply for another one.

What music therapists can and can't do

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law spells out what counts as music therapy in Maryland. Therapists can take referrals, assess clients, make and carry out treatment plans, track progress, and teach clients and families. Music therapy does not include screening, diagnosis, or assessment of physical, mental, or communication disorders. You must get diagnosis from other licensed providers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dawn Gile

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

House vote • 4/2/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 31

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/3/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (133-0)

    4/2/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/1/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Health

    4/1/2026House

  6. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/17/2026House

  7. Referred Health

    2/13/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    2/12/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    2/10/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    2/10/2026Senate

  11. Favorable Report by Finance

    2/9/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 2/03 at 2:00 p.m.

    1/21/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Finance

    1/14/2026Senate

  14. Pre-filed

    9/9/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation