AMTA Government Relations Update 5-21-2026

AMTA Government Relations graphic featuring legislative advocacy materials, hearing room backdrop, microphone, and music therapy policy documents supporting positive change.

January - May 2026

AMTA strengthened its federal and state advocacy efforts this year with the addition of Amanda Henley as Government Relations Associate. We are excited to expand our representation of the profession with legislators, agencies, and advocacy partners. Our focus continues to be fulfilling the association’s mission of increasing awareness of music therapy benefits and access to quality services.

Federal Highlights

Both Judy Simpson, Managing Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, and Amanda Henley continued participation in national healthcare and education coalitions to advance music therapy policy and access. AMTA membership dues allow the association to join these coalitions, amplifying our voice and providing a “seat at the table.” Participation in coalition sign-on letters enables AMTA to voice its concerns as part of a stronger, collective message that is more likely to influence decision-makers.

Coalitions and 2026 Sign-On Letters

• Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC)
• Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid Coalition (ITEM)
• Letters to Congress and Agencies
• Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD)
  • Developmental Disabilities, Autism and Family Support Task Force
  • Education Task Force
  • Health Task Force
• National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations (NCCATA)
• National Alliance for Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (NASISP) 
• Health Professions Network (HPN) 
• Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR)
  • Letters to Congress and Agencies
• Habilitation Coalition (HAB) 
• Sound Health Alliance (SHA)
  • The Sound Health Alliance promotes research, expands public awareness, and shares resources at the intersection of music and health, fostering collaboration among individuals, organizations, and communities to translate knowledge into action.
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Implementation Coalition
• Advanced Professionals Workforce Alliance (APWA)
  • AMTA joined this new coalition consisting primarily of healthcare education and professional organizations, focusing on policies related to the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) committee within the U.S. Department of Education. The RISE committee is implementing the student loan provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) Act passed by Congress in 2025.
  • APWA is working to protect access to federal student aid and strengthen the healthcare workforce. The coalition submitted comments to the Department on March 2, 2026, in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. 
  • Learn more about the Department’s Final RISE Regulations, published May 1, 2026.

State Highlights

In collaboration with the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), AMTA continues with State Recognition Operational Plan implementation. Music therapy licensure bills were introduced this year in the following states[MM3] : Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Additionally, a number of states in which music therapy legislation has already passed, have made further strides in moving licensure forward. We offer our congratulations to:

• Minnesota on the successful passage of HB 3825, a bill that includes the creation of a music therapy license under the Department of Health.  As of this update, we are awaiting the Governor’s signature.
• Virginia on the adoption of their licensure regulations after 6 long years! All MT-BCs in Virginia are eligible to apply for this state license, which is now required to practice.  
• Maryland for enactment of legislation that provides a limited license option for new graduates.
• Washington for successful passage of legislation allowing a 6-month window for new graduates to practice under the supervision of a licensed MT-BC as they prepare for and pass the CBMT exam. 

In the first quarter of 2026 the Government Relations team has:

• Participated in or supported eight State Advocacy/Hill Days and legislative /agency meetings in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee
• Submitted a public comment to the Indiana Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) advisory council concerning the upcoming summer amendments to the Medicaid Waiver.
• Provided technical support across the country addressing the following issues:
  • State Medicaid rates for music therapy 
  • Research data on music therapy outcomes
  • Insurance reimbursement in various clinical settings
  • Enforcement of music therapy state licensing rules
  • Resources to state legislators and agencies
  • Professional practice and advocacy guidance

State of the States Map

Regional Highlights

This year, members of the National Team (AMTA, CBMT) attended several regional conferences including GLR, WRAMTA, NER, SWAMTA, and SER. At each of these conferences, our team and representatives from Task Forces, presented government relations updates relevant to their region along with a national overview.

Many thanks to all the music therapists and students who actively advocate for increased access to music therapy services for current and potential consumers. We encourage everyone to consider joining us as we advance music therapy recognition and expand access to music therapy services through state and federal policy advocacy. 

Your voice matters! 

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