(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Art therapy” means clinical and evidence-based use of art, including art media, the creative process and the resulting artwork, to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an art therapy program approved by the American Art Therapy Association, or any successor of said association; and

(2) “Art therapist” means a person who (A) has earned a graduate degree in art therapy or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education, and (B) is certified as an art therapist by the Art Therapy Credentials Board or any successor of said board.

(b) No person unless certified as an art therapist may use the title “art therapist” or “certified art therapist” or make use of any title, words, letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying that he or she is a certified art therapist. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a class D felony. For purposes of this section, each instance of contact or consultation with an individual that is in violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a separate offense.

(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a person who (1) provides art therapy while acting within the scope of practice of the person's license and training, provided the person does not hold himself or herself out to the public as an art therapist, or (2) is a student enrolled in an art therapy educational program or graduate art therapy educational program approved by the American Art Therapy Association, or any successor of said association, and art therapy is an integral part of the student's course of study and such student is performing such therapy under the direct supervision of an art therapist.

(P.A. 16-66, S. 36; P.A. 18-168, S. 74.)

History: P.A. 18-168 amended Subsec. (a)(2) by deleting reference to bachelor's degree.