AB 1279 - Music Therapy Changing Lives
Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s Music Therapy bill to provide formal recognition to music therapists has been approved in the state Assembly and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
“Music therapy has many benefits for every age from babies to adults,” said Assemblymember Holden. “It can help ill patients recover faster, soothe anxiety, and ease depression. For children with learning and behavioral disorders, it is especially effective. There are several studies to back up the notion that music really is universal.”
Music therapists deliver plans that help improve an individual’s overall functional skills, such as physical and communication skills. However, inconsistencies in current state regulation have created confusion among individuals regarding the practice of music therapy.
AB 1279 will establish a standard definition of the music therapy profession to ensure continuity and uniformity of music therapy services.
The bill has support from numerous individuals and has received overwhelming bi-partisan support in policy committee.