SUMMER 2009 issue
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT
Kathy Murphy, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI, LPC, LCAT
National Advocacy
Arts Advocacy
AMTA has been involved in a number of national advocacy efforts designed to increase awareness of music therapy and increase access to services. As in previous years, AMTA was a co-sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day. This event is designed to emphasize the importance of strong public policy and increased funding for the arts. This year AMTA, in collaboration with the Society for the Arts in Healthcare (SAH), Americans for the Arts (AFTA), and the National Coalition for Creative Arts Therapies Associations (NCCATA), was able to work closely with the legislative planning committee in developing an “Arts in Healthcare” issue brief. In addition, AMTA was given the opportunity to present an overview of the Arts in Healthcare issue brief to the Congressional Arts Caucus. Judy Simpson, AMTA Director of Government Relations, was approached by several staff members from the House of Representatives with requests for additional information and to express support.
AMTA is continuing to collaborate with SAH, AFTA & NCCATA, meeting with the hearth and arts staff of key legislators including Sen. Kennedy (MA), Sen. Schumer, (NY), Sen. Harkin (IL), and Rep. McCollum. These members are all involved in Healthcare Reform, which is currently very active in Congress. We plan to visit more Congressional offices and provide additional information in support of the arts in healthcare action items listed on the Issue Brief.
Obama Administration
AMTA and CBMT submitted comments to the Obama Transition Team website, highlighting music therapy as a treatment option in healthcare and special education. As timing was tight for this opportunity, these comments were developed with the assistance of AMTA research consultant, Barb Else and in communication with Joy Schneck, Dena Register, Andi Farbman, and Judy Simpson. AMTA continues to review the legislation related to healthcare reform and is determining how and where music therapy would fit into any new healthcare initiative.
State Advocacy
Currently 24 active task forces are involved in state recognition efforts; three of which are in MAR. You will find detailed information on the work of the New Jersey State Task Force, New York State Task Force and Pennsylvania State Task Force in this newsletter. Nationally, all of the state task forces have been diligently working in order to increase access to music therapy through state recognition. Music therapy licensure legislation has been introduced in IL and NE. In both these states AMTA and CBMT are working with task force members to address concerns raised by opposing groups.