MUSIC THERAPISTS

Nev. Rev. Stat. 640D
in effect

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.010 Legislative declaration.

The practice of music therapy is hereby declared to be a learned allied health profession, affecting public health, safety and welfare and subject to regulation to protect the public from the practice of music therapy by unqualified and unlicensed persons and from unprofessional conduct by persons who are licensed to practice music therapy.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.020 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 640D.030 to 640D.070, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.045 “Division” defined.

“Division” means the Health Care Purchasing and Compliance Division of the Nevada Health Authority.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.050 “Licensee” defined.

“Licensee” means a music therapist who is licensed to practice music therapy pursuant to this chapter.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.060 “Music therapy” defined.

“Music therapy” means the clinical use of music interventions by a licensee to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed a music therapy program approved by the Division. The term does not include: 1. The practice of psychology, behavioral health promotion and prevention or medicine; 2. The psychological assessment or treatment of couples or families; 3. The prescribing of drugs or electroconvulsive therapy; 4. The medical treatment of physical disease, injury or deformity; 5. The diagnosis or psychological treatment of a psychotic disorder; 6. The use of projective techniques in the assessment of personality; 7. The use of psychological, neuropsychological, psychometric assessment or clinical tests designed to identify or classify abnormal or pathological human behavior or to determine intelligence, personality, aptitude, interests or addictions; 8. The use of individually administered intelligence tests, academic achievement tests or neuropsychological tests; 9. The use of psychotherapy to treat the concomitants of organic illness; 10. The diagnosis of any physical or mental disorder; or 11. The evaluation of the effects of medical and psychotropic drugs.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.070 “Music therapy services” defined.

“Music therapy services” means the services a licensee is authorized to provide pursuant to NRS 640D.150 in order to achieve the goals of music therapy.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.080 Applicability of chapter.

The provisions of this chapter do not apply to: 1. A person who is employed by this State or the Federal Government and who provides music therapy services within the scope of that employment. 2. A person performing services or participating in activities as part of a supervised course of study in an accredited or approved educational or internship program while pursuing study leading to a degree or certificate in music therapy, if the person is designated by a title which clearly indicates his or her status as a student or intern. 3. A person who holds a professional license in this State or an employee who is supervised by a person who holds a professional license in this State and whose provision of music therapy services is incidental to the practice of his or her profession if the person does not hold himself or herself out to the public as a music therapist.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.090 Regulations of Board; enforcement; duty of Division to maintain and provide certain information; Division may accept gifts, grants, donations and contributions.

1. The Board may adopt such regulations as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The regulations may include, without limitation, additional: (a) Standards of training for music therapists; (b) Requirements for continuing education for music therapists; and (c) Standards of practice for music therapists. 2. The Division shall: (a) Enforce the provisions of this chapter and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, to the extent that money is available for that purpose; and (b) Maintain a list of: (1) Applicants for a license; (2) Licensees; and (3) Persons whose licenses have been revoked or suspended by the Division. 3. The Division shall, upon request and payment of any fee, provide a copy of a list maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2. A fee charged for providing the copy must not exceed the actual cost incurred by the Division to make the copy. 4. The Division may accept gifts, grants, donations and contributions from any source to assist in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.100 Board authorized to establish Music Therapy Advisory Group.

1. The Board may establish a Music Therapy Advisory Group consisting of persons familiar with the practice of music therapy to provide the Board and the Division with expertise and assistance in carrying out their duties pursuant to this chapter. If a Music Therapy Advisory Group is established, the Board must: (a) Determine the number of members; (b) Appoint the members; (c) Establish the terms of the members; and (d) Determine the duties of the Music Therapy Advisory Group. 2. Members of a Music Therapy Advisory Group established pursuant to subsection 1 serve without compensation.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.110 Qualifications of applicants; application; fee; fingerprints.

1. The Division shall issue a license to practice music therapy to an applicant who: (a) Is at least 18 years of age; (b) Is of good moral character; and (c) Submits to the Division: (1) A completed application on a form provided by the Division; (2) Proof that the applicant has successfully completed an academic program approved by the American Music Therapy Association or its successor organization with a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in music therapy; (3) A fee in the amount of $200 or such other amount as prescribed by regulation by the Board; (4) A complete set of fingerprints and written permission authorizing the Division to forward the fingerprints to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report; and (5) Proof that the applicant has passed the examination for board certification offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or its successor organization or is certified as a music therapist by that Board or its successor organization. 2. Any increase in the fees imposed pursuant to this section must not exceed the amount necessary for the Division to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.120 Payment of child support: Submission of certain information by applicant; grounds for denial of license; duty of Division. [Effective until the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter, an applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license as a music therapist shall: (a) Include the social security number of the applicant in the application submitted to the Division. (b) Submit to the Division the statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services of the Department of Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520 . The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant. 2. The Division shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in: (a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of the license; or (b) A separate form prescribed by the Division. 3. A license may not be issued or renewed by the Division if the applicant: (a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or (b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order. 4. If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order, the Division shall advise the applicant to contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to satisfy the arrearage.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.130 Expiration and renewal of license; fee.

1. Each license to practice music therapy expires 3 years after the date on which it is issued and may be renewed if, before the license expires, the licensee submits to the Division: (a) A completed application for renewal on a form prescribed by the Division; (b) Proof that the applicant has continuously maintained for the previous 3 years his or her certification with and is currently certified as a music therapist by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or its successor organization; (c) Proof that the applicant has completed not less than 100 units of continuing education approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or its successor organization; and (d) A fee in the amount of $200 or such other amount as prescribed by regulation by the Board. 2. Any increase in the fees imposed pursuant to this section must not exceed the amount necessary for the Division to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.135 Renewal of license: Authority of Division to make data request concerning demographic and practice information available to applicants for voluntary completion and electronic submission; confidentiality of information provided.

1. The Division may: (a) Make the data request developed by the Director of the Department of Human Services pursuant to NRS 439A.116 available to applicants for the renewal of a license pursuant to this chapter through a link on the electronic application for the renewal of a license; and (b) Request each applicant to complete and electronically submit the data request to the Director. 2. The information provided by an applicant for the renewal of a license pursuant to subsection 1 is confidential and, except as required by subsection 1, must not be disclosed to any person or entity. 3. An applicant for the renewal of a license is not required to complete a data request pursuant to subsection 1 and is not subject to disciplinary action, including, without limitation, refusal to renew the license, for failure to do so.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.140 Notice of delinquent license; renewal; expiration.

1. A license that is not renewed on or before the date on which it expires is delinquent. The Division shall, within 30 days after the license becomes delinquent, send a notice to the licensee by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address of the licensee as indicated in the records of the Division. 2. A licensee may renew a delinquent license within 60 days after the license becomes delinquent by complying with the requirements of NRS 640D.130 . 3. A license expires 60 days after it becomes delinquent if it is not renewed within that period.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.150 Authorized services.

1. A licensee may: (a) Accept referrals for music therapy services from physicians, psychologists or other medical, developmental or mental health professionals, education professionals, family members, clients or caregivers. Before providing music therapy services to a client for a medical or mental health condition, the licensee shall collaborate with the client’s physician, psychologist, primary care provider or mental health professional to review the client’s diagnosis, treatment needs and treatment plan. (b) Conduct a music therapy assessment of a client to collect systematic, comprehensive and accurate information necessary to determine the appropriate type of music therapy services to provide for the client, including, without limitation, information relating to a client’s emotional and physical health, social functioning, communication abilities and cognitive skills based upon the client’s history and through observation and interaction of the client in music and nonmusic settings. (c) Develop an individualized treatment plan for the client that identifies the goals, objectives and potential strategies of the music therapy services appropriate for the client using music interventions, which may include, without limitation, music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, learning through music and movement to music. (d) If applicable, carry out an individualized treatment plan that is consistent with any other medical, developmental, mental health or education services being provided to the client. (e) Evaluate and compare the client’s response to music therapy and the individualized treatment plan and suggest modifications, as appropriate. (f) Develop a plan for determining when the provision of music therapy services is no longer needed in collaboration with the client, any physician or other provider of health care or education of the client, any appropriate member of the family of the client and any other appropriate person upon whom the client relies for support. (g) Minimize any barriers so that the client may receive music therapy services in the least restrictive environment. (h) Collaborate with and educate the client and the family or caregiver of the client or any other appropriate person about the needs of the client that are being addressed in music therapy and the manner in which the music therapy addresses those needs. 2. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter or a regulation adopted by the Board pursuant to this chapter, a licensee shall comply with the scope of practice of the Certification Board for Music Therapists or its successor organization.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.160 Complaints: Filing; investigation; retention.

1. If any member of the Board or a Music Therapy Advisory Group or an officer or employee of the Division becomes aware of any ground for initiating disciplinary action against a licensee, the member, officer or employee must file a written complaint with the Division. 2. As soon as practicable after receiving a complaint, the Division shall: (a) Forward the complaint to the Certification Board for Music Therapists or its successor organization for investigation of the complaint and request a written report of the findings of such investigation; or (b) To the extent money is available to do so, conduct an investigation of the complaint to determine whether the allegations in the complaint merit the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the licensee. 3. The Division shall retain a copy of each complaint filed with the Division pursuant to this section for at least 10 years, including, without limitation, any complaint that is not acted upon.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.170 Grounds for refusal to grant or for suspension or revocation of license.

The Division may refuse to grant or may suspend or revoke a license to practice music therapy for any of the following reasons: 1. Submitting false, fraudulent or misleading information to the Division or any agency of this State, any other state, a territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or the Federal Government. 2. Violating any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto. 3. Conviction of a felony relating to the practice of music therapy or of any offense involving moral turpitude, the record of conviction being conclusive evidence thereof. 4. Having an alcohol or other substance use disorder. 5. Impersonating a licensed music therapist or allowing another person to use his or her license. 6. Using fraud or deception in applying for a license to practice music therapy. 7. Failing to comply with the “Code of Professional Practice” of the Certification Board for Music Therapists or its successor organization or committing any other unethical practices contrary to the interest of the public as determined by the Division. 8. Negligence, fraud or deception in connection with the music therapy services a licensee is authorized to provide pursuant to this chapter.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.180 Authorized disciplinary action; orders imposing discipline deemed public records; private reprimand prohibited.

1. If, after an investigation conducted by the Division or receiving the findings from an investigation of a complaint from the Certification Board for Music Therapists or its successor organization, and after notice and a hearing as required by law, the Division finds one or more grounds for taking disciplinary action, the Division may: (a) Place the licensee on probation for a specified period or until further order of the Division; (b) Administer to the applicant or licensee a public reprimand; (c) Refuse to renew the license of the licensee; (d) Suspend or revoke the license of the licensee; (e) Impose an administrative fine of not more than $500 for each violation; or (f) Take any combination of actions set forth in paragraphs (a) to (e), inclusive. 2. The order of the Division may include such other terms, provisions or conditions as the Division deems appropriate. 3. The order of the Division and the findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting that order are public records. 4. The Division shall not issue a private reprimand.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.190 Confidentiality of certain records; exceptions.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section and NRS 239.0115 , a complaint filed with the Division, all documents and other information filed with the complaint and all documents and other information returned from the Certification Board for Music Therapists or its successor organization as a result of an investigation conducted to determine whether to initiate disciplinary action against a person are confidential, unless the person submits a written statement to the Division requesting that such documents and information be made public records. 2. The charging documents filed with the Division to initiate disciplinary action pursuant to chapter 622A of NRS and all documents and information considered by the Division when determining whether to impose discipline are public records. 3. An order that imposes discipline and the findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting that order are public records. 4. The provisions of this section do not prohibit the Division from communicating or cooperating with or providing any documents or other information to any other licensing board or any other agency that is investigating a person, including, without limitation, a law enforcement agency.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.200 Suspension of license for failure to pay child support or comply with certain subpoenas or warrants; reinstatement of license. [Effective until 2 years after the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

1. If the Division receives a copy of a court order issued pursuant to NRS 425.540 that provides for the suspension of all professional, occupational and recreational licenses, certificates and permits issued to a person who is the holder of a license as a music therapist, the Division shall deem the license issued to that person to be suspended at the end of the 30th day after the date on which the court order was issued unless the Division receives a letter issued to the holder of the license by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 stating that the holder of the license has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560 . 2. The Division shall reinstate a license as a music therapist that has been suspended by a district court pursuant to NRS 425.540 if the Division receives a letter issued by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 to the person whose license was suspended stating that the person whose license was suspended has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560 .

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.210 Injunction.

1. If the Division determines that a person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this chapter or a regulation adopted pursuant thereto, the Division may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin the person from engaging in or continuing the violation. 2. An injunction: (a) May be issued without proof of actual damage sustained by any person. (b) Does not prohibit the criminal prosecution and punishment of the person who commits the violation.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.220 Certain acts prohibited without license; penalty.

1. A person who is not licensed to practice music therapy pursuant to this chapter, or a person whose license to practice music therapy has expired or has been suspended or revoked by the Division, shall not: (a) Provide music therapy services; (b) Use in connection with his or her name the words or letters “MT,” “music therapist,” “licensed, board-certified music therapist,” “MT-BC,” “Music Therapist - Board Certified,” “MT - BC/L” or “Licensed Music Therapist - Board Certified” or any other letters, words or insignia indicating or implying that he or she is licensed to practice music therapy, or in any other way, orally, or in writing or print, or by sign, directly or by implication, use the words “music therapy” or represent himself or herself as licensed or qualified to engage in the practice of music therapy; or (c) List or cause to have listed in any directory, including, without limitation, a telephone directory, his or her name or the name of his or her company under the heading “Music Therapy” or “Music Therapist” or any other term that indicates or implies that he or she is licensed or qualified to practice music therapy. 2. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 640D.230 Delegation of certain services prohibited; penalty.

1. A person shall not require a licensee to delegate the provision of music therapy services to another person if, in the opinion of the licensee, such delegation would be inappropriate or create a risk of harm to the client. 2. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source: NV Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-640D.htmlFetched: 10/4/2026
Nev. Rev. Stat. 640D — MUSIC THERAPISTS | Nevada Revised Statutes — Nevada | Corpus