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Music therapy certification bill vetoed

Governor Brewer vetoed a bill Tuesday that would have created a new state certification for music therapists. The governor said the bill did not go far enough to  protect patients. Under Senate Bill 1437 the state health department would certify music therapists.

Governor Brewer said she vetoed the bill because it did not include procedures that would allow the department to revoke certifications and impose penalties. She said the legislation should have required background checks because music therapists also work with potentially vulnerable children and adults.

The bill passed in both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. It also had the backing of the Arizona Music Therapy Association. Supporters said the certification measure would have made music therapy a legitimate profession and service.