Alaska – Vacant

Arizona –Sherri Giguere

California – Rachel Firchau

Hawaii – Rich Kuykendall

Idaho – Ellen Burnell

Nevada – Judith Pinkerton

Oregon – Jody Winnwalker

Utah – Sarah Piercy

Washington –  Patti Catalano

Alaska: Currently not aware of any music therapists practicing in the state. 

Arizona:
State Task Force Members: Sherri Giguere (chair), Tracy Leonard-Warner, Angie Bollier, Suzanne Oliver and Barb Else.          

• SB 1376 was signed into law 4/26/10.  It requires that individuals who provide music therapy through a contract with the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to have current certification by the Certification Board for Music Therapists.  This is the first stand-alone state legislation to recognize the MT-BC as the required credential for practice under a specific state agency.  Congratulations to the State Task Force members and all the music therapists who participated in this historic effort!  A special thanks to Angie Bolliner and Sherri Giguere who spent countless hours meeting with legislators to see this bill through. 

California:
State Task Force Member: Rachel Firchau (chair)         

• The Task force is reorganizing with increased demands of time necessary to complete tasks. We are continuing to communicate with the California Department of Education regarding Music Therapy’s removal from the list of those providers eligible to apply for Non-Public Agency Status.  

• In order to address regulatory language revisions (DDS, Dept. Mental Health, Dept Social Services, Dept. of Education); and cuts to programs (Early Intervention –DDS), support from the Legislative Consultant will continue.

Hawaii
State Task Force Members: Rich Kuykendall (chair), Bonnie Chan, Keiko Kajiwara, and Karen K. Kei.

• The task force is exploring a system for state recognition including: House Concurrent Resolution introduced to direct sunrise review; and Communication with members of Senate Consumer Protection Committee.  Also of interest: Introduction to MT class at Hawaii Pacific University; continuing to utilize DHS grant for MT services on Kauai, Maui and the Big Island

Idaho:
State Representative: Ellen Burnell (chair)

• After 5 years of service, Ellen is looking for a replacement.   Please contact Ellen if you know of anyone who is able and willing to serve.  Thank you Ellen!

Nevada:
State Representative: Judith Pinkerton (chair)

• Following a meeting with bill sponsor Mo Dennis, the task force is continuing to lay the ground work to propose a bill next legislative term.  Assemblyman Dennis was provided language of a bill from Oklahoma, and he continues to lend his support to the Nevada bill. 

Oregon
State Task Force Members:  Jodi Winnwalker (chair)

• The task force is reorganizing at this time.  Creative Arts Therapies Association of Portland recently formed to increase collaboration among related professions.  This new group is currently working with the state MT association to plan a 2010 Hill Day in Salem.

Utah
State Task Force Members: Sarah Piercy (chair), Tiffany Andersson, Melou Stewart-Cline, Jaycie Voorhees, and Alison Wendel

• The task force is finalizing their state-specific fact sheet and initiating a legislator letter writing campaign.   Sarah Piercy recently participated in United Way Advocacy event and met with legislators.

Washington
State Task Force Members: Patti Catalano (chair), Melissa Gunter-Green, Misty Wolf-Dais, Wendy Zieve, Wendy Woolsey, and Jim Couture.

• The task force is exploring ways to increase MT recognition despite state budget limitations.