We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition to express our serious concern regarding the recent changes to the credentialing requirements for providers of expressive therapy services under the Sunshine Health program.

The recent update to the requirements for offering expressive therapy services to members enrolled in this program is causing a drastic and negative impact on the lives of the children and families who depend on these services. Many parents have already expressed deep dissatisfaction and distress over the way their children’s services are being interrupted or reduced as a direct result of these new policies and credentialing standards.

Under the new rules, providers of music therapy are now required to hold the Music Therapist – Board Certified (MT-BC) credential, and providers of art therapy must hold Art Therapy Credentials Board certifications such as ATR or ATR-BC. While professional standards are important, these new requirements create a serious problem in practice. There are very few board‑certified providers of this type in the entire State of Florida compared with the thousands of children who currently need and benefit from these expressive therapy services.

The positive impact and success of the expressive therapy program on members’ lives across Florida is undeniable. Many non-verbal children have been able to say their first words through these therapies and have found a way to communicate their needs and wants. Others have been able to use these therapies as a method of self-regulation for stereotypical behaviors. While some have learned alternative ways of self-controlling frustration and lack of verbal communication.

 These results have been achieved largely through the work of current practitioners, many of whom hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music and a Master’s degree in Mental Health or related fields, qualifications that were previously accepted by MTM (a third‑party contractor) under Sunshine Health. This is occurring despite the fact that, as of November 2025, the State of Florida does not have a state licensure or registration requirement for music therapists.

In the interest of serving our communities and protecting the thousands of children who are now at risk of losing critical services, we respectfully propose a reasonable and constructive alternative:

 • For current music therapy practitioners who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Music and who have been actively providing services, establish a formal clinical bridge course or training program (1-2 month) focused on music therapy competencies, followed by an objective assessment of knowledge and skills. Practitioners who successfully complete this process should be allowed to continue or resume providing services under the program.

 • For art therapy services, require focused art‑therapy‑specific coursework or a structured clinical training module (1-2 month) for current practitioners, recognizing that many already hold advanced degrees and are clinically qualified as mental health workers. This pathway would acknowledge their existing clinical credentials while ensuring they receive appropriate training in art‑specific therapeutic methods.

We urgently call for a careful evaluation of the current credentialing changes and their real‑world impact, always placing the well‑being and best interests of children at the center of any decision. It is essential that the expressive therapy program be allowed to continue its vital role in the daily lives of these children, many of whom rely on music and art‑based interventions for emotional regulation, communication, self‑esteem, and overall mental health.

We therefore request that Sunshine Health and the relevant authorities:

 • Review and reconsider the immediate implementation of the new credentialing requirements.

 • Develop transitional and bridge pathways for existing qualified practitioners.

 • Ensure continuity of care so that children do not suddenly lose access to the expressive therapy services on which they depend.

Discontinuing these services disrupts their progress and causes regression. The continuity of expressive therapy services, and the protection of the children who benefit from them, must remain the highest priority.