I don't think there's ever a requirement that you have certified credentials to play music for people who are ill or elderly or dying, as long as you don't use the terms "music therapy" or "music therapist," and in some states or countries even that may not be a limitation. But you can often use similar terms such as "music as therapy" with no problem.

If there were really a concern that music by "unqualified professionals" would do harm to people, hospitals and nursing and rehab centers and hospices would start regulating radios and CD players.

I have been doing music as entertainment, music as a therapeutic activity, and music to soothe the frail, ailing, and dying for over 10 years, and I have never encountered any obstacles to what I do. People who are licenced music therapists do sometimes get regular gigs that aren't offered to me, and that seems reasonable - especially if they do more than just play and sing, lead sing-alongs, get people involved in rhythm instruments, etc. But mostly I think that is because I travel too much to be available on a once or twice a week basis for anyone.

Of course, every facility you deal with and every administrator or activity director may have their own criteria.

Genie