SF4746

Purpose

• Update how marriage and family therapists can become licensed in Minnesota when they already hold a license in another state. The change focuses on licensure by reciprocity to ensure Minnesota aligns with other jurisdictions while protecting the public.

Main Provisions

• The licensing board may grant a Minnesota license by reciprocity to someone who holds a current license as a marriage and family therapist in another jurisdiction if the other jurisdiction’s standards are at least equivalent to or exceed Minnesota’s requirements (as described in Minnesota Statutes sections 148B.29 to 148B.392) and the board’s rules.
• Applicant requirements for licensure by reciprocity:
  • Complete an application for licensure by reciprocity on a form provided by the board.
  • Pay the applicable fees under Minnesota Statutes section 148B.392.
  • Hold a current valid and unrestricted license from another jurisdiction to practice as a marriage and family therapist.
  • Be licensed in good standing in every jurisdiction where they are licensed to practice, and not be subject to disciplinary action or a pending investigation by any licensing authority.
  • Have not been convicted of a crime that would disqualify the individual from licensure.
  • Have passed a Minnesota jurisprudence examination approved by the board.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds or clarifies a formal reciprocity pathway for out-of-state licensed marriage and family therapists, tying eligibility to:
  • Comparable or higher licensure standards in the other jurisdiction.
  • A standardized application, fee payment, and verification of credentials.
  • Ongoing good standing and absence of disciplinary actions or investigations.
  • A Minnesota-specific jurisprudence exam requirement.
• Integrates these criteria with the existing framework (sections 148B.29 to 148B.392 and board rules) to determine eligibility for licensure by reciprocity.

Implications

• Public protection remains a priority through requirements like good standing, no disciplinary actions or investigations, and a state-specific jurisprudence exam.
• The process for foreign-licensed practitioners may be smoother if their home state’s standards meet or exceed Minnesota’s, subject to board approval and exam requirements.

Relevant Terms - licensure by reciprocity - marriage and family therapist - board (licensing board) - standards for licensure - other jurisdiction / out-of-state license - equivalent to or exceed requirements - sections 148B.29 to 148B.392 - rules of the board - application - forms provided by the board - fees under section 148B.392 - current valid and unrestricted license - good standing - disciplinary action - pending investigation - conviction - crime - Minnesota jurisprudence examination - approved by the board