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SF4746 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Licensure by reciprocity requirements modification for marriage and family therapists

AI Generated Summary

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

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 23, 2026SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
March 23, 2026SenateActionReferred toHealth and Human Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies reciprocity standards by referencing the other jurisdiction standards and board rules."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 148B.35 to modify licensure by reciprocity for marriage and family therapists, including criteria that other jurisdiction standards be at least equivalent to or exceed the requirements of sections 148B.29 to 148B.392 and board rules; requires an application, and the payment of fees under section 148B.392; requires the license applicant to be in good standing, not subject to disciplinary action or pending investigations, and to have passed a Minnesota jurisprudence examination approved by the board.",
      "modified": [
        "Replaces or clarifies reciprocity criterion to require equivalence or superiority to 148B.29–148B.392 and board rules.",
        "Specifies application form and fees under 148B.392.",
        "Adds requirement of good standing, no disciplinary action, no pending investigations, and passage of Minnesota jurisprudence exam."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "148B.35",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references the range of sections 148B.29 through 148B.392 as the standard against which other jurisdictions' licensure requirements must be equivalent or greater for reciprocity.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "148B.29 to 148B.392",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill invokes section 148B.392 for payment of fees related to licensure by reciprocity.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "148B.392",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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