The bill establishes an interstate compact for licensed professional counselors in Minnesota, designed to facilitate the practice of counseling across state lines while preserving state regulatory authority. Key objectives of the compact include increasing public access to counseling services, enhancing public health and safety, supporting military spouses, and promoting uniformity in licensure requirements. It allows for the mutual recognition of licenses among member states, enabling licensed counselors to practice in multiple states without needing separate licenses. The compact outlines specific licensing criteria, responsibilities of the Counseling Compact Commission, and protocols for maintaining licensure and addressing adverse actions against counselors.
Additionally, the bill introduces provisions related to the governance of the commission, including financing, qualified immunity for commission members, and the establishment of a coordinated data system to maintain licensure and investigative information. It details a comprehensive rulemaking process, oversight mechanisms for enforcement, and procedures for dispute resolution among member states. The compact allows member states to withdraw under specified conditions and emphasizes compliance with investigative and reporting requirements prior to withdrawal. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensing process for professional counselors while ensuring adherence to state regulations and maintaining the integrity of the counseling profession.