This bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes related to health occupations, specifically focusing on the education requirements for licensure and continuing education topics for certain health-related professions. Key changes include the requirement for applicants for licensure as psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and licensed independent clinical social workers to complete coursework related to domestic violence. For psychologists, this includes at least three credit hours of graduate-level courses on domestic violence as part of their doctoral degree. Similarly, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors must complete at least two hours of continuing education on domestic violence as part of their ongoing training.

Additionally, the bill mandates that at least four hours of continuing education for all these professions must focus on enhancing knowledge and skills to address the psychological needs of individuals from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. This includes understanding cultural differences and social diversity. The amendments aim to ensure that licensed professionals are better equipped to handle issues related to domestic violence and to serve a diverse clientele effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 148.907, 148.911, 148B.31, 148B.33, 148B.53, 148B.54, 148E.055