HF4595 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Requirements for licensure by reciprocity for marriage and family therapists modified.
Related bill: SF4746
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill changes how marriage and family therapists (MFTs) can obtain licensure in Minnesota when they are already licensed in another state. It aims to make it easier for qualified therapists from other jurisdictions to become licensed in Minnesota by recognizing similar licensure requirements elsewhere, provided certain conditions are met and the applicant proves they meet Minnesota’s standards.
Main Provisions
- The board must issue an MFT license by reciprocity to an applicant who:
- Holds a current license as a marriage and family therapist from another jurisdiction.
- The standards for licensure in that other jurisdiction are at least equivalent to or exceed Minnesota’s requirements (as described in sections 148B.29 to 148B.392 and the board’s rules).
- Completes an application for licensure by reciprocity on a form provided by the board.
- Pays the applicable fees under section 148B.392.
- Holds a current valid and unrestricted license from another jurisdiction.
- Is licensed in good standing in every jurisdiction where they currently hold a license and is not the subject of disciplinary action or a pending investigation by any licensing authority.
- Has not been convicted of a crime that would disqualify licensure, as determined by the board.
- Has passed a Minnesota jurisprudence examination approved by the board.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Adds a formal pathway for licensure by reciprocity with other states for marriage and family therapists, aligning Minnesota’s requirements with out-of-state standards that are at least equivalent to Minnesota’s current requirements.
- Introduces specific eligibility criteria for reciprocity, including good standing, absence of disciplinary actions or investigations, and a Minnesota jurisprudence exam.
- Incorporates payment of fees and formal application on a board-provided form as part of the reciprocity process.
- References the interaction between out-of-state standards (and Minnesota rules) and licensure requirements described in Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 148B.29 to 148B.392 and 148B.392 for fees.
Relevant Terms reciprocity with other states, licensure by reciprocity, marriage and family therapist, board, standards, Minnesota jurisprudence examination, good standing, disciplinary action, pending investigation, current license, jurisdiction, other jurisdiction, fees, Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 148B.29 to 148B.392, 148B.392, valid and unrestricted license, disqualifying crime.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Upcoming committee meetings
- Health Finance and Policy on: March 25, 2026 13:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 23, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Health Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires an applicant for licensure by reciprocity to have a current, valid, and unrestricted license from another jurisdiction to practice as a marriage and family therapist.",
"Requires the other jurisdiction's standards to be at least equivalent to or exceed the requirements of sections 148B.29 to 148B.392 and the board's rules.",
"Requires the applicant to complete an application for licensure by reciprocity on a form provided by the board and to submit applicable fees under section 148B.392.",
"Requires the applicant to be licensed in good standing in each jurisdiction where licensed and not be the subject of disciplinary action or a pending investigation.",
"Requires the applicant not to have been convicted of a crime that would disqualify licensure, as determined by the board.",
"Requires the applicant to have passed a Minnesota jurisprudence examination approved by the board."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 148B.35 to establish licensure by reciprocity for marriage and family therapists based on substantially equivalent or higher standards in other jurisdictions, and to prescribe related application requirements.",
"modified": [
"Codifies reciprocity criteria by referencing existing licensure standards and board rules; clarifies eligibility."
]
},
"citation": "148B.35",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Incorporates reference to sections 148B.29 to 148B.392 as the benchmark for reciprocity determinations."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The reciprocity provisions refer to the existing licensure standards in Minnesota Statutes 2024 sections 148B.29 through 148B.392 (and board rules) as the baseline for determining whether an out-of-state applicant's standards are equivalent or superior.",
"modified": [
"Supports the reciprocity framework by tying it to existing statutory standards (148B.29–148B.392) and board rules."
]
},
"citation": "148B.29 to 148B.392",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee