Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to establish a professional licensing system for certified child life specialists in Minnesota. It addresses the need for formal recognition and regulation of this healthcare occupation to ensure that practitioners meet certain standards and qualifications.

Main Provisions

• Licensure Requirement: The bill requires individuals practicing as child life specialists to obtain a license. This involves meeting specific educational and professional criteria defined by the new law.
• Rulemaking Authority: The bill authorizes the creation of rules to effectively implement and manage the licensing process. This permits relevant Minnesota departments to define the finer details of the credentialing process.
• Penalties for Non-compliance: The bill outlines civil and criminal penalties for practicing without a license or breaching other provisions of the law. This is meant to enforce compliance and maintain professional standards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• New Legal Chapter: The legislation proposes the addition of a new chapter, 148H, to the Minnesota Statutes. This chapter will specifically cover the guidelines and regulations concerning the licensure of certified child life specialists.
• Professional Recognition: This marks a significant change in recognizing child life specialists as a formally regulated profession in the state, similar to other healthcare roles.

Relevant Terms

certified child life specialists, licensure, healthcare regulation, rulemaking, civil penalties, criminal penalties, Minnesota Statutes chapter 148H.