MN HF3822

Expands reciprocity for licensed professional counselors and alcohol and drug counselors by allowing board discretion to issue either entry-level or clinical/advanced licenses based on applicant experience and qualifications for those with five or more years of active practice in another jurisdiction.

Simplifies reciprocity application requirements for applicants with five or more years of experience by requiring only verification that credentials are current and in good standing, rather than requiring copies of the jurisdiction's credentialing laws and rules.

Clarifies duty to warn obligations for mental health professionals to disclose confidential information when a client or other person communicates a specific, serious threat of physical violence to self or a specifically identified or identifiable potential victim.

Provides liability protection for mental health providers who act in good faith to warn about or prevent violent behavior or suicide threats, including protection against monetary liability, civil action, or board disciplinary action for disclosure, failure to disclose, or erroneous disclosure of confidences.

Expands the definition of "provider" for duty to warn purposes to include licensees, applicants for licensure, and students or interns practicing under supervision as part of accredited graduate or postgraduate professional counseling programs.