MN SF1677

Allows the board to issue licenses to professional counselors and clinical counselors from other jurisdictions with five or more years of active practice, with the board determining which license level to grant based on experience and qualifications.

Expands duty to warn provisions for licensed professional counselors and clinical counselors to include situations where a client or other person communicates a specific, serious threat of physical violence to self or to a specific, clearly identified or identifiable potential victim.

Provides liability protections for providers who make good faith efforts to warn about violent behavior or threats of suicide, including protection from monetary liability, causes of action, or disciplinary action for disclosure, failure to disclose, or erroneous disclosure of confidential information.

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

Applies similar reciprocity and duty to warn provisions to alcohol and drug counselors, allowing licensure for individuals with five or more years of active practice in good standing and requiring the board to determine appropriate credential level based on experience and qualifications.