ND SB2240

Amends North Dakota Century Code section 43-53-03 to clarify exemptions from marriage and family therapist licensure requirements, including employees of academic and governmental institutions, interns in approved programs, clergy providing ministerial services, and nonprofit volunteers who do not hold themselves out as licensed therapists.

Creates new provision allowing the licensing board to issue temporary ex parte suspension of a marriage and family therapist's license if verified evidence shows by clear and convincing standard that continued practice would create significant risk of serious and ongoing harm to the public during a disciplinary proceeding.

Requires the board to provide prompt written notice of temporary suspension including a copy of the order, complaint, hearing date, and specific descriptions of evidence and witnesses upon request.

Mandates an administrative hearing on the merits be conducted within 30 days of the temporary suspension order, with the therapist entitled to request continuances, and establishes the suspension remains in effect until a final order is issued after hearing or district court appeal.

Allows suspended therapists to appeal the temporary suspension to district court, which must determine whether the board acted reasonably or arbitrarily and give priority to the appeal for prompt disposition; protects patient medical records as exempt records.