SF 682

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 01/31/2019 03:15pm

A bill for an act
relating to health occupations; requiring the Council of Health Boards to study
and make recommendations on increasing access to clinical experiences through
the use of technology.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin COUNCIL OF HEALTH BOARDS WORK GROUP.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Council of Health Boards shall convene a work group to study and make
recommendations on increasing access to the clinical experience required as part of
postsecondary educational programs that relate to counseling by utilizing telehealth
technologies including, but not limited to, high-fidelity simulation and teleconferencing to
replace a portion of the program's traditional clinical experience requirements. The study
must include the parameters in which the proposed technology may be utilized in order to
ensure that students are integrating classroom theory in a lifelike clinical setting without
compromising clinical competency outcomes.
new text end

new text begin (b) The work group must consist of representatives of:
new text end

new text begin (1) the Boards of Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Behavioral
Health and Therapy;
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new text begin (2) postsecondary educational institutions that have accredited educational programs
for social work, psychology, alcohol and drug counseling, marriage and family therapy,
and professional counseling; and
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new text begin (3) the relevant professional counseling associations, including the Minnesota Counseling
Association; Minnesota Psychology Association; National Association of Social Workers,
Minnesota chapter; and the Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical
Health.
new text end

new text begin (c) By February 1, 2020, the council shall submit recommendations for using telehealth
technologies to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over health occupations and higher education, and shall include a plan for
implementing the recommendations and any legislative changes necessary for
implementation.
new text end