HF 737

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 01:41am

A bill for an act
relating to economic development; providing certification for rehabilitation
counselors for the blind; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 248.07, by
adding a subdivision.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 248.07, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 14b. new text end

new text begin Certification and qualifications of rehabilitation counselors for the
blind. new text end

new text begin (a) No person shall provide rehabilitation counseling services for the blind or hold
themselves out as a qualified rehabilitation counselor for the blind unless the person is
certified as a rehabilitation counselor by the director of State Services for the Blind.
new text end

new text begin (b) A rehabilitation counselor for the blind is not a mental health practitioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) A certified rehabilitation counselor for the blind shall have the following
qualifications:
new text end

new text begin (1) a bachelor's degree from an educational program approved by the director of
State Services for the Blind;
new text end

new text begin (2) six months of intensive training under sleep shades from an
adjustment-to-blindness center meeting the criteria in subdivision 16, paragraph (a); and
new text end

new text begin (3) completion of additional appropriate training as approved by the director of
State Services for the Blind.
new text end

new text begin (d) Each certified rehabilitation counselor for the blind shall, in the period since
the counselor's certificate was issued or last renewed, complete continuing competency
requirements as set forth by the director of State Services for the Blind.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2009, for persons engaged
in rehabilitation counseling for the blind after that date.
new text end