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Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 195--S.F.No. 2402

An act

relating to occupations and professions; modifying provisions governing the Board of Accountancy;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 13.411, by adding a subdivision; 326A.01, subdivisions 2, 12, 17, by adding a subdivision; 326A.02, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, by adding a subdivision; 326A.03; 326A.04; 326A.05, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; 326A.06; 326A.07; 326A.08, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; 326A.10; 326A.12; 326A.13; 326A.14; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.05, subdivision 9.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 13.411, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Board of Accountancy. new text end

new text begin Data relating to disciplinary proceedings involving licensees of the Board of Accountancy are classified under section 326A.08, subdivision 2. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Attest.

"Attest" means to provide the following financial statement services:

(1) an audit or other engagement performed in accordance with the Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS);

(2) a review of a financial statement performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS); deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(3) an examination of prospective financial information performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE)deleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; andnew text end

new text begin (4) any engagement performed in accordance with auditing and related standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.01, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.

Peer review.

"Peer review" means deleted text begin adeleted text end new text begin an independent new text end study, appraisal, or review of one or more aspects of the professional work of a deleted text begin certificate holder or CPA firmdeleted text end new text begin licensee new text end that deleted text begin performsdeleted text end new text begin issues new text end attest or compilation deleted text begin servicesdeleted text end new text begin reportsnew text end , or the professional work of a person registered under section 326A.06, paragraph (b), by deleted text begin a person or persons who hold certificates and who are not affiliated with the certificate holder, CPA firm, or person being revieweddeleted text end new text begin persons who are not affiliated with the licensee being reviewednew text end .

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 13a. new text end

new text begin Principal place of business. new text end

new text begin "Principal place of business" means the office location designated by the licensee for purposes of substantial equivalency and reciprocity in this state and in other states. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.01, subdivision 17, is amended to read:

Subd. 17.

Substantial equivalency.

"Substantial equivalency" is a determination deleted text begin under section 326A.14deleted text end by the Board of Accountancy or its designee that the education, examination, and experience requirements contained in the statutes and administrative rules of another jurisdiction are comparable to, or exceed the educationnew text begin requirements in section 326A.03, subdivisions 3 and 6, paragraph (a)new text end , examinationnew text begin requirements in section 326A.03, subdivision 4, paragraph (a)new text end , and experience requirements deleted text begin containeddeleted text end in deleted text begin this chapterdeleted text end new text begin section 326A.03, subdivision 6, paragraph (b), new text end or that an individual CPA's education, examination, and experience qualifications are comparable to or exceed the education, examination, and experience requirements deleted text begin containeddeleted text end in this deleted text begin chapterdeleted text end new text begin subdivisionnew text end . new text begin For purposes of ascertaining substantial equivalency under the provisions of this chapter, the board shall take into account the qualifications of the individual without regard to the sequence in which experience, education, or examination were attained.new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Board.

A Board of Accountancy is created to carry out the purposes and enforce the provisions of this chapter. It consists of nine citizens of this state appointed by the governor. Two must be public members as defined by section 214.02, and seven must be certified public accountants under the provisions of this chapter. Effective January 1, 2003, no fewer than five of the certified public accountants must be owners or employees of a CPA firm that holds a current permit and provides professional services at the time of appointment and reappointment. deleted text begin At leastdeleted text end new text begin No fewer than new text end two new text begin board members, who may be any new text end of the seven certified public accountantsnew text begin ,new text end at the time of appointment and reappointment must be owners or employees of a CPA firm that:

(1) holds a current permit;

(2) provides professional services; and

(3) consists of ten or fewer certified public accountants.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Officers; proceedings.

The board shall elect one of its number as chair, another as vice-chair, and another as secretary and treasurer. The officers shall hold their respective offices for a term of one year and until their successors are elected. The affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified members of the boardnew text begin , or a majority of a quorum of the board at any meeting duly called,new text end is considered the action of the board. The board shall meet at such times and places as may be fixed by the board. Meetings of the board are subject to chapter 13D. A majority of the board members then in office constitutes a quorum at any meeting duly called. deleted text begin The board shall have a seal, which must be judicially noticed.deleted text end The board shall retain or arrange for the retention of all applications and all documents under oath that are filed with the board and also records of its proceedings, and it shall maintain a registry of the names and addresses of all licensees and registrants under this chapter. In any proceeding in court, civil or criminal, arising out of or founded upon any provision of this chapter, copies of records of the proceeding certified as true copies deleted text begin under the seal of the boardsdeleted text end new text begin by the board chair or executive director new text end shall be admissible in evidence as tending to prove the contents of the records.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Powers.

new text begin The powers and duties of the board shall be as provided in this chapter or as otherwise provided by law. new text end The boardnew text begin , or the complaint committee if authorized by the board,new text end may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, to administer oaths, to take testimony, to cooperate with the appropriate new text begin state, federal, foreign regulatory, or law enforcement new text end authorities deleted text begin in other statesdeleted text end in investigation and enforcement concerning violations of this chapter and comparable acts of other states, and to receive evidence concerning all matters within the scope of this chapter. In case of disobedience of a subpoena, the board may invoke the aid of any court in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence. The board, its members, and its agents are immune from personal liability for actions taken in good faith in the discharge of the board's responsibilities, and the state shall hold the board, its members, and its agents harmless from all costs, damages, and attorneys fees arising from claims and suits against them with respect to matters to which such immunity applies. The board shall enforce the deleted text begin standard of general education, the standard of special education in the science and art of accounting, and the standard of good character and general experiencedeleted text end new text begin laws relating to the practice of public accountingnew text end , as prescribed in this chapternew text begin and rules adopted by the boardnew text end .

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.02, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Rules.

The board may adopt rules governing its administration and enforcement of this chapter and the conduct of licensees and persons registered under section 326A.06, paragraph (b), including:

(1) rules governing the board's meetings and the conduct of its business;

(2) rules of procedure governing the conduct of investigations and hearings and discipline by the board;

(3) rules specifying the educational and experience qualifications required for the issuance of certificates and the continuing professional education required for renewal of certificates;

(4) rules of professional conduct directed to controlling the quality and probity of services by licensees, and dealing among other things with independence, integrity, and objectivity; competence and technical standards; and responsibilities to the public and to clients;

(5) rules governing the professional standards applicable to licensees including adoption of the deleted text begin statements ondeleted text end standards specified in section 326A.01, subdivision 2, and as developed for general application by recognized national accountancy organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountantsnew text begin or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Boardnew text end ;

(6) rules governing the manner and circumstances of use of the titles "certified public accountant," "CPA," "registered accounting practitioner," and "RAP";

(7) rules regarding peer review that may be required to be performed under provisions of this chapter;

(8) rules on substantial equivalence to implement section 326A.14;

(9) rules regarding the conduct of the certified public accountant examination;

(10) rules regarding the issuance and renewals of certificates, permits, and registrations;

(11) rules regarding transition provisions to implement this chapter;

(12) rules specifying the educational and experience qualifications for registration, rules of professional conduct, rules regarding peer review, rules governing standards for providing services, and rules regarding the conduct and content of examination for those persons registered under section 326A.06, paragraph (b); deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(13) rules regarding fees for examinations, certificate issuance and renewal, firm permits, registrations under section 326A.06, paragraph (b), notifications made under section 326A.14, and late processing feesdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; andnew text end

new text begin (14) upon any change to this chapter, if the board determines a change in Minnesota Rules is required, the board may initiate the expedited process under section 14.389 up to one year after the effective date of the change to this chapter. new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.02, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Complaint committee.

The board shall establish a complaint committee to investigate, mediate, or initiate administrative or legal proceedings on behalf of the board with respect to complaints filed with or information received by the board alleging or indicating violations of this chapternew text begin or rules adopted by the boardnew text end . The complaint committee shall consist of three members of the board.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Executive director. new text end

new text begin The board shall appoint an executive director to assist the board in performing its duties. new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.03, is amended to read:

326A.03 CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT QUALIFICATIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Qualifications.

The certificate of certified public accountant shall be granted to persons of good moral character who meet the education, experience, and examination requirements of this section and rules adopted under it and who apply under section 326A.04.

Good moral character for purposes of this deleted text begin sectiondeleted text end new text begin chapter new text end means new text begin the propensity to provide professional services in a fair, honest, and trustworthy manner and a new text end lack of a history of dishonest or felonious acts. The board may refuse to grant a certificate on the ground of failure to satisfy this requirement only if there is a substantial connection between the lack of good moral character of the applicant and the professional responsibilities of a licensee and if the finding by the board of lack of good moral character is supported by clear and convincing evidence. When an applicant is found to be unqualified for a certificate because of a lack of good moral character, the board shall furnish the applicant a statement containing the findings of the board, a complete record of the evidence upon which the determination was based, and a notice of the applicant's right of appeal.

Subd. 2.

Examination before July 1, 2006; new text begin required new text end education and experience.

Until July 1, 2006, the examination must be administered by the board only to a candidate who:

(1) holds a master's degree with a major in accounting from a college or university that is fully accredited by a recognized accrediting agency listed with the United States Department of Education;

(2) holds a baccalaureate degree, with a major in accounting, from a college or university that is fully accredited by a recognized accrediting agency listed with the United States Department of Education or who has in the opinion of the board at least an equivalent education;

(3) holds a baccalaureate degree from a college or university that is fully accredited by a recognized accrediting agency listed with the United States Department of Education, or who has in the opinion of the board at least an equivalent education, provided that at least one year of experience of the type specified in subdivision 8 has been completed;

(4) provides evidence of having completed two or more years of study with a passing grade average or above from a college, university, technical college, or a Minnesota licensed private school that is fully accredited by a recognized accrediting agency listed with the United States Department of Education, or who has in the opinion of the board at least an equivalent education, provided that at least three years experience of the type specified in subdivision 8 has been completed; or

(5) holds a diploma as a graduate of an accredited high school, or who has in the opinion of the board at least an equivalent education, provided that at least five years experience of the type specified in subdivision 8 has been completed.

Subd. 3.

Examination new text begin on or new text end after July 1, 2006; new text begin required new text end education.

On or after July 1, 2006, the examination must be administered by the board only to a candidate who has a baccalaureate or higher degree, with a major in accounting or a major in business with accounting emphasis, or an equivalent education, from a college or university that is fully accredited by a recognized accrediting agency listed with the United States Department of Education or an equivalent accrediting association.

new text begin Subd. 3a. new text end

new text begin Early examination. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this section, the board may adopt rules to permit a person under certain circumstances: new text end

new text begin (1) to apply for the examination within 180 days prior to the person's anticipated completion of the education requirements; and new text end

new text begin (2) to take all or a part of the examination within 90 days of the anticipated completion of the education requirements. No credit shall be given for any part of the examination taken before completion of the education requirements in subdivision 3 unless: new text end

new text begin (i) the education requirements in subdivision 3 and adopted rule requirements are met within 120 days after taking any part of the examination; and new text end

new text begin (ii) documentation of completion of education requirements is received by the board within 150 days of the person taking any part of the examination. new text end

Subd. 4.

Examination requirements.

(a) The examination required to be passed as a condition for the granting of a certificate must be held as often as convenient, in the opinion of the board, and must test the applicant's knowledge of the subjects of accounting and auditing, and other related subjects that the board may specify by rule, including but not limited to business law and taxation. The time for holding the examination must be determined by the board and may be changed from time to time. The board shall prescribe by rule the methods of applying for and conducting the examination, including methods for grading and determining a passing grade required of an applicant for a certificate. However, the board shall to the extent possible ensure that the examination itself, grading of the examination, and the passing grades, are uniform with those applicable in all other states. The board may make such use of all or any part of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and Advisory Grading Service of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and may contract with third parties to perform administrative services with respect to the examination that it considers appropriate to assist it in performing its duties under this paragraph.

(b) The board may charge, or provide for a third party administering the examination to charge, each applicant a fee.

Subd. 5.

Certificate before July 1, 2006; new text begin required new text end experience.

Until July 1, 2006, deleted text begin those personsdeleted text end new text begin a personnew text end who deleted text begin havedeleted text end new text begin hasnew text end passed the examination required by this section and who deleted text begin meetdeleted text end new text begin meetsnew text end all other requirements for a certificate, including payment of required fees, must be granted deleted text begin certificatesdeleted text end new text begin a certificatenew text end as new text begin a new text end certified public deleted text begin accountantsdeleted text end new text begin accountantnew text end , providing that deleted text begin they havedeleted text end new text begin the person hasnew text end completed the following experience requirements of the type specified in subdivision 8 in addition to any experience already required in subdivision 2:

(1) for those whose educational qualifications meet the requirements of subdivision 2, clause (1), the experience requirement is one year;

(2) for those whose educational qualifications meet the requirements of subdivision 2, clause (2), the experience requirement is two years;

(3) for those whose educational and experience qualifications meet the requirements of subdivision 2, clause (3), the additional required experience is two years;

(4) for those whose educational and experience qualifications meet the requirements of subdivision 2, clause (4), the additional required experience is two years; and

(5) for those whose educational and experience qualifications meet the requirements of subdivision 2, clause (5), the additional required experience is one year.

Subd. 6.

Certificate new text begin on or new text end after July 1, 2006; new text begin required new text end education and experience.

(a) On or after July 1, 2006, deleted text begin those personsdeleted text end new text begin a personnew text end who deleted text begin havedeleted text end new text begin hasnew text end passed the examination required in this section must be granted deleted text begin certificatesdeleted text end new text begin a certificatenew text end as new text begin a new text end certified public deleted text begin accountantsdeleted text end new text begin accountantnew text end provided deleted text begin they certifydeleted text end new text begin : (1) the person certifiesnew text end to the board that deleted text begin they havedeleted text end new text begin the person hasnew text end completed at least 150 semester or 225 quarter hours at a college or university that is fully accredited by a recognized accrediting agency listed with the United States Department of Education, or an equivalent accrediting association, and deleted text begin havedeleted text end new text begin hasnew text end completed at least one year of experience of the type specified in paragraph (b)new text begin ; (2) the board verifies the certifications; and (3) the person complies with requirements for initial issuance of the certificate as a certified public accountant as prescribed by the board by rulenew text end .

(b) An applicant for initial issuance of a certificate under this subdivision shall show that the applicant has had one year of experience. Acceptable experience includes providing any type of service or advice involving the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills, as verified by a licensee and meeting requirements prescribed by the board by rule. Acceptable experience may be gained through employment in government, industry, academia, or public practice. Experience as an auditor in the Office of the Legislative Auditor or State Auditor, as verified by a licensee, shall be acceptable experience.

Subd. 7.

Equivalent education criteria.

The board, in consultation with the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, private colleges, and private career schools regulated under chapter 141, shall establish criteria to assess equivalent education for purposes of subdivision 3.

Subd. 8.

Qualifying experience until July 1, 2006.

Until July 1, 2006, qualifying experience includes public accounting experience:

(1) as a staff employee of a certified public accountant, or a firm;

(2) as an auditor in the Office of the Legislative Auditor or State Auditor, or as an auditor or examiner with any other agency of government, if the experience, in the opinion of the board, is equally comprehensive and diversified;

(3) as a self-employed public accountant or as a partner in a firm; or

(4) in any combination of the foregoing capacities.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.04, is amended to read:

326A.04 CERTIFICATE deleted text begin ISSUED OR RENEWEDdeleted text end new text begin ISSUANCE AND RENEWALnew text end ; COMPETENCY STANDARD.

Subdivision 1.

Eligibility.

The board shall grant or renew certificates to deleted text begin personsdeleted text end new text begin a person of good moral character new text end who deleted text begin makedeleted text end new text begin makes annew text end application and deleted text begin demonstrate: (1)deleted text end new text begin demonstrates new text end that deleted text begin theirdeleted text end new text begin the person'snew text end qualifications, including where applicable the qualifications prescribed by section 326A.03, are in accordance with this sectiondeleted text begin ; ordeleted text end new text begin and rules adopted by the board.new text end

deleted text begin (2) that they are eligible under the substantial equivalency standard in section 326A.14, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), which requires licensure for those certified public accountants who establish their principal places of business in another state.deleted text end The holder of a certificate issued under this section may only provide attest services in a CPA firm that holds a permit issued under section 326A.05.

Subd. 2.

Timing.

(a) Certificates must be initially issued and renewed for periods of not more than deleted text begin one yeardeleted text end new text begin three years new text end but in any event must expire on deleted text begin thedeleted text end December 31 deleted text begin following issuance or renewaldeleted text end new text begin in the year prescribed by the board by rulenew text end . Applications for certificates must be made in the form, and in the case of applications for renewal between the dates, specified by the board in rule. The board shall grant or deny an application no later than 90 days after the application is filed in proper form. If the applicant seeks the opportunity to show that issuance or renewal of a certificate was mistakenly denied, or if the board is unable to determine whether it should be granted or denied, the board may issue to the applicant a provisional certificate that expires 90 days after its issuance, or when the board determines whether or not to issue or renew the certificate for which application was made, whichever occurs first.

(b) Certificate holders who do not provide professional services and do not use the certified public accountant designation in any manner are not required to renew their certificates provided they have notified the board as provided in board rule and comply with the requirements for nonrenewal as specified in board rule.

new text begin (c) Applications for renewal of a certificate that are complete and timely filed with the board and are not granted or denied by the board before January 1 are renewed on a provisional basis as of January 1 and for 90 days thereafter, or until the board grants or denies the renewal of the certificate, whichever occurs first, provided the licensee meets the requirements in this chapter and rules adopted by the board. new text end

Subd. 3.

Residents of other states.

(a) With regard to deleted text begin applicantsdeleted text end new text begin an applicant new text end who deleted text begin dodeleted text end new text begin must obtain a certificate in this state because the applicant does new text end not qualify deleted text begin for reciprocitydeleted text end under the substantial equivalency standard in section 326A.14, subdivision 1, deleted text begin paragraph (b),deleted text end the board shall issue a certificate to a holder of a certificate, license, or permit issued by another state upon a showing that:

(1) the applicant passed the examination required for issuance of deleted text begin the applicant'sdeleted text end new text begin a new text end certificate deleted text begin with grades that would have been passing grades at the timedeleted text end in this state;

(2) the applicant had four years of experience deleted text begin outside of this statedeleted text end of the type described in section 326A.03, subdivision 6, paragraph (b), if application is made on or after July 1, 2006, or section 326A.03, subdivision 8, if application is made before July 1, 2006; or the applicant meets equivalent requirements prescribed by the board by rule, after passing the examination upon which the applicant's certificate was based and within the ten years immediately preceding the application; deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(3) if the applicant's certificate, license, or permit was issued more than four years prior to the application for issuance of an initial certificate under this subdivision, that the applicant has fulfilled the requirements of continuing professional education that would have been applicable under subdivision 4deleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; andnew text end

new text begin (4) the applicant has met the qualifications prescribed by the board by rule. new text end

(b) deleted text begin As an alternative to the requirements of paragraph (a),deleted text end A certificate holder licensed by another state who establishes a principal place of business in this state shall request the issuance of a certificate from the board prior to establishing the principal place of business. The board shall issue a certificate to the person if the person's individual certified public accountant qualifications, upon verification, are substantially equivalent to the certified public accountant licensure requirements of this chapternew text begin or the person meets equivalent requirements as the board prescribes by rule. Residents of this state who provide professional services in this state at an office location in this state shall be considered to have their principal place of business in this statenew text end .

Subd. 4.

Program of learning.

deleted text begin For renewal of a certificate under this section,deleted text end Each licensee shall participate in a program of learning designed to maintain professional competency. The program of learning must comply with rules adopted by the board. The board may by rule create an exception to this requirement for licensees who do not perform or offer to perform for the public one or more kinds of services involving the use of accounting or auditing skills, including issuance of reports on financial statements or of one or more kinds of management advisory, financial advisory or consulting services, or the preparation of tax returns or the furnishing of advice on tax matters. A licensee granted such an exception by the board must place the word "inactive" adjacent to the CPA title on any business card, letterhead, or any other document or device, with the exception of the licensee's certificate on which the CPA title appears.

Subd. 5.

Fee.

The board shall charge a fee for each application for initial issuance or renewal of a certificate under this section.

Subd. 6.

Other state licenses.

deleted text begin Applicantsdeleted text end new text begin An applicantnew text end for initial issuance or renewal of deleted text begin certificatesdeleted text end new text begin a certificatenew text end under this section shall deleted text begin in their applicationsdeleted text end list new text begin in the application new text end all states in which deleted text begin they havedeleted text end new text begin the applicant hasnew text end applied for or deleted text begin holddeleted text end new text begin holdsnew text end certificates, licenses, or permitsnew text begin ,new text end and list any past denial, revocation, or suspension of a certificate, license, or permit. Each holder of or applicant for a certificate under this section shall notify the board in writing, within 30 days after its occurrence, of any issuance, denial, revocation, or suspension of a certificate, license, or permit by another state.

Subd. 7.

Certificates issued by foreign countries.

The board shall issue a certificate to a holder of a deleted text begin substantiallydeleted text end new text begin generally new text end equivalent foreign country designation, provided that:

(1) the foreign authority that granted the designation makes similar provision to allow a person who holds a valid certificate issued by this state to obtain the foreign authority's comparable designation;

(2) the foreign designation:

(i) was duly issued by a foreign authority that regulates the practice of public accountancy and the foreign designation has not expired or been revoked or suspended;

(ii) entitles the holder to issue reports upon financial statements; and

(iii) was issued upon the basis of educational, examination, and experience requirements established by the foreign authority or by law; and

(3) the applicant:

(i) received the designation, based on educational and examination standards deleted text begin substantiallydeleted text end new text begin generally new text end equivalent to those in effect in this state, at the time the foreign designation was granted;

(ii) has, within the ten years immediately preceding the application, completed an experience requirement that is deleted text begin substantiallydeleted text end new text begin generally new text end equivalent to the requirement in section 326A.03, subdivision 6, paragraph (b), if application is made on or after July 1, 2006, or section 326A.03, subdivision 8, if application is made before July 1, 2006, in the jurisdiction that granted the foreign designation; completed four years of professional experience in this state; or met equivalent requirements prescribed by the board by rule; and

(iii) passed a uniform qualifying examination in national standards and an examination on the laws, regulations, and code of ethical conduct in effect in this state deleted text begin acceptable todeleted text end new text begin asnew text end the boardnew text begin prescribes by rulenew text end .

Subd. 8.

Other jurisdictions in which foreign applicant is licensed.

An applicant under subdivision 7 shall new text begin list new text end in the application deleted text begin listdeleted text end all jurisdictions, foreign and domestic, in which the applicant has applied for or holds a designation to practice public accountancy. Each holder of a certificate issued under subdivision 7 shall notify the board in writing, within 30 days after its occurrence, of any issuance, denial, revocation, or suspension of a designation or commencement of a disciplinary or enforcement action by any jurisdiction.

Subd. 9.

Application by foreign certificate holder.

The board has the sole authority to interpret the application of the provisions of subdivisions 7 and 8.

Subd. 10.

Peer review.

The board shall by rule require as a condition for renewal of a certificate under this section by any certificate holder who performs compilation services for the public other than through a CPA firm, that the individual undergo, no more frequently than once every three years, a peer review conducted in a manner specified by the board in rule. The review shall include verification that the individual has met the competency requirements set out in professional standards for the services described in this subdivision as set forth by rule.

Subd. 11.

Automatic revocation.

The deleted text begin certificatesdeleted text end new text begin certificatenew text end of deleted text begin personsdeleted text end new text begin a personnew text end who deleted text begin faildeleted text end new text begin failsnew text end to renew deleted text begin their certificatesdeleted text end new text begin a certificatenew text end for more than two years after expiration new text begin or the certificate of a person who had not reported required experience to the board by January 1, 2003, and who fails to report the required experience under Minnesota Rules new text end shall be automatically revoked by order of the board. The orders may be issued by the board without following the procedures of chapter 14, provided the board notifies each deleted text begin suchdeleted text end new text begin affectednew text end person by mail at the person's last known address on file with the board at least three days prior to the issuance of any deleted text begin suchdeleted text end order. No notice is required if the last communication sent by the board to a licensee was returned to the board by the United States Postal Service as undeliverable and with no forwarding address. Certificates deleted text begin sodeleted text end revoked by the board may be reinstated, if at all, under section 326A.09. This subdivision does not apply to certified public accountants who have notified the boardnew text begin , according to requirements prescribed by board rule,new text end that they will not use the CPA designation in any manner and will not provide professional services.

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Professional ethics examination. new text end

new text begin The board shall adopt rules establishing requirements for a professional ethics examination which must be completed before an initial certificate is issued under this section. new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General.

The board shall grant or renew permits to practice as a CPA firm to entities that make application and demonstrate their qualifications in accordance with this section.deleted text begin A firm must hold a permit issued under this section in order to provide attest services or to use the title "CPAs" or "CPA firm."deleted text end

new text begin (a) The following must hold a permit issued under this section: new text end

new text begin (1) any firm with an office in this state performing attest services as defined in section 326A.01, subdivision 2; new text end

new text begin (2) to the extent required by section 326A.10, paragraph (k), any firm with an office in this state performing compilation services as defined in section 326A.01, subdivision 6; new text end

new text begin (3) any firm with an office in this state that uses the title "CPA" or "CPA firm"; or new text end

new text begin (4) any firm that does not have an office in this state but performs attest services as described in section 326A.01, subdivision 2, paragraph (1), (3), or (4), for a client having its headquarters in this state. new text end

new text begin (b) A firm possessing a valid permit from another state which does not have an office in this state may perform services described in section 326A.01, subdivision 2, clause (2), or subdivision 6, for a client having its headquarters in this state and may use the title "CPA" or "CPA firm" without a permit issued under this section only if: new text end

new text begin (1) it has the qualifications described in subdivision 3, paragraph (b); new text end

new text begin (2) as a condition to the renewal of the firm's permit issued by the other state, that state requires a peer review which contains the requirements equivalent to subdivision 8, paragraphs (a) and (e); and new text end

new text begin (3) it performs the services through an individual who has been granted practice privileges under section 326A.14. new text end

new text begin (c) A firm possessing a valid permit from another state that does not have an office in this state and which is not subject to the requirements of paragraph (a), clause (4), or (b), may perform other professional services while using the title "CPA" or "CPA firm" in this state without a permit issued under this section only if the firm: new text end

new text begin (1) has the qualifications described in subdivision 3, paragraph (b); new text end

new text begin (2) performs the services through an individual who has been granted practice privileges under section 326A.14; and new text end

new text begin (3) can lawfully perform the services in the state where the individuals with practice privileges have their principal place of business. new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Timing.

new text begin (a) new text end Permits must be initially issued and renewed for periods of not more than one year but in any event must expire on December 31 following issuance or renewal. Applications for permits shall be made in the form, and in the case of applications for renewal between the dates, as the board specifies in rule. The board shall grant or deny an application no later than 90 days after the application is filed in proper form. If the applicant seeks the opportunity to show that issuance or renewal of a permit was mistakenly denied or if the board is not able to determine whether it should be granted or denied, the board may issue to the applicant a provisional permit, which expires 90 days after its issuance, or when the board determines whether or not to issue or renew the permit for which application was made, whichever occurs first.

new text begin (b) Applications for renewal of a permit that are complete and timely filed with the board and are not granted or denied by the board before January 1 are renewed on a provisional basis as of January 1 and for 90 days thereafter, or until the board grants or denies the permit, whichever occurs first, provided the licensee meets the renewal requirements in this chapter and rules adopted by the board. new text end

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.05, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Qualifications.

(a) An applicant for initial issuance or renewal of a permit to practice under this section shall comply with the requirements in this subdivision.

(b) Notwithstanding chapter 319B or any other provision of law, a simple majority of the ownership of the firm, in terms of financial interests and voting rights of all partners, officers, shareholders, members, or managers, must belong to holders of certificates who are licensed in some state, and the partners, officers, shareholders, members, or managers, whose principal place of business is in this state, and who perform professional services in this state, must hold valid certificates issued under section 326A.04 or the corresponding provision of prior law. Although firms may include nonlicensee owners, the firm and its ownership must comply with rules adopted by the board. The firm shall register all nonlicensee owners with the state board as set forth by rule. new text begin An individual who has been granted practice privileges under section 326A.14 and who performs services for which a firm permit is required under section 326A.14, subdivision 1, paragraph (d), is not required to obtain a certificate from the board under section 326A.04.new text end

(c) A CPA firm may include nonlicensee owners provided that:

(1) the firm designates a licensee of this state, new text begin or in the case of a firm that must have a permit according to section 326A.14, subdivision 1, paragraph (d), a licensee of another state who meets the requirements in section 326A.14, subdivision 1, paragraph (a) or (b), new text end who is responsible for the proper registration of the firm and identifies that individual to the board;

(2) all nonlicensee owners are new text begin persons of good moral character and are new text end active individual participants in the CPA firm or affiliated entities; and

(3) the firm complies with other requirements imposed by the board in rule.

(d) An individual licensee new text begin and any individual granted practice privileges under section 326A.14 new text end who is responsible for supervising attest or compilation services and signs or authorizes someone to sign the accountant's report on the financial statements on behalf of the firm, shall meet the competency requirements set out in the professional standards for such services.

(e) An individual licensee new text begin and any individual granted practice privileges under section 326A.14 new text end who signs or authorizes someone to sign the accountants' report on the financial statements on behalf of the firm shall meet the competency requirement of paragraph (d).

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.05, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Initial issuance or renewal.

An applicant for initial issuance or renewal of a permit to practice under this section shall register each office of the firm within this state with the board and deleted text begin todeleted text end show that all attest and compilation services rendered in this state are under the charge of a person holding a valid certificatedeleted text begin , or the corresponding provision of prior lawdeleted text end new text begin issued by this state or another statenew text end .

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.05, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Fees.

The board shall charge a fee for each application for initial issuance or renewal of a permit under this section.new text begin A firm that is required to hold a permit under this section and has one or more offices located in another state shall pay an initial permit issuance fee of $100 and an annual renewal fee of $68.new text end

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.06, is amended to read:

326A.06 deleted text begin ACCOUNTING PRACTITIONER; REGISTRATION; CERTIFICATEdeleted text end new text begin LPA'S AND ACCOUNTING PRACTITIONERSnew text end .

(a) All licensed public accountants (LPAs) who are actively licensed by the state board on December 31, 2002, shall be issued a certified public accountant certificate. LPAs are those accountants who were eligible for licensure on July 1, 1979, under the law in effect on that date and who were issued a license as a licensed public accountant by the board at that time.

(b) deleted text begin By July 1, 2004,deleted text end The board shall implement a voluntary registration of accounting practitioners. The board shall prescribe by rule the limitations of practice, educational preparation, examination, registration, fees, peer review, and continuing education requirements for the registration. The board shall consult with the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the Minnesota Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, the Private College Council, the Minnesota Association of Public Accountants, and other organizations as appropriate in the implementation of this section.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.07, is amended to read:

326A.07 APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY OF STATE AS AGENT.

Application by a person or a firm not a resident of this state for a certificate new text begin issued under section 326A.04 new text end or a permit new text begin issued under section 326A.05 new text end shall constitute appointment of the secretary of state as the applicant's agent upon whom process may be served in any action or proceeding against the applicant arising out of any transaction or operation connected with or incidental to services performed by the applicant while deleted text begin a licenseedeleted text end within this state.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.08, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Hearings conducted under chapter 14.

Except as otherwise described in this section, all hearings shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 14.

new text begin Hearings conducted under chapter 14 that relate to a disciplinary action must be closed to the public, except for individuals whose presence is necessary for conducting the proceeding or providing testimony or evidence. The hearing record and the findings, conclusions, report, and order or recommendation of the administrative law judge are private data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, until the board issues its final order or the report or order of the administrative law judge becomes the final decision in the case. new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.08, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Cease and desist orders.

(a) The board, or the complaint committee if authorized by the board, may issue and have served upon a certificate holder, a permit holder, a registration holder, a person with practice privileges granted under section 326A.14new text begin , a person new text end who has previously been subject to a disciplinary order by the board, or an unlicensed firm or person an order requiring the person or firm to cease and desist from the act or practice constituting a violation of the statute, rule, or order. The order must be calculated to give reasonable notice of the rights of the person or firm to request a hearing and must state the reasons for the entry of the order. No order may be issued until an investigation of the facts has been conducted pursuant to section 214.10.

(b) Service of the order is effective when the order is served on the person, firm, or counsel of record personally, or by certified mail to the most recent address provided to the board for the person, firm, or counsel of record.

(c) Unless otherwise agreed by the board, or the complaint committee if authorized by the board, and the person or firm requesting the hearing, the hearing must be held no later than 30 days after the request for the hearing is received by the board.

(d) The administrative law judge shall issue a report within 30 days of the close of the contested case hearing record, notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 1400.8100, subpart 3. Within 30 days after receiving the report and any exceptions to it, the board shall issue a further order vacating, modifying, or making permanent the cease and desist orders as the facts require.

(e) If no hearing is requested within 30 days of service of the order, the order becomes final and remains in effect until it is modified or vacated by the board.

(f) If the person or firm to whom a cease and desist order is issued fails to appear at the hearing after being duly notified, the person or firm is in default and the proceeding may be determined against that person or firm upon consideration of the cease and desist order, the allegations of which may be considered to be true.

(g) In lieu of or in addition to the order provided in paragraph (a), the board may require the person or firm to provide to the board a true and complete list of the person's or firm's clientele so that they can, if deemed necessary, be notified of the board's action. Failure to do so, or to provide an incomplete or inaccurate list, is an act discreditable.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.08, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Actions against persons or firms.

(a) The board may, by order, deny, refuse to renew, suspend, temporarily suspend, or revoke the application, or practice privileges, registration or certificate of a person or firm; censure or reprimand the person or firm; prohibit the person or firm from preparing tax returns or reporting on financial statements; new text begin limit the scope of practice of any licensee; limit privileges under section 326A.14; new text end refuse to permit a person to sit for examination; or refuse to release the person's examination grades if the board finds that the order is in the public interest and that, based on a preponderance of the evidence presented, the person or firm:

(1) has violated a statute, rule, or order that the board has issued or is empowered to enforce;

(2) has engaged in conduct or acts that are fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest whether or not the conduct or acts relate to performing or offering to perform professional services, providing that the fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest conduct or acts reflect adversely on the person's or firm's ability or fitness to provide professional services;

(3) has engaged in conduct or acts that are negligent or otherwise in violation of the standards established by board rule, where the conduct or acts relate to providing professional servicesnew text begin , including in the filing or failure to file the licensee's income tax returnsnew text end ;

(4) has been convicted of, has pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or has been sentenced as a result of the commission of a felony or crime, an element of which is dishonesty or fraud; has been shown to have or admitted to having engaged in acts or practices tending to show that the person or firm is incompetent; or has engaged in conduct reflecting adversely on the person's or firm's ability or fitness to provide professional services, whether or not new text begin a conviction was obtained ornew text end a plea was entered or withheld new text begin and whether or not dishonesty or fraud was an element of the conductnew text end ;

(5) employed fraud or deception in obtaining a certificate, permit, registration, practice privileges, renewal, or reinstatement or in passing all or a portion of the examination;

(6) has had the person's or firm's permit, registration, practice privileges, certificate, right to examine, or other similar authority revoked, suspended, canceled, limited, or not renewed for cause, or has committed unprofessional acts for which the person or firm was otherwise disciplined or sanctioned, including, but not limited to, being ordered to or agreeing to cease and desist from prescribed conduct, in any state or any foreign country;

(7) has had the person's or firm's right to practice before any federal, state, deleted text begin ordeleted text end other government agencynew text begin , or Public Company Accounting Oversight Boardnew text end revoked, suspended, canceled, limited, or not renewed for cause, or has committed unprofessional acts for which the person or firm was otherwise disciplined or sanctioned, including, but not limited to, being ordered to or agreeing to cease and desist from prescribed conduct;

(8) failed to meet any requirement for the issuance or renewal of the person's or firm's certificate, registration or permit, or for practice privileges;

(9) with respect to temporary suspension orders, has committed an act, engaged in conduct, or committed practices that may result or may have resulted, in the opinion of the board or the complaint committee if authorized by the board, in an immediate threat to the public; deleted text begin ordeleted text end

(10) has engaged in any conduct reflecting adversely upon the person's or firm's fitness to perform services while a licensee, individual granted privileges under section 326A.14, or a person registered under section 326A.06, paragraph (b)deleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; ornew text end

new text begin (11) has, prior to a voluntary surrender of a certificate or permit to the board, engaged in conduct which at any time resulted in the discipline or sanction described in clause (6) or (7). new text end

(b) In lieu of or in addition to any remedy provided in paragraph (a), the boardnew text begin , or the complaint committee if authorized by the board,new text end may require, as a condition of continued possession of a certificate, a registration, or practice privileges, termination of suspension, reinstatement of permit, registration of a person or firm or of practice privileges under section 326A.14, a certificate, an examination, or release of examination grades, that the person or firm:

(1) submit to a peer review of the person's or firm's ability, skills, or quality of work, conducted in a fashion and by persons, entity, or entities as required by the board; and

(2) complete to the satisfaction of the board continuing professional education courses specified by the board.

(c) Service of the order is effective if the order is served on the person, firm, or counsel of record personally or by certified mail to the most recent address provided to the board for the person, firm, or counsel of record. The order shall state the reasons for the entry of the order.

(d) All hearings required by this subdivision must be conducted in accordance with chapter 14 except with respect to temporary suspension orders as provided for in subdivision 6.

(e) In addition to the remedies authorized by this subdivision, the boardnew text begin , or the complaint committee if authorized by the board,new text end may enter into an agreement with the person or firm for corrective action and may unilaterally issue a warning to a person or firm.

(f) The board shall not use agreements for corrective action or warnings in any situation where the person or firm has been convicted of or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or crime and the felony or crime is the basis of the board's action against the person or firm, where the conduct of the person or firm indicates a pattern of related violations of paragraph (a) or the rules of the board, or where the board concludes that the conduct of the person or firm will not be deterred other than by disciplinary action under this subdivision or subdivision 4 or 6.

(g) Agreements for corrective action may be used by the board, or the complaint committee if authorized by the board, where the violation committed by the person or firm does not warrant disciplinary action pursuant to this subdivision or subdivision 4 or 6, but where the board, or the complaint committee if authorized by the board, determines that corrective action is required to prevent further such violations and to otherwise protect the public. Warnings may be used by the board, or the complaint committee if authorized by the board, where the violation of the person or firm is de minimus, does not warrant disciplinary action under this subdivision or subdivision 4 or 6, and does not require corrective action to protect the public.

(h) Agreements for corrective action must not be considered disciplinary action against the person's or firm's application, permit, registration or certificate, or practice privileges under section 326A.14. However, agreements for corrective action are public data. Warnings must not be considered disciplinary action against the person's or firm's application, permit, registration, or certificate or person's practice privileges and are private data.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.08, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Temporary suspension deleted text begin orderdeleted text end new text begin provisionsnew text end .

(a) When the board, or the complaint committee if authorized by the board, issues a temporary suspension order, the suspension is in effect upon service of a written order on the person, firm, or counsel of recordnew text begin as provided in subdivision 4, paragraph (b)new text end , specifying the statute, rule, or order violated. The order remains in effect until the board issues a final order in the matter after a hearing or upon agreement between the board and the person or firm.

(b) The order may prohibit the person or firm from providing professional services in whole or in part, as the facts may require, and may condition the end of such suspension on compliance with a statute, rule, or order that the board has issued or is empowered to enforce.

(c) The order must set forth the rights to hearing contained in this section and must state the reasons for the entry of order.

(d) Within ten days after service of the order, the person or firm may request a hearing in writing. The board shall hold a hearing before its own members within five working days of a receipt of a request for hearing or within five working days of receipt of a request for hearing on the sole issue of whether there is a reasonable basis to continue, modify, or lift the temporary suspension. This hearing is not subject to chapter 14. Evidence presented by the board or the person or firm shall be in affidavit form only. The person, firm, or counsel of record may appear for oral argument.

(e) Within five working days after the hearing, the board shall issue its order and, if the suspension is continued, schedule a contested case hearing within 30 days after issuance of the order. The administrative law judge shall issue a report within 30 days after closing of the contested case hearing record, notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 1400.8100, subpart 3. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receipt of that report.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.08, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Violation; penalties; costs of proceeding.

(a) The board may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $2,000 per violation upon a person or new text begin a new text end firm that violates an order, statute, or rule that the board has issued or is empowered to enforce.

(b) The board may, in addition, impose a fee to reimburse the board for all or part of the cost of the proceedings, including reasonable investigative costs, resulting in disciplinary or corrective action authorized by this section, the imposition of civil penalties, or the issuance of a cease and desist order. The fee may be imposed when the board shows that the position of the person or firm that violates a statute, rule, or order that the board has issued or is empowered to enforce is not substantially justified, unless special circumstances make an award unjust, notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 1400.8401. The costs include, but are not limited to, the amount paid by the board for services from the office of administrative hearings, attorney and reasonable investigative fees, court reporters, witnesses, reproduction of records, board members' per diem compensation, board staff time, and expense incurred by board members and staff.

deleted text begin (c) All hearings required by this subdivision must be conducted in accordance with chapter 14. deleted text end

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.08, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

new text begin Other new text end persons and entities subject to discipline.

Any person or entity who prepares or reports on financial statements or schedules for a client for a fee is subject to this section and the practice of the person or entity may be disciplined by the deleted text begin boardsdeleted text end new text begin board new text end as provided for in this section. The board may discipline a person or entity based on violations of this chapter, the board's rules, or misrepresentations made by the person or entity regarding the work the person or entity performed.

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.08, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Notification of other states.

In any case where the board renders a decision imposing discipline against a person or firm, the board shall examine its records to determine whether the person or firm holds a certificate or a permit in any other state. If so, the board shall notify the board of accountancy of the other state of its decision, by mailnew text begin or by other reasonable meansnew text end , within 45 days of the decision becoming final.

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.10, is amended to read:

326A.10 UNLAWFUL ACTS.

(a) Only a licensee new text begin and individuals who have been granted practice privileges under section 326A.14 new text end may issue a report on financial statements of any person, firm, organization, or governmental unit that results from providing attest services, or offer to render or render any attest service. Only a certified public accountant, new text begin an individual who has been granted practice privileges under section 326A.14, new text end a CPA firm, or, to the extent permitted by board rule, a person registered under section 326A.06, paragraph (b), may issue a report on financial statements of any person, firm, organization, or governmental unit that results from providing compilation services or offer to render or render any compilation service. These restrictions do not prohibit any act of a public official or public employee in the performance of that person's duties or prohibit the performance by any nonlicensee of other services involving the use of accounting skills, including the preparation of tax returns, management advisory services, and the preparation of financial statements without the issuance of reports on them. Nonlicensees may prepare financial statements and issue nonattest transmittals or information on them which do not purport to be in compliance with the Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS). Nonlicensees registered under section 326A.06, paragraph (b), may, to the extent permitted by board rule, prepare financial statements and issue nonattest transmittals or information on them.

(b) Licensees new text begin and individuals who have been granted practice privileges under section 326A.14 new text end performing attest or compilation services must provide those services in accordance with professional standards. To the extent permitted by board rule, registered accounting practitioners performing compilation services must provide those services in accordance with standards specified in board rule.

(c) A person who does not hold a valid certificate issued under section 326A.04 new text begin or a practice privilege granted under section 326A.14 new text end shall not use or assume the title "certified public accountant," the abbreviation "CPA," or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card, or device tending to indicate that the person is a certified public accountant.

(d) A firm shall not provide attest services or assume or use the title "certified public accountants," the abbreviation "CPAs," or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card, or device tending to indicate that the firm is a CPA firm unless (1) the firm deleted text begin holds a valid permit issued underdeleted text end new text begin has complied with new text end section 326A.05, and (2) ownership of the firm is in accordance with this chapter and rules adopted by the board.

(e) A person or firm that does not hold a valid certificate or permit issued under section 326A.04 or 326A.05 new text begin or has not otherwise complied with section 326A.04 or 326A.05 as required in this chapter new text end shall not assume or use the title "certified accountant," "chartered accountant," "enrolled accountant," "licensed accountant," "registered accountant," "accredited accountant," "accounting practitioner," "public accountant," "licensed public accountant," or any other title or designation likely to be confused with the title "certified public accountant," or use any of the abbreviations "CA," "LA," "RA," "AA," "PA," "AP," "LPA," or similar abbreviation likely to be confused with the abbreviation "CPA." The title "enrolled agent" or "EA" may only be used by individuals so designated by the Internal Revenue Service.

(f) Persons registered under section 326A.06, paragraph (b), may use the title "registered accounting practitioner" or the abbreviation "RAP." A person who does not hold a valid registration under section 326A.06, paragraph (b), shall not assume or use such title or abbreviation.

(g) Except to the extent permitted in paragraph (a), nonlicensees may not use language in any statement relating to the financial affairs of a person or entity that is conventionally used by licensees in reports on financial statements. In this regard, the board shall issue by rule safe harbor language that nonlicensees may use in connection with such financial information. A person or firm that does not hold a valid certificate or permit, or a registration issued under section 326A.04, 326A.05, or 326A.06, paragraph (b), new text begin or has not otherwise complied with section 326A.04 or 326A.05 as required in this chapter new text end shall not assume or use any title or designation that includes the word "accountant" or "accounting" in connection with any other language, including the language of a report, that implies that the person or firm holds such a certificate, permit, or registration or has special competence as an accountant. A person or firm that does not hold a valid certificate or permit issued under section 326A.04 or 326A.05 new text begin or has not otherwise complied with section 326A.04 or 326A.05 as required in this chapter new text end shall not assume or use any title or designation that includes the word "auditor" in connection with any other language, including the language of a report, that implies that the person or firm holds such a certificate or permit or has special competence as an auditor. However, this paragraph does not prohibit any officer, partner, member, manager, or employee of any firm or organization from affixing that person's own signature to any statement in reference to the financial affairs of such firm or organization with any wording designating the position, title, or office that the person holds, nor prohibit any act of a public official or employee in the performance of the person's duties as such.

(h) No person holding a certificate or registration or firm holding a permit under this chapter shall use a professional or firm name or designation that is misleading about the legal form of the firm, or about the persons who are partners, officers, members, managers, or shareholders of the firm, or about any other matter. However, names of one or more former partners, members, managers, or shareholders may be included in the name of a firm or its successor.

(i) Paragraphs (a) to (h) do not apply to a person or firm holding a certification, designation, degree, or license granted in a foreign country entitling the holder to engage in the practice of public accountancy or its equivalent in that country, if:

(1) the activities of the person or firm in this state are limited to the provision of professional services to persons or firms who are residents of, governments of, or business entities of the country in which the person holds the entitlement;

(2) the person or firm performs no attest or compilation services and issues no reports with respect to the financial statements of any other persons, firms, or governmental units in this state; and

(3) the person or firm does not use in this state any title or designation other than the one under which the person practices in the foreign country, followed by a translation of the title or designation into English, if it is in a different language, and by the name of the country.

(j) No holder of a certificate issued under section 326A.04 may perform attest services through any business form that does not hold a valid permit issued under section 326A.05.

(k) No individual licensee may issue a report in standard form upon a compilation of financial information through any form of business that does not hold a valid permit issued under section 326A.05, unless the report discloses the name of the business through which the individual is issuing the report, and the individual:

(1) signs the compilation report identifying the individual as a certified public accountant;

(2) meets the competency requirement provided in applicable standards; and

(3) undergoes no less frequently than once every three years, a peer review conducted in a manner specified by the board in rule, and the review includes verification that the individual has met the competency requirements set out in professional standards for such services.

(l) No person registered under section 326A.06, paragraph (b), may issue a report in standard form upon a compilation of financial information unless the board by rule permits the report and the person:

(1) signs the compilation report identifying the individual as a registered accounting practitioner;

(2) meets the competency requirements in board rule; and

(3) undergoes no less frequently than once every three years a peer review conducted in a manner specified by the board in rule, and the review includes verification that the individual has met the competency requirements in board rule.

(m) Nothing in this section prohibits a practicing attorney or firm of attorneys from preparing or presenting records or documents customarily prepared by an attorney or firm of attorneys in connection with the attorney's professional work in the practice of law.

(n) deleted text begin Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, persons preparing unaudited financial statements under corresponding provisions of prior law shall be permitted to perform compilation services until six months after the board adopts rules under section .deleted text end new text begin The board shall adopt rules that place limitations on receipt by a licensee or a person who holds a registration under section 326A.06, paragraph (b), of:new text end

new text begin (1) contingent fees for professional services performed; and new text end

new text begin (2) commissions or referral fees for recommending or referring to a client any product or service. new text end

new text begin (o) Anything in this section to the contrary notwithstanding, it shall not be a violation of this section for a firm not holding a valid permit under section 326A.05 and not having an office in this state to provide its professional services in this state so long as it complies with the applicable requirements of section 326A.05, subdivision 1. new text end

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.12, is amended to read:

326A.12 CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS.

(a) Except by permission of the client for whom a licensee performs services or the heirs, successors, or personal representatives of the client, a licensee shall not voluntarily disclose information communicated to the licensee by the client relating to and in connection with services rendered to the client by the licensee. Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit:

(1) the disclosure of information required to be disclosed by the standards of the public accounting profession in reporting on the examination of financial statements; or

(2) disclosures in court proceedings, in investigations or proceedings under section 326A.08, in ethical investigations conducted by private professional organizations, in the course of peer reviews, to other persons active in the organization performing services for that client on a need-to-know basis, or to persons in the entity who need this information for the sole purpose of assuring quality control.

(b) This section also applies to persons registered under section 326A.06, paragraph (b)new text begin , and to persons granted a practice privilege under section 326A.14new text end .

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.13, is amended to read:

326A.13 WORKING PAPERS; CLIENTS' RECORDS.

(a) Subject to the provisions of section 326A.12, all statements, records, schedules, working papers, and memoranda made by a licensee or a partner, shareholder, officer, director, member, manager, or employee of a licensee, incident to, or in the course of, rendering services to a client while a licensee, except the reports submitted by the licensee to the client and except for records that are part of the client's records, remain the property of the licensee in the absence of an express agreement between the licensee and the client to the contrary. No statement, record, schedule, working paper, or memorandum may be sold, transferred, or bequeathed, without the consent of the client or the client's personal representative or assignee, to anyone other than one or more surviving partners, stockholders, members or new partners, new stockholders, new members of the licensee, or any combined or merged firm or successor in interest to the licensee. Nothing in this section may be construed as prohibiting any temporary transfer of workpapers or other material necessary in the course of carrying out peer reviews or as otherwise interfering with the disclosure of information pursuant to section 326A.12.

(b) A licensee shall furnish to a client or former client, upon request and reasonable notice:

(1) a copy of the licensee's working papers, to the extent that the working papers include records that would ordinarily constitute part of the client's records and are not otherwise available to the client; and

(2) any accounting or other records belonging to, or obtained from or on behalf of, the client that the licensee removed from the client's premises or received for the client's account. The licensee may make and retain copies of such documents of the client when they form the basis for work done by the licensee.

(c) Nothing in this section requires a licensee to keep any work paper beyond the period prescribed in any other applicable statute.

(d) This section also applies to persons registered under section 326A.06, paragraph (b)new text begin , and to persons granted a practice privilege under section 326A.14new text end .

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.14, is amended to read:

326A.14 SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY.

Subdivision 1.

Requirements.

(a) An individual whose principal place of business is not in this state and who deleted text begin hasdeleted text end new text begin holds new text end a valid deleted text begin certificate ordeleted text end license new text begin in good standing new text end as a certified public accountant from any state which, upon verification, is in substantial equivalence with the certified public accountant licensure requirements of deleted text begin this chapterdeleted text end new text begin section 326A.03, subdivisions 3, 4, and 6, new text end shall be presumed to have qualifications substantially equivalent to this state's requirements and shall have all the privileges of deleted text begin certificate holders anddeleted text end licensees of this state without the need to obtain a deleted text begin certificate or permitdeleted text end new text begin licensenew text end . deleted text begin However, such individuals shall notify the board of their intent to enter the state under this provision as provided for in board rule and pay the required fee.deleted text end new text begin Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, an individual who offers or renders professional services, whether in person, by mail, telephone, or electronic means, under this paragraph: (1) shall be granted practice privileges in this state; (2) is subject to the requirements in paragraph (c); and (3) is not required to provide any notice or other submission.new text end

(b) An individual whose principal place of business is not in this state and who deleted text begin hasdeleted text end new text begin holds new text end a valid deleted text begin certificate ordeleted text end license new text begin in good standing new text end as a certified public accountant from any state whose certified public accountant licensure qualifications, upon verification, are not substantially equivalent with the licensure requirements of deleted text begin this chapterdeleted text end new text begin section 326A.03, subdivisions 3, 4, and 6, new text end shall be presumed to have qualifications substantially equivalent to this state's requirements and shall have all the privileges of deleted text begin certificate holders anddeleted text end licensees of this state without the need to obtain a deleted text begin certificate or permitdeleted text end new text begin license new text end if the individual obtains verification, as specified in board rule, that the individual's qualifications are substantially equivalent to the licensure requirements of deleted text begin this chapterdeleted text end new text begin section 326A.03, subdivisions 3, 4, and 6new text end . deleted text begin Such individuals shall notify the board of their intent to enter the state under this provision as provided for in board rule and pay the required fee.deleted text end new text begin For purposes of this paragraph, any individual who passed the Uniform CPA Examination and holds a valid license issued by any other state prior to January 1, 2009, is exempt from the education requirement in section 326A.03, subdivision 6, paragraph (a), provided the individual meets the education requirement in section 326A.03, subdivision 3. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, an individual who offers or renders professional services, whether in person, by mail, telephone, or electronic means, under this paragraph: (1) shall, after the verification specified by adopted rules, be granted practice privileges in this state; (2) is subject to the requirements in paragraph (c); and (3) is not required to provide any notice or other submission.new text end

(c) deleted text begin Anydeleted text end new text begin An individual new text end licensee of another state exercising the privilege afforded under this section deleted text begin consentsdeleted text end new text begin and the firm which employs that licensee are deemed to have consentednew text end , as a condition of the grant of this privilege:

(1) to the personal and subject matter jurisdiction and disciplinary authority of the board;

(2) to comply with this chapter and the board's rules; deleted text begin anddeleted text end

(3) to the appointment of the state board that issued the license as the licensee's agent upon whom process may be served in any action or proceeding by this board against the licenseedeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; andnew text end

new text begin (4) to cease offering or rendering professional services in this state individually and on behalf of a firm in the event the license issued by the state of the individual's principal place of business is no longer valid or in good standing. new text end

new text begin (d) An individual who has been granted practice privileges under this section who performs attest services as defined in section 326A.01, subdivision 2, clause (1), (3), or (4), for any entity with its headquarters in this state, may only do so through a firm which has obtained a permit under section 326A.05. new text end

Subd. 2.

Use of title in another state.

A licensee of this state offering or rendering services or using the CPA title in another state is subject to the same disciplinary action in this state for which the licensee would be subject to discipline for an act committed in the other state. The board shall investigate any complaint made by the board of accountancy of another state.

Sec. 32.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 326A.05, subdivision 9, new text end new text begin is repealed. new text end

Sec. 33.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Sections 1 to 32 are effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Presented to the governor April 16, 2008

Signed by the governor April 17, 2008, 3:55 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes