Code Of Ethics 5300.0200 - 5300.0320

Front 1

To be eligible for admission to licensure, what must the applicant submit to the board

Back 1

A. Evidence of having passed the written part of the examination
B. Completed, notarized application for licensure on a form provided by the board. The application must include an affirmation by the applicant that the statements in the application are true and correct to the best knowledge of the applicant and an agreement by the applicant that the applicant will conduct all professional activities as a licensed marriage and family therapist according to the code of ethics in part 5300.0350.
C. The required, nonrefundable application for licensure fee specified in part 5300.0360, item C, made payable to the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.
D. Completed notarized form provided by the board, verifying the applicant's postgraduate, supervised experience, conforming to the requirements
E. The applicant must submit two endorsements attesting to the applicant's good moral character. The endorsements must be completed and signed by individuals who meet the requirements for endorsers. The endorsements must be notarized on forms providedby the board.

Front 2

What are the requirements of an Endorser?

Back 2

A. be licensed by the board; or
B. be licensed to practice marriage and family therapy by another state or country whose licensure standards are at least equivalent to or exceed the requirements for licensure in Minnesota.

Front 3

What are the limitations of an Endorser?

Back 3

An endorser must not be an employee, independent contractor, patient, or
former patient, or be related in any way to the applicant.

Front 4

National Written and State Examination Required

Back 4

A. a written, objective part designed and scored by a professional examination service approved by the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards; and
B. a state part conducted by members of the board

Front 5

National Written Part of Exam

Back 5

The written examination is the examination approved by the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards. The written examination shall be offered on dates established by the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.

Front 6

When can you take the state exam?

Back 6

The state examination of an applicant shall take place after the applicant's
application for licensure has been accepted by the board and before the applicant is approved for licensure

Front 7

The state exam will cover:

Back 7

A. the applicant's knowledge of the laws governing marriage and family therapists;
B. the applicant's knowledge of the code of ethics;
C. the applicant's awareness of the responsibilities to the board and to the public; and
D. other practice-related areas.

Front 8

What are the board's exam notification procedures?

Back 8

The board shall notify an applicant in writing of admission to either part of the examination at least 30 days before either part of the examination is scheduled to take place. The notice shall state the date, time, and place where the applicant is scheduled to be examined.

Front 9

What are the passing scores required on each examination?

Back 9

The passing score of the written part of the examination is the passing score determined by the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards. The passing score for the state examination shall be determined by the board. An applicant must pass both parts of the examination to qualify for licensure as a marriage and family therapist.

Front 10

What are the reexamination conditions?

Back 10

An applicant who has failed a part of the examination may be reexamined on the part the applicant failed, but not more than five times without a variance. An applicant who is reexamined on the written part of the examination must pay the written examination

Front 11

How is reciprocity recognized from other states and countries?

Back 11

The board shall issue a marriage and family therapist license to an individual who holds a current license as a marriage and family therapist from another state or country if the board determines that the standards for licensure in effect when the individual was licensed in the other state or country are at least equivalent to or exceed the current requirements for licensure in Minnesota. If an applicant for licensure by reciprocity was licensed in another state or country without passing the written examination specified in part 5300.0240, subpart 3, but meets all other Minnesota requirements, the applicant may submit an application for licensure by reciprocity after passing the examination according to part 5300.0240, subpart 6. All applicants for licensure by reciprocity must pass the state examination specified in part 5300.0240, subpart 4.

Front 12

What is the reciprocity application process?

Back 12

An individual who holds a current license as a marriage and family therapist from another state or country must file a completed application for licensure by reciprocity and must pay the fee for application for licensure by reciprocity specified in part 5300.0360, item E. The application must be on a form provided by the board. The application must include a notarized statement that the information in the application is true and correct to the best knowledge of the applicant and an agreement by the applicant that the applicant will conduct all professional activities according to the code of ethics in part 5300.0350.

Front 13

What must the applicant get from the state or country of origin for reciprocity?

Back 13

The applicant must direct the board of examiners of the state or country in which the license is held to send to the board directly a statement that the license is in effect and in good standing on a form provided by the board, and a copy of the state's current licensing law and rules.

Front 14

Reciprocity discipline in another jurisdiction effect on licensing

Back 14

The board may refuse to grant a license or may impose disciplinary action as described in Minnesota Statutes, section 148B.37, subdivision 1, for:
A. revocation, suspension, restriction, limitation, or other disciplinary action against the applicant's license in another state or jurisdiction;
B. failure to report to the board that charges regarding the applicant's license have been brought in another state or jurisdiction; or
C. having been refused a license by another state or jurisdiction.

Front 15

Reciprocity proof of equivalency

Back 15

The burden is on the applicant to establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the standards for licensing in effect when the individual was licensed in the other state or jurisdiction are at least equivalent to or exceed the current licensing requirements in Minnesota.

Front 16

What qualifies as a continuing education hour?

Back 16

Continuing education shall be credited on an hour-for-hour basis except as noted in subpart 8. "One hour" means at least 50 minutes spent as a student in direct participation in a structured educational format.

Front 17

Who is exempt from continuing education requirements?

Back 17

A licensee whose license has not expired and who meets any of the following conditions is exempt from continuing education requirements in this part if the licensee files with the board an affidavit specifying that the licensee:
A. is retired from practice and does not perform marriage and family therapy services on a volunteer or free basis;
B. is permanently disabled and unable to practice marriage and family therapy, accompanied by a notarized statement from the licensee's physician; or
C. has been granted emeritus status as specified in part 5300.0315.

Front 18

Discontinuance of exemption from continuing education requirements.

Back 18

A licensee claiming exemption under subpart 10 who later decides to resume practice must submit to the board, before resuming practice, a written notice that the licensee intends to resume practice. The licensee must also submit evidence that the licensee has completed continuing education requirements that are equivalent to what the requirements would have been without the exemption for the five years or any portion of the five years immediately preceding the date of the notice of intent to resume practice.

Front 19

When is the effective date for a license?

Back 19

An initial license is effective after:
A. the board notifies the applicant in writing that the applicant has been approved for licensure;
B. the applicant has paid the initial license fee in part 5300.0360, item D; and
C. the board assigns a license number to the applicant.

Front 20

What is the initial license period?

Back 20

An initial license granted by the board is valid for a period beginning with the effective date in subpart 1 and ending on December 31 of the year in which the license was initially granted. For example, an initial license granted on May 6, 1989, is valid from May 6, 1989, to December 31, 1989.

Front 21

How must an MFT display their license?

Back 21

A licensed marriage and family therapist must display the therapist's license and evidence of current renewal in a conspicuous place in the therapist's office, or place of business or employment.

Front 22

When and how must a license be renewed?

Back 22

Licenses issued by the board must be renewed every year upon the payment of the renewal fee required in part 5300.0360, item F, completion of a notarized renewal application, and the fulfillment and notarized reporting of continuing education requirements in part 5300.0320

Front 23

What is the process of notification for license renewal and what are the MFT's responsibilities?

Back 23

The board shall send the licensee a written renewal notice identifying the amount of the renewal fee. The notice shall be sent to the licensee's last known address on record with
the board. A licensee must notify the board in writing of any change of name, address, or residential or business telephone numbers within 30 days after any change. Failure to receive the renewal notice does not relieve the licensee of the obligation to renew the license.

Front 24

What is the license renewal application process?

Back 24

The licensee must submit to the board a completed renewal application on a form provided by the board. The licensee must submit the renewal application so that the application is postmarked on or before December 31. If the postmark is illegible, the renewal application is timely if received in the board office by mail on the first work day after December 31.

Front 25

What is the license renewal application fee process?

Back 25

The renewal fee required in part 5300.0360, item F, must accompany the renewal application for the renewal application to be complete.

Front 26

What is the license renewal affirmation requirement?

Back 26

The renewal application must include a notarized statement by the licensee that the information in the application is true and correct to the best knowledge and belief of the licensee.

Front 27

How will license renewal late fees be charged?

Back 27

A licensee must pay a late renewal fee and the renewal fee specified in part 5300.0360, items F and G, if the licensee's application for renewal is postmarked after December 31, or delivered to the board office by nonpostal means after December 31.

Front 28

What happens if one fails to renew their license?

Back 28

If the licensee fails to submit to the board the renewal application, information about continuing education requirements, and the renewal and late renewal fees specified in part 5300.0360, items F and G, on or before December 31, the license expires and the licensee's right to practice terminates on December 31.
A. The board shall mail to the former licensee a written notice that the licensee's license has expired and the licensee's right to practice has terminated. The board shall send the notice to the licensee's last known address on record with the board. The board shall instruct the former licensee to promptly return the licensee's board issued license certificate, written in calligraphy, to the board office.
B. A license that expired under this part may be reinstated under part 5300.0300.

Front 29

What are the requirements for license reinstatement?

Back 29

A license that has expired under part 5300.0290 may
be reinstated if:
A. no fact, circumstance, or condition exists which, if the license were reinstated, would justify its revocation or suspension;
B. the former licensee verifies that the former licensee has not engaged in the practice of marriage and family therapy in this state or any other state, or used a title denoting marriage and family therapist since expiration of the license unless licensed by another state. The verification must be accompanied by a notarized affirmation that the statement is true and correct to the best knowledge and belief of the former licensee;
C. the former licensee submits to the board a completed application for reinstatement on a form
provided by the board;
D. the former licensee pays the reinstatement fee specified in part 5300.0360, item H;
E. the former licensee includes with the application for reinstatement a letter stating the reasons for applying for reinstatement; and
F. the former licensee complies with the applicable provisions of subparts 2 and 3.

Front 30

What is required for license renewal if license has expired for less than five years?

Back 30

A former licensee whose license expired under part 5300.0290 less than five years previous to the application for reinstatement must:
A. submit evidence of meeting the continuing education requirements that would have applied to the former licensee if the license had not expired; and
B. pay the renewal fee specified in part 5300.0360, item F, and late renewal fees specified in part 5300.0360, item G, for each of the years between the date the license expired and the date the former licensee submits a reinstatement application.

Front 31

What is required for license renewal if license has been expired for more than five years?

Back 31

A former licensee whose license expired under part 5300.0290 five years or more before the application for reinstatement must:
A. retake the written examination required for licensure of marriage and family therapists given by the board according to part 5300.0240, subpart 3;
B. submit evidence of meeting the continuing education requirements that would have applied to the former licensee if the license had not expired; and
C. pay the renewal fee specified in part 5300.0360, item F, and late renewal fees specified in part 5300.0360, item G, for each of the five years immediately preceding application for reinstatement

Front 32

What is required for license renewal if a licensee practiced without license?

Back 32

A former licensee who has engaged in the practice of marriage and family therapy in this state or used a title denoting marriage and family therapist since the date of expiration of the license, is subject to denial of reinstatement or disciplinary action at the time of reinstatement. Nothing in this subpart precludes the board from seeking injunctive relief under Minnesota Statutes, section 214.11 for the unauthorized practice of marriage and family therapy or from referring the matter to criminal law enforcement officials under Minnesota Statutes, section 148B.32, subdivision 3.

Front 33

What is the effect of reinstatement of license?

Back 33

Upon reinstatement, the licensee shall be assigned the same license number which the licensee was assigned before expiration of the license.

Front 34

What is required for a voluntary termination of license?

Back 34

A license may be terminated at any time upon written request by the licensee to the board, unless a complaint is pending against the licensee. If a complaint is pending against a licensee, a license may not be voluntarily terminated until any indicated action relative to the complaint is concluded. The board must receive the request to terminate before expiration of the license for failure to renew under part 5300.0290. A licensee who has voluntarily terminated the license may be relicensed by complying with the requirements for reinstatement of an expired license in part 5300.0300, except that payment of the late renewal fees shall not be required.

Front 35

What are the requirements to receive Emeritus license status?

Back 35

A marriage and family therapist duly licensed to practice marriage and family therapy in the state under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 148B, who has reached the age of 62 and is retired from the active practice of marriage and family therapy, may apply to the board for emeritus status:
A. by indicating on the licensee's renewal form or by petitioning the board in writing;
B. by indicating the licensee has not been the subject of disciplinary action resulting in the suspension, revocation, qualification, condition, or restriction to practice marriage and family therapy; and
C. by paying the annual emeritus fee.

Front 36

How can an Emeritus license practice MFT?

Back 36

A licensee who has emeritus status shall not engage in marriage and family therapy practice or practice as a mental health professional as defined in Minnesota Statutes, sections 245.462, subdivision 18, and 245.4871, subdivision 27.

Front 37

What continuing education requirements must an Emeritus licensee meet?

Back 37

Continuing education requirements are not applicable to emeritus status.

Front 38

What is required for an Emeritus to reactivate their license?

Back 38

In the exceptional case that a marriage and family therapist issued an emeritus license should wish to resume practice, the board shall reactivate the license according to the procedure in part 5300.0300 except that the only fee required shall be the reinstatement fee specified in part 5300.0360, item H, and the current annual renewal fee specified in part 5300.0360, item F. If a licensee has had an emeritus license more than five years, the license may be reactivated only as specified in part 5300.0300, subpart 3.

Front 39

How many hours of continuing education must be completed and how are they reported to the board?

Back 39

Licensees must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every two years. The required number of hours shall be prorated for persons who are initially licensed during a given reporting period. Proof of completion of the required hours must be submitted to the board by December 31 of each odd-numbered year. The initial two-year period begins on January 1 of each even-numbered year.

Front 40

What is required for documenting continuing education courses?

Back 40

When the licensee applies for renewal of the license, the licensee must submit documentation of the licensee's completion of the required hours of continuing education on an appropriate form furnished by the board. A receipt for payment of the fees for the course is not sufficient evidence of completion of the required hours of continuing education. Licensees shall keep attendance certificates for at least five years as the board may conduct random audits to verify compliance with subpart 2.

Front 41

What factors does the board consider when approving approve a CE course?

Back 41

The board shall consider the following factors in determining whether a course should be approved:
A. The course's relevance to the therapeutic practices of marriage and family therapy.
B. Whether the course is structured on sound educational principles and fits into one of the following categories:
(1) structured educational programs with an instructor as a part of conventions, workshops, seminars, lectures, interactive media, and graduate and postgraduate courses from regionally
accredited institutions. All course work must include the areas described in item D, subitems (1) to (6); and
(2) home study courses related to marriage and family therapy as described in item D. Programs must have an independently graded test component. No more than one-fourth of the required 30 continuing education hours may be earned by this method. Whether the course is at least one hour in length. "One hour" means at least 50 minutes spent as a student in direct participation in a structured educational format. Time for home study courses shall be based on developer's research on average time to complete.
D. Whether the subject of the course is related to marriage and family therapy with an emphasis upon systemic approaches or the theory, research, or practice of psychotherapeutic work with couples or families. Continuing education for marriage and family therapy generally evolves from the following areas:
(1) historical, theoretical foundations, and contemporary conceptual directions of the field of marriage and family therapy;
(2) assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in marriage and family therapy including both dysfunctional relationship patterns and nervous and mental disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral;
(3) family studies including the life cycle of the family, the process and modification of family structures over time, and issues related to ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, culture, gender, and sexuality;
(4) human development including human behavior, personality theory, sexuality, psychopathology, behavior pathology, and physical and mental impairments and disabilities that affect
normal development;
(5) ethics and professional studies covering legal responsibilities and liabilities of licensure, clinical practice, research, family law, and confidentiality issues; and
(6) supervision in marriage and family therapy including theories and practices.
E. Whether the course's instructors or developers are qualified by practical or academic experience to teach, lecture, make presentations, or develop courses.

Front 42

Who approves CE course approval?

Back 42

The board shall use a committee, which may include nonboard members, to evaluate applications for course approval.

Front 43

A licensee's application for course approval.

Back 43

A. A licensee must apply individually for approval of continuing education courses that have not been approved by the board in subpart 6. The licensee must submit information required in item B, as well as other information the board reasonably requires to evaluate the course for approval.
B. The following information must be submitted to the board, in addition to the form required in subpart 3, by the licensee:
(1) the name and address of the organization sponsoring the course;
(2) a detailed description of the course content;
(3) the name of each instructor or presenter and the instructor's or presenter's credentials; and
(4) the location, including the name and address of the facility, at which the course will be conducted.
C. Licensees seeking approval for a course not previously approved by the board are strongly encouraged to seek board approval before attending the course.
D. The board shall deny approval for a course if it does not meet the standards in subpart 4. The board shall notify the applicant in writing of its reasons for denying approval of a course under this subpart

Front 44

Sponsor application requirements for CE course approval

Back 44

Individuals, organizations, associations, corporations, educational institutions, or groups intending to offer courses for approval must submit to the board a completed application on a form provided by the board. The course sponsor must meet the requirements in items A to D to receive and maintain course approval.
A. The application for course approval must be submitted at least 60 days before the course is scheduled to begin and must include the sponsor's application for approval of a continuing education course fee specified in part 5300.0360, item I.
B. The application for course approval must include the following information to enable the board to determine whether the course meets the standards for board approval specified in subpart 4:
(1) a statement of the objectives of the course and the knowledge the participants will have gained upon completion of the course;
(2) a description of the content and methodology of the course which will allow the participants to meet the objectives;
(3) a description of the method to be used by the participants to evaluate the course;
(4) a listing of the qualifications of each instructor or developer which shows the instructor's or developer's current knowledge and skill in the course's subject; and
(5) a description of the certificate or other form of verification of attendance distributed to each participant upon successful completion of the course.
C. If the board approves a course, it shall assign a number to the course. The approval remains in effect for one year from the date of initial approval. The board shall compile a list of approved courses at least once per calendar year. To retain course approval, a course sponsor must submit to the board a new application for course approval required in items A and B and the application fee for approval of a continuing education course required in part 5300.0360, item I, before the expiration of the one-year period.
(1) Each sponsor of an approved course may announce, as to a course that has been approved by the board, that: "This course has been approved by the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy for ... hours of credit."
(2) The course sponsor must submit proposed changes in an approved course to the board for its approval.
D. The board shall approve or disapprove a sponsor's application for course approval.
E. The board shall deny approval of a course if it does not meet the standards in subpart 4. The board shall notify the course sponsor in writing of its reasons for denying approval of a course.
F. The board shall revoke its approval of a course if a course sponsor fails to comply with item C and subpart 4, or if a course sponsor falsifies information requested by the board in the application for approval of a course.

Front 45

Sources of continuing education credit.

Back 45

Continuing education credit may be applied for the following programs that comply with the requirements of subpart 4:
A. programs specifically listed in subpart 4, item B, subitems (1) and (2);
B. teaching a marriage and family course in an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association. Continuing education hours may be earned only for the first time the licensee teaches the course. The course must be related to marriage and family therapy as described in subpart 4, item D, subitems (1) to (6). Ten continuing education hours may be earned for each semester credit hour taught;
C. research of an original nature directly related to marriage and family therapy as described in subpart 4, item D, subitems (1) to (6). This activity must be preapproved by the board. Hours of credit for this activity shall be negotiated based on the nature of the project. Contact the board office for appropriate preapproval forms;
D. authoring, editing, or reviewing in an area of marriage and family therapy as described in subpart 4, item D, subitems (1) to (6). Continuing education hours may be earned only in the year of publication. The maximum hours earned are as follows:
(1) author of a professional book, 30 hours;
(2) author of a professional book chapter or journal article,
(3) editor of a professional book or journal, 25 hours; and
(4) journal article review, one hour per manuscript;
E. presentations at workshops, seminars, symposia, meetings of professional organizations, or postgraduate institutes. The presentation must be related to marriage and family therapy as described in subpart 4, item D, subitems (1) to (6). One hour of development time equals one continuing education hour and up to three hours of development time may be claimed for each hour of presentation. Continuing education hours may be earned only for the licensee's first presentation on the subject developed; and
F. individually designed continuing education activity. Licensees may submit proposals for continuing education activities which do not meet other guidelines established within this part. The proposal request must include the following:
(1) the rationale for pursuing an individually designed activity;
(2) specific goals and objectives, and an explanation of how the goals and objectives are related to the enhancement of the licensee's professional skills;
(3) an outline of the topics to be covered;
(4) a description of related resources and activities;
(5) the proposed documentation of completion of activity; and
(6) the estimate of time to be expended on the activity and the number of continuing education hours requested. The board shall have final say in the number of hours credited for completion of such activity.

Items D to F require preapproval. The applicant must obtain preapproval forms from the board.

Front 46

Sources of continuing education CANNOT include

Back 46

Continuing education credit may not be applied for marketing the business aspects of one's practice, time management, supervisory sessions, staff orientation, agency activities that address procedural issues, personal therapy, or other methods not structured on sound
education principles or contrary to the code of ethics.

Front 47

Define one hour of CE

Back 47

At least 50 minutes spent as a student in direct participation in a structured educational format.

Front 48

Concurrent application for examinations and licensure

Back 48

An applicant may file both the application for admission to written examination and the application for licensure at the same time if the experience requirements in part 5300.0150 have been met.

Front 49

What is the term of license?

Back 49

A subsequent license is valid for a one-year period ending on December 31.