Access MFTs legislation has passed both chambers of the Minnesota legislature. The current bills do not match, so the legislation is not yet on its way to be signed by the Governor, but the success in both chambers is something to be celebrated. The overwhelming support for this legislation continues to demonstrate the importance of portability for marriage and family therapists as professionals in providing the needed mental health services to individuals in Minnesota.
On Monday, April 27th, Minnesota House File 4595 passed the House Floor. The vote was unanimous, 133-0. House File 4595 is a standalone bill sponsored by Representative Schomaker, with 13 total co-sponsors. This bill exclusively amends the existing licensure by endorsement law in statute.
During the House Floor meeting for House File 4595, several legislators from both sides of the aisle, including Representative Bierman, Representative Gillman, and the bill’s sponsor, Representative Schomacker, spoke in favor of the bill.
Representative Gillman expressed her enthusiasm for this legislation, stating, “I am excited to be a part of this,” twice during her comments.
In his closing comments, Representative Schomaker said, “Then I introduced a bill like this, and I got an idea of what people thought of me. I have been hearing again and again about how when they see my face, they think marriage and family. It is so meaningful and so please vote green.”
This is not the only public support that this bill has received. On March 25th, during the House hearing on House Bill 4595, LMFT and president of the Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Leah Seeger testified in support of the bill.
In the Senate, Senate File 3298 passed the Senate Floor on Tuesday, May 5th. This bill is a larger Omnibus Health Professional Scope and Licensing bill sponsored by Senator Wicklund. This omnibus bill is a larger legislative package that makes various changes to health licensing across several professions. We are grateful to Senator Wicklund for including licensure by endorsement for marriage and family therapists in her bill.
With multiple pathways for this language to pass, there are increased opportunities to expand enhanced licensure by endorsement for MFTs in Minnesota. We are grateful for all of the supportive testimony by legislators and MFT volunteers on behalf of this initiative in Minnesota.
If you have any questions about portability in Minnesota, please reach out to portability@aamft.org.
