The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy recognizes that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many providers are transitioning to the provision of telehealth in order to continue providing services to clients as best they are able. To aid in this transition, the Board would like to share some resources that may ease the burden during this time of need.
Minnesota law (Minnesota Statutes section 148B.592, subdivision 5) related to professional counselors allows nonresident providers to provide services to Minnesota clients for up to 30 calendar days in a year (days do not have to be consecutive).
The Board's regulations related to client privacy obligates licensees to safeguard client data and client privacy. The Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has published a Notification of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications during the COVID-19 Nationwide Public Health Emergency. With respect to telehealth remote communications references in the notice, the Board will consider HHS guidance as to the professional standard to which licensees will be held during this National Public Health Emergency.
