Governor Walz Signs Emergency Executive Order 20-28: Allowing Out-of-State Mental Health Providers to Provide Telehealth Aid During COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency
April 7, 2020
News Release: Out-Of-State Licensed Mental Healthcare Providers Allowed to Register with Boards of Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Behavioral Health and Therapy, to Provide Telehealth to Meet Needs of Emergency
Governor Walz signed Emergency Executive Order 20-28 on April 6, 2020 that will authorize out-of-state mental health providers to provide telehealth services to Minnesota patients during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency to help ensure that the mental health needs of Minnesotans are met during the stress and uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Minnesotans receive mental healthcare services from providers in neighboring states. Executive Order 20-28 ensures that care can continue.
Under the authority of Emergency Executive Order 20-28, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 12.42, and in response to the Minnesota COVID-19 Peacetime State of Emergency, out-of-state behavioral healthcare providers who hold a license, certificate, or other permit in good standing issued by a state of the United States or the District of Columbia may be authorized to provide time-limited telehealth to meet the needs of this emergency.
This authorization applies only to healthcare providers who would otherwise be required to obtain a license from one or more of the following Minnesota health-related or regulatory boards: Behavioral Health and Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Social Work. Before rendering any such aid in this state, such healthcare providers shall (a) complete the registration form required by the appropriate Minnesota health-related licensing or regulatory board, and (b) receive from the appropriate Minnesota health-related licensing board an acknowledgment of receipt of the registration form.
We thank you all for your patience as we weather this situation together!
The BOSW recognizes and appreciates the continued ethical responses by licensees to help ensure the safety of and continuity of services for the clients and communities we serve during this extremely challenging time. Take care!
STAY INFORMED WITH THE BOSW
Subscribe to Licensing News & Updates to stay informed via email about issues impacting practice and licensing requirements and the changing situations based on the COVID-19 situation.
