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SF 3530

Child life specialists licensure establishment, rulemaking permittance, and civil and criminal penalties provisions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Boldon

Minnesota bill establishes licensure requirements for child life specialists with state rulemaking authority and civil/criminal penalties for unlicensed practice.

Referred to Health and Human Services
#boards #childrenandfamiliesandchildren #youthandfamiliesdepartment #commissions #humanservicesandhumanservicesdepartment #occupationsandprofessions
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Bill Summary · SF 3530

Legislative bill overview

SF 3530 establishes a licensure framework for child life specialists in Minnesota, authorizing the state to create regulatory rules governing their practice. The bill includes provisions for civil and criminal penalties for unlicensed practice or violations of the licensing regulations.

Why is this important

Child life specialists are healthcare professionals who help children cope with medical procedures and hospitalization through play, education, and emotional support. Licensure would standardize qualifications, protect consumers from unqualified practitioners, and give the profession formal legal recognition—potentially improving insurance coverage and employment opportunities for specialists while ensuring patients receive care from credentialed professionals.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden: Creating a new licensure category requires state resources for establishing standards, reviewing applications, and enforcement; some may argue this adds unnecessary bureaucracy
  • Scope definition: Determining what activities require licensure versus what non-licensed staff can perform may create turf conflicts with nurses, social workers, or other healthcare professionals
  • Penalty severity: The inclusion of both civil and criminal penalties raises questions about proportionality—what specific violations warrant criminal charges versus administrative discipline

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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