(a) The board shall:

1. (1) adopt and enforce rules for marriage and family therapy licensing, which shall be designed to protect the public;
2. (2) develop by rule appropriate techniques, including examinations and other methods, for determining whether applicants and licensees are qualified under sections 148B.29 to 148B.392;
3. (3) issue licenses to individuals who are qualified under sections 148B.29 to 148B.392;
4. (4) establish and implement procedures designed to assure that licensed marriage and family therapists will comply with the board's rules;
5. (5) study and investigate the practice of marriage and family therapy within the state in order to improve the standards imposed for the licensing of marriage and family therapists and to improve the procedures and methods used for enforcement of the board's standards;
6. (6) formulate and implement a code of ethics for all licensed marriage and family therapists; and
7. (7) establish continuing education requirements for marriage and family therapists.

(b) At least four of the 40 continuing education training hours required under Minnesota Rules, part 5300.0320, subpart 2, must be on increasing the knowledge, understanding, self-awareness, and practice skills that enable a marriage and family therapist to serve clients from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Topics include but are not limited to:

1. (1) understanding culture, its functions, and strengths that exist in varied cultures;
2. (2) understanding clients' cultures and differences among and between cultural groups;
3. (3) understanding the nature of social diversity and oppression; and
4. (4) understanding cultural humility.