Section 148F.17 - WELFARE OF STUDENTS, SUPERVISEES, AND RESEARCH SUBJECTSSubdivision 1.General.Due to the evaluative, supervisory, or other authority that providers who teach, evaluate, supervise, or conduct research have over their students, supervisees, or research subjects, providers shall protect the welfare of these individuals.
Subd. 2.Student, supervisee, and research subject protections.To protect the welfare of their students, supervisees, or research subjects, providers shall not:
(1) discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, language, age, gender, physical disabilities, mental capabilities, sexual orientation or identity, marital status, or socioeconomic status;(2) exploit or misuse the professional relationship for the emotional, financial, sexual, or personal advantage or benefit of the provider or another individual or entity;(3) engage in any sexual behavior with a current student, supervisee, or research subject, including sexual contact, as defined in section 604.20, subdivision 7, or any physical, verbal, written, interactive, or electronic communication, conduct, or act that may be reasonably interpreted to be sexually seductive, demeaning, or harassing. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a provider from engaging in teaching or research with an individual with whom the provider has a preexisting and ongoing sexual relationship;(4) engage in any behavior likely to be deceptive or fraudulent;(5) disclose evaluative information except for legitimate professional or scientific purposes; or(6) engage in any other unprofessional conduct.