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A study reviewed and compared initial and renewal practices for licensure/registration of 13 health care occupations regulated in the state of Minnesota. It examined mandatory continuing education (MCE) documentation and the practices of licensing boards in their enforcement of the MCE legislation. The Minnesota Statutes and Rules for the following 13 health care occupations were reviewed: (chiropractor; dental assistant; dental hygienist; dentist; marriage and family therapy; nurse; optometry; pharmacy; physical therapy; physician assistant; physician and surgeon, osteopath; podiatry; and social work). A data summary sheet developed for each occupation included initial requirements and continuing education renewal requirements. Executive directors were interviewed to clarify and expand on the data. Documents provided by licensing board staff were examined and reported on the data summary sheets. Findings indicated that two types of legal regulation were used: licensure and registration. The initial licensure requirements included minimum levels of schooling and completion of specific examinations for all 13 occupations. Renewal requirements were as follows: a reporting cycle ranging from 1-5 years; 15-75 hours required per cycle; and approved educational activities consisting of classroom/workshop and self-directed learning and independent study. Nine occupations used a program approval process; four used audits. Few disciplinary actions were taken as a result of failure to comply with the MCE requirement. The findings suggested that adult educators could assist professionals and licensing boards through needs assessment and program design. Appendixes include forms, and data summary sheets. (Contains 48 references.) (YLB)