as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 05/17/2016 02:49pm
A bill for an act
relating to health; prohibiting conversion therapy with children or vulnerable
adults; prohibiting medical assistance coverage for conversion therapy; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0625, by adding a subdivision; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 214.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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"Conversion therapy" means any practice by a mental
health practitioner or mental health professional as defined in section 245.462 that is
intended to change an individual's sexual orientation, or intended to discourage a transition
from one gender to another. This includes efforts to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic
attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex. Conversion therapy does not
include: (1) counseling that provides assistance to a person seeking to transition from one
gender to another; (2) counseling that facilitates a client's coping skills, social support, and
identity exploration and development; or (3) sexual orientation-neutral interventions to
prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices.
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(a) No mental health practitioner or mental health
professional shall engage in conversion therapy with a client under 18 years of age or with
a vulnerable adult as defined in section 626.5572, subdivision 21.
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(b) Conversion therapy attempted by a mental health practitioner or mental health
professional with a client under 18 years of age or with vulnerable adults shall be
unprofessional conduct and shall be subject to disciplinary action by the mental health
practitioner's or mental health professional's licensing board.
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This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 256B.0625, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
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Conversion therapy, as defined in section 214.078,
is not covered.
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