SF 1974

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 04/25/2017 08:33am

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 2016, 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:

Section 1.

new text begin [214.078] PROTECTION FROM CONVERSION THERAPY ACT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin "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 gender identity, including efforts to change
behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or
feelings toward individuals of the same gender. Conversion therapy shall not include
counseling that provides assistance to an individual undergoing gender transition, or
counseling that provides acceptance, support, and understanding of an individual or facilitates
an individual's coping, social support, and identity exploration and development, including
sexual-orientation-neutral interventions to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe
sexual practices, as long as such counseling does not seek to change an individual's sexual
orientation or gender identity.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Prohibition. new text end

new text begin (a) A mental health practitioner or mental health professional shall
not engage in conversion therapy with a client younger than 18 years of age or with a
vulnerable adult as defined in section 626.5572, subdivision 21.
new text end

new text begin (b) Conversion therapy attempted by a mental health practitioner or mental health
professional with a client younger than 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.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 256B.0625, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 5m. new text end

new text begin Conversion therapy. new text end

new text begin Conversion therapy, as defined in section 214.078, is
not covered.
new text end