SF 1854

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/14/2017 10:14am

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 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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Prohibition. new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
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