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ID S1352
Bill
Status
3/21/2024
Primary Sponsor
Health and Welfare Committee
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AI Summary
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Adds new section 54-3416 to Idaho Code prohibiting requirement of professional counselors and marriage and family therapists to provide counseling services that conflict with their sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical principles.
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Declination to provide counseling under this section cannot be the basis for civil lawsuits, criminal prosecution, or disciplinary action by the state licensing board.
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Right to decline is limited to conscience-based objections to particular counseling goals or behaviors and does not waive a counselor's duty to provide other types of counseling that do not conflict with their conscience.
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Counseling association code of ethics violations based on lawful actions under this section cannot be grounds for board discipline of licensed counselors or therapists.
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Allows counselors and therapists to file civil actions for violations of this section and recover declaratory or injunctive relief plus costs and attorney's fees if a violation is found.
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Effective date is July 1, 2024, declared as emergency legislation.
Legislative Description
Adds to existing law to provide that a counselor or therapist practicing in Idaho shall not be required to counsel a client in support of goals, outcomes, or behaviors that conflict with the sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical principles of the counselor or therapist.
COUNSELORS AND THERAPISTS
Last Action
Session Law Chapter 152 Effective: 07/01/2024
3/21/2024