MS HB1536

Creates new crime of therapist sexual contact with patients (Section 97-3-102): unlawful for any therapist to have sexual contact with current or former patients within 12 months of relationship ending, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine; consent is not a defense.

Expands definition of "therapist" to include physicians, psychologists, nurses, counselors, social workers, clergy, marriage/family therapists, and other mental health providers, regardless of licensure status.

Adds sexual contact with patients as grounds for professional discipline and license revocation for marriage/family therapists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, and physicians.

Provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for persons reporting abuse, neglect, commercial sexual exploitation, or human trafficking in good faith (Sections 10-14).

Requires mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse by designated reporters and adds immunity protections for those who report suspected abuse of adults who were abused as children (Sections 11-14).