MS HB1498

Creates a new felony offense (Section 97-3-102) prohibiting therapists from engaging in sexual contact with current patients or former patients within 12 months of ending the therapeutic relationship, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000

Defines "therapist" broadly to include physicians, psychologists, counselors, social workers, clergy, marriage and family therapists, and any person providing mental health services, regardless of licensure status

Adds sexual contact with patients as grounds for disciplinary action against licensed marriage and family therapists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, and physicians

Establishes that patient consent is not a defense to the prohibition, though pre-existing sexual relationships before the therapist-patient relationship began are exempted

Expands sexual battery statutes to include "therapist" among positions of trust when the victim is under 18 years old