H519 - Mental Health Protection Act Summary

• Prohibits licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, clinical mental health counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists from engaging in conversion therapy with minors under 18 years old or adults under guardianship.

• Defines conversion therapy as practices or treatments seeking to change sexual orientation or gender identity, but excludes counseling that supports gender transition or provides acceptance and identity exploration without attempting to change orientation or identity.

• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to report violations to appropriate licensing entities, who shall discipline professionals found engaging in conversion therapy as unprofessional conduct.

• Prohibits state, municipal, and political subdivision funds from being used to conduct, refer individuals for, provide health benefits coverage for, or contract with entities that conduct conversion therapy.

• Becomes effective upon enactment and applies to acts occurring on or after that date.