Sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts

The law expands the existing ban on sexual-orientation conversion efforts to include gender-identity change efforts and makes violations professional misconduct.

What the law does ​

• Defines prohibited efforts as mental health practices intended to direct a patient toward a predetermined sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Prohibits licensed mental health providers from using those efforts with patients under 18 under any circumstances.
• Treats attempted prohibited efforts with a minor as unprofessional conduct subject to discipline by the provider’s licensing entity.
• Allows nondirective therapy, identity exploration, age-appropriate safety interventions that do not seek a particular identity outcome, and supportive care that respects the patient’s self-defined gender identity.

Who it affects ​

• Minors receiving mental health services.
• Licensed mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, clinical social workers, counselors, and school psychologists.
• Licensing entities that oversee covered mental health providers.