HB 516 / SB 426 – Mental Health Protection Act
Primary House Sponsors: Rep. Susan Fisher (D-Buncombe), Rep. John Autry (D-Mecklenburg), Rep. Cecil Brockman (D-Guilford)
Primary Senate Sponsors: Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake), Sen. Terry Van Duyn (D-Buncombe), Sen. Natasha Marcus (D-Mecklenburg)
Bill Summary
This bill states that the following professionals shall not engage in a conversation in conversion therapy with an individual under the age of 18 or an adult with a disability:
- Fee based pastoral counselor
- Licensed clinical social worker
- Licensed marriage and family therapist
- Licensed professional counselor
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
The bill states that conversion therapy practiced by the listed entities shall be subject to discipline under the licensed professional’s licensing entity.
The bill states that DHHS shall have the authority to initiate proceedings for violations of this section.
This bill prohibits state funds for being used for conversion therapy.
Bill Movement
House
This bill was filed on March 28, 2019.
Senate
This bill was filed on March 28, 2019.